By BOBBY HORN JR.
HIGHLANDSThe 49th Annual Highlands Jamboree will be held Oct. 29.
Originally planned for Oct. 1, Greater Highlands-Lynchburg Area Chamber of Commerce President Roy Elliott said that in light of Hurricane Rita, which hit Texas Sept. 23, he didnt think that holding the festival a week later would draw the size of crowds that the chamber is expecting.
The festival date is not the only change being made because of Rita.
According to chamber spokesperson Ramona Jones said the venue would also change. Activities will be held at the Highlands Elementary; in the gym, cafeteria and outside for the food booths. Jones said the chamber hoped to use the Highlands/ San Jacinto Community Centers but was informed the county-run buildings were previously reserved through the end of the month.
Another change is the Childrens Pageant. While not a chamber-sanctioned event, the childrens pageant historically is held the same day as the Jamboree. Last week, pageant director Joyce Brown said it would be held on Oct. 8. However, Jones said once the new date for the Jamboree was set, Brown opted to postpone to the pageant again until Oct. 29. The childrens pageant will be held at the Chinquapin School.
While the dates and venue has changed, Jones said the activities would not change. On Oct. 28, a Friday Night Street Dance will be held outside the fire station at 123 San Jacinto St. Admission is $2 a person.
Saturdays activities will kick off with a Fun Run and bike ride. At 10 a.m. there will be the annual parade down Main Street featuring the newly crowned Miss Highlands. The festival will begin shortly after the close of the parade at the elementary.
