By Teddye Snell, Press Staff Writer
July 14, 2006 12:44 pm
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Area fans of live music, family entertainment, food and arts and crafts will want to be sure and mark July 14-15 on their calendars.
The Cookson Jubilee, sponsored by the Tenkiller Area Community Organization, will be held Friday and Saturday, July 14-15, in the TACO building and grounds on Mullens Drive in Cookson and features a luau theme, as well as musical headliners Jamey Johnson and Bryan White.
Peggy Gray, TACO public relations director and historian, said the 2006 event revisits the Hawaiian theme of 1979.
“For the second time, Hawaiian will be the theme for the jubilee,” said Gray. “This time around, participants are invited to the luau; so they should practice their hula dancing, listen to some Hawaiian music, find just the right ‘island’ outfit and collect some leis around their necks when they arrive.”
As has become the custom, this year’s event will highlight many area musicians.
“Each year, the Cookson Jubilee features top musical entertainment,” said Gray. “This year brings two highly rated performers, Jamey Johnson and Bryan White. Some perennial favorites include Heartland, Becky Wright and Patty Clay, as well as Long Shot and Lacy Stark.”
Jamey Johnson is scheduled to perform Friday, July 14, at 8:30 p.m.
Johnson, an Alabama native and ex-Marine, is a songwriter as well as a country singer. According to Gray, he is just as comfortable mopping up tears on the barroom floor with an old Hank Williams-style ballad as he is tearing the roof off with a honky-tonk juggernaut.
Johnson’s debut, “The Dollar,” which hit No. 23 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Johnson also co-wrote “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” which appeared at No. 2 on the same chart at the same time.
Johnson works hard, but doesn’t consider it labor.
“This is not work for me,” he said “This is play time for me. I don’t ever remember not wanting to do this.”
The second performer, Bryan White, is an Oklahoma native and has joined the ranks of elite country musicians from the Sooner state, including Reba McEntire, Vince Gill and Garth Brooks.
“His big voice, easy-going manner and streamlined, mainstream country-pop have made him a much sought after performer,” said Gray.
Aside from entertainment, food and arts and crafts, the Cookson Jubilee has been an important event in the lives of TACO members and others in the area.
The first Jubilee was a bicentennial celebration held in “downtown” Cookson, and included local talent, a beauty pageant, homemade foods and speeches from area and state politicians.
According to Gray, every year since its inception the Jubilee has been successful, featuring themes including cowboys, outlaws, Christmas in July, Lake Tenkiller and patriotic events.
Gray said planning for the annual event begins early.
“Cooperation and coordination work hand-in-hand to keep our activities moving smoothly,” said Gray. “TACO volunteers are the ones who make it all click. The 2006 planning committee began work in February and is responsible for refurbishing all indoor and outdoor areas, selecting the theme [Hawaiian Luau] and logo, selecting areas for advertising, approving color and design for the T-shirts and securing volunteers for all activity areas.”
The Jubilee chairman for 2006 is Lou Grimes. Grimes has served as the TACO president for the past four years, and is now serving her second term as chairman of the jubilee.
“Her tireless efforts and winning smile help make for a successful event,” said Gray.
Other volunteers include Bill Payne, Pat Fabry, Jerry Nickels, Rick Rogers, Beth Rogers, Jerry Gray, Darcy Hicks, Mickey Stubblefield, Darrell Foster, Naomi Williams, Wilma and Troy LaFevers, Cindy Ballew, Dorothy and John Wilson and Steve Tharp.
Entertainment is the key to drawing large crowds and area radio stations KEOK, KTLQ, KTFX and KFOX are providing listener appreciation shows featuring both Johnson and White. Those interested in attending should listen to these stations for locations for free Jubilee tickets.
Children’s events include pony rides, working with sand art, face painting and many other games.
The Jubilee always features a number of food vendors and this year is no exception.
“The Jubilee is known for its delicious barbecue,” said Gray. “Darcy Hicks and Mickey Stubblefield will be smoking the ribs again this year, using seasoned wood from Darrell Foster.”
Just Desserts, inside the TACO building, will have plenty of goodies for those with a sweet tooth; the Cook Shack will supply barbecue outside on the grounds.
Gray reminds everyone the Jubilee is a family event.
“We request that those attending bring no alcohol or ice chests,” said Gray. “What they do need to bring, however, are lawn chairs and blankets, an appetite and desire to have a lot of fun.”
Be there for the fun
What: 31st annual Cookson Jubilee
When: 4 p.m., Friday, July 15; and noon, Saturday, July 16.
Where: TACO building and grounds on Mullens Drive in Cookson.
Tickets for the event are $20 at the gate with a $5 charge for parking. Free tickets may be obtained by listening to radio stations KEOK 1350 AM, or FM stations KTLQ 101.7, KTFX 102.1 and KFOX 102.5.
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