If you’ve driven past Terrell Memorial Stadium this week, you’ve probably noticed the carnival rides in the parking lot. It’s a welcome sight for sore these eyes, and I know it is for many others of you as well. To say we are thrilled to welcome back the Terrell Jubilee after having to cancel last year would be an understatement.
This year marks the 40th anniversary for the Terrell Jubilee! This long-standing tradition may look a bit different this year, but it will still be four days of fun-packed activities and attractions for the whole family.
The fun kicks off on Thursday, April 15 at 5 p.m. with Family Night. For $30 per person, you can get a wristband to enjoy unlimited rides that evening. The carnival opens at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 16, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 and Noon on Sunday, April 18.
We welcome back the IBCA state championship BBQ Cook-Off, which includes both pit and local divisions this year. The Volunteer Services Council for Terrell State Hospital will once again hold the Fountain 5K Run / Walk. Sharing the Love Foundation is hosting the For the “Love of Cars” Auto Show once again this year as well. Of course, what’s Jubilee without the carnival, food, arts & craft vendors, the business & health expo and live entertainment?
You’ll be able to purchase goods from more than 50 arts & crafts vendors and visit booths for 30+ businesses or organizations that are part of the business & health expo. Look for the large white tents to find the business expo, which has been relocated due to the loss of use of the National Guard Armory building.
New this year will be two Saturday performances by Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey, the world’s smallest Cowboy. Whiplash rides his Border Collie mount to herd Barbados sheep. You don’t want to miss it!
We’re glad to welcome Gelly Ball for the first time at Jubilee, which is an activity similar to paintball, but without the sting and mess. The guns use soft gel balls instead. You can also stop by the Info Booth located near the Chamber to snap a pic in our new photo booth. Post it to social media and you’ll be entered to win Terrell Cash!
The Lions Club of Terrell invites you to bring your pooch out to compete in their “Ain’t Got No Papers Dog Show” on Saturday. There are five different categories your pup can compete in, such as “All Dressed Up with Nowhere to Go” and “Beauty School Drop Outs” to name a couple.
Once again, this year at Jubilee you can save a life by donating blood at the Carter BloodCare donation bus. You can find them in the Ben Gill Pavilion parking area.
A fan favorite that you’ll notice is missing this year is the Pig Races. The Boger family that brought the Ham Bone Express show to entertain us for many years have decided to retire. The Kaufman County Quilt Guild has also decided to cancel this year’s Quilt Show, with hopes to return in 2022.
We look forward to seeing you all at Jubilee! We’d like to encourage you to wear a face covering and practice sanitization and social distancing as much as possible. There will be many additional handwashing stations on the grounds this year, as well many areas where you’ll find hand sanitizer.
If you’d like more information on Jubilee activities, attractions, an event map or schedule, you can find those at www.terrelljubilee.com.