Editor:

On behalf of the board of directors of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, I would like to thank all of the people who made the 20th Annual Jubilee Festival such a wonderful success. 

Our Jubilee Festival committee—led by chairs, Sally Wagner of Blackmon, Hartmann & Kilgore; and Barbara Ladnier, owner of Utopia in Fairhope; and assisted by our director of tourism, Jay Hasting—did an outstanding job.

The rest of the mini power group that puts on this main festival are as follows: Beverley Allen, Linda Mong, Melinda McGhee, Kenny Graves, Linda McDuffie, Alton Long, Millie Long, Jane Robbins, Gwynn Peterson, Mary Jane Owens, Helen Bell Doyle, Jessica Zbyd, Melanie Harris, Wyndy Ladnier, Holly Carter, Marci Stabler, Barbara Frazier, Traci Marco, Michelle Anderson, Carla Stewart, Casey Zito, Linda Scott and Laurie Kelly.

The Jubilee Festival cannot possibly be held without the efforts, support and cooperation of the City of Daphne, the wonderful enthusiasm of the City of Daphne employees, and the businesses along the Eastern Shore—especially the businesses in Olde Towne Daphne.

I would also like to thank our sponsors:

Edgefield Lumber (Bluwood); Daphne Wal-Mart; Buffalo Rock-Pepsi; Pen Air Federal Credit Union; Allen & Allen Accounting; First Community Bank; Thompson Equipment; SunTrust Mortgage; California Dreaming; Daphne Utilities; Hutchinson, Moore and Rauch; J.H. Wright and Associates; Jubilee Paint and Body; Riviera Utilities; Vision Bank; Guarantee Title; Springhill Lighting; Uncorked Fine Wines; UA-Baldwin County; Volkert & Associates; and Will Hughes Catering.

Special thanks to LiteMix 99.9, 95KSJ, Mediacom, al.com, 106.5 The Pirate, WABF and Island Television iTV.

I also would like to thank Gulf Coast Newspapers, the Baldwin Register and Press-Register for all their support and coverage of this event.

I don’t want to leave anyone out; Herndon’s Marketing Design lent a hand with the map brochure, and the Jubilee Maids and Dogwood Court were there to greet our attendees. Glenn Normand with Grand Band once again came through with the equipment we needed to set up the stage—while our always smiling Kenny Graves emceed.

What a beautiful weekend! There were over 100 booths with the best diversity and variety of arts and crafts at Jubilee yet. It was fitting that the new City Hall and fountain made their debut at the 20th Anniversary of the festival. Mayor Fred Small and the Daphne City Council gave festival attendees the opportunity to catch up on the college and professional football games by showing the games in the new City Council Chambers. This was a great addition to the overall experience of the festival that we hope to expand next year. Another new item was the inclusion of magnets and stickers with the festival logo. Speaking of art, Susan Godwin’s beautiful depiction of the bay and boats added grace and class to the 20th-year festivities. Thank you Susan!

We had some unexpected excitement last year, which the Daphne police and fire departments did a great job responding to. This year our Fire-Medics kicked into gear and helped two citizens attending the festival with special medical needs. Thank you to all our men and women who serve us everyday.

I would also like to also thank the service groups from all over the Eastern Shore for volunteering to help out. They are the Bayside Boys Service Club, Bayside Girls Service Club, Spanish Fort Girls Service Club, Spanish Fort High National Honor Society, St. Paul’s, Daphne Girls Service Club, Fairhope Art Club, Fairhope National Honor Society, Bayside Key Club, Fairhope High Girls Service Club, Spanish Fort Key Club and the Bayside Art Guild helped all weekend long. Without all these wonderful volunteers we would not be able to have a successful festival. We definitely would not able to host Kids Art, which is always enjoyed by the children. Please stop by Centennial  Park and look at the “Hands On” section painted this year.

The Bay Rivers Art Guild outdid itself this year with a buffet lunch on Sunday and cool-air seating Saturday at its gallery for the artists to enjoy. Then I would like to commend the Chamber staff that works behind and in front of the scenes to help make the festival a success.

As always, I would like to thank everyone for supporting the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. The strong leadership we build and provide through our organization and the resources we develop and distribute helps us keep the Eastern Shore area competitive, which is essential to the continued strength of our businesses and communities.

Remember to support our local businesses that support our schools, churches and other nonprofits!

Darrelyn J. Bender

president/CEO

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce