Why Jackson Homecomers has always been in the same place

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – “How could it be anywhere else except in front of the old courthouse?” 

This courthouse is the primary reason why Larry Koehler with the American Legion said Homecomers has remained in the same location for all 114 iterations. 

“It first started in 1908 to celebrate opening the new courthouse, which is now the old courthouse, and it’s become an annual event since then,” he said.

An annual event that both Koehler and Jackson Mayor Dwain Hahs said has become a tradition. 

“It’s just something that we hope it stays another hundred years because people like it,” Koehler said. “They look forward to it.” 

“We have a lot of traditions in a small town, and Homecomers is one of those traditions,” Hahs said. “Every year, the last week of July, you come together, you see friends, you enjoy the nights that you come out, so it’s really about tradition.” 

Koehler said if one event, one week, could paint a picture of Uptown Jackson, it would be Homecomers. 

“We just feel like it’s an Uptown thing and it’s always been here and it belongs here, so we’re doing everything we can to keep it here.” 

Because: “It wouldn’t be the same if we moved it elsewhere. It would just be different.”