October Weekend means Highlands Jamboree, Ms Highlands, and Czech Fest

HIGHLANDS– Preparations are complete for one of the biggest and best Jamboree events in years, according to Chamber President Charlie Farrar and members of the committee that are in charge of various aspects of the celebration.
Festivities get started early Saturday morning in the parking lot of Gerland’s.

The 5K Fun Run will start and end there, and so far about 50 to 60 runners are expected. Rhino Pak is sponsoring this event. Starting gun is at 8 a.m., be there early!
The centerpiece of the day is always the parade, and lots of units are expected to compete for the prizes and distinction of being judged best.
The judges will be Kim Harrison, Al Pyle, and Nancy Simpson. The coordination of this event is by Jim Strouhal and Jerry Ickes. Overall planning and organization of the Jamboree has been by Roy and Margie Elliott.
Parade line-up on E. Houston Street starts at 9 a.m., and the Parade will move out and down Main Street starting at 10 a.m. Again, don’t be late.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Hometown Heroes,” and the veterans in our community will serve as Parade Marshalls.
After the parade, the focus of activity will move to the grounds of the Highlands Elementary School for the rest of the day.
There will be food, including the Boy Scouts with BBQ dinners, and other snacks. Booths for arts and crafts and local businesses will be set up along the school building.
There will be a live and silent auction as part of the fund raising activities. Proceeds go to the Highlands Chamber for their community activities.
Live entertainment starts at 11 a.m. and continues throughout the day. From 11 to 1, music willbe by the Backporch Band, with country gospel sounds. At 2:30 the Bayou City Jazz Band, well known in this area, starts a two hour concert that you won’t want to miss.
If you like to eat, don’t miss the Hot Dog Eating Contest, and if you can get those down, try the Jalepeno Pepper Contest next. Whew! This all starts at 11:30, with appropriate prizes– such as antacids for the winners (and the losers).
Prize winners of the Highlands school Art, Essay and Coloring contests will be announced at 2 p.m.
If you feel lucky (thanks, Clint), try a ticket or two on the Raffle. Prizes include a Laptop Computer, a pressure washer, and a Mountain Bike.
For more information, call the Elliotts at 281-843-2947, or the Chamber office at 281-426-7227, or Chamber President Charlie Farrar at 281-604-2000.
The important thing for this Jamboree is to BE THERE!
Queen Pageants
Parallel to all the Jamboree events is the Miss Highlands and Jr. Miss Highlands competition, which like the Jamboree dates back to 1956, when the opening of Highlands State Bank, the community’s first bank, was celebrated. The Jr. Miss contest will be at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the Highlands Junior School, and the Miss Highlands contest will start at 7 p.m.
These events are sponsored by Highlands Horizons, a local service organization that uses the proceeds for scholarships. Tickets are $5. The pageant is dedicated this year to Mrs. Jennie Robbins, a Highlands Horizons founding member who passed away this year.
Directors for the pageant are Debbie Dickinson, Kay LaFour, Cindy Lamb, and Elaine Marshall. Choreography is by Larissa and Marissa Coy. Jr. Miss pageant directors are Becky Baumbach, Delene Cotten, and Norma Cotten. Choreographer is Mandy Twigs. The theme this year will be “Tribute to Hollywood,” and the emcees will be Rob Shalvey and 2002 Miss Highlands Jenny McHugh.
Also, there will be a Children’s Pageant starting at 3 p.m. at Chinquapin School, for youngsters from 1 month to 14 years. For information, call Joyce Brown at 281-426-2286.