A History of Zeigler's Annual Homecoming Festival
by Larry Christy ©
August 2003

To find Zeigler's Annual Homecoming Festival roots, one must travel back to the late 50's.  The Festival was started as part of the Circle Improvement Project, which was approved by the Planning Committee of the Zeigler Improvements Incorporated.  What was the improvement - it was the lighted fountain, which was dedicated as a "Miner's Memorial".

  Members of the ZII voted to hold an annual affair and call it the "Fountain Festival."  The first Fountain Festival was in September 1959. The Festival grew throughout the years with celebrations featuring, shows, parade, food and refreshments, rides, and speakers.  Other activities were talent and amateur shows.  Activities were located in the city park as well on the circle.  The Festival was/is a special day in Zeigler with Square Dancing, parades and the American Legion leading the parade, as the Flag Honor Guard. You would see horses, bicycles, and pets, fancy cars, and a variety of parade acts marching from the corner of South Main and Linden Streets - around the circle and continue up Church Street to the City Park.  Many parade participants were local organizations, area fire departments, along with various bands.  What politician could pass up a parade - always in good form - many local and national politicians would be at this area wide event.

¹ In September 1968, the Ninth Annual Miner's Memorial Fountain Festival again placed high on the list for Zeigler and the area to attend featuring shows, parade, rides and speakers.  Entertainment among the participants included square dancing by second, third and fifth graders, vocal solo by Dennis Croessman and dancing by the Dalsanto Sisters, Alecia Jennings, Judy and Kathy Attebury and tap dance numbers by a group from Vienna.  There was singing and dancing by Cindy Gulley, piano solos by Debbie Thomas and Beth Ann Clanahan, an instrumental number by Jim Clanahan, a pantomime by Suzanne Quarrels, a skit by Debbie Aleksick and tumbling acts.  The adult talent provided by Diane Moyers, Loren Jelly, Donna Cox, the Attebury Sisters, Marion Poggas Band, Willard Dees and by a square dancing group. The parade contained mixtures of floats of all sizes sponsored by various civic and fraternal organizations.  Participants in the parade included the American Legion, horses, bicycle and pets parading, the Franklin County Shrine Motorcade, and various bands and twirlers from throughout the area.  The crowning of the Fountain Festival King and Queen selected from 22 junior high school candidates was highlighted Saturday evening.  The 1968 candidates were Allen Webb and Jan Cherry, Ricky Clark and Lisa Rhodes, Gil Swalls and Susan Toth, Marty Gayer and Pamela Moore, Jon Bagwell and Mary Lazar, Michael Brower and Diedra Butler, John Baker and Ann Chamness, Kevin Hiller and Joan Migielicz, Billy Moskoff and Kathy Johnson, Stephan Gleghorn and Nancy Calonne, Joey Noto and Carol Walker.  Throughout Friday and Saturday rides in the City Park under the direction of Mofield Brothers Shows of Marion. 

Today, 44 years later, not much changed from those original days - just the name.  The name changed when the Miner's Memorial Fountain was removed and replaced (1974) with a bronze statue of a miner.  The new Miner's Memorial statue was provided to the city by The Bank of Zeigler and the Fountain Festival was renamed to Zeigler Homecoming.

The American Legion Flag Honor Guard still leads the Homecoming Parade and when the parade ends locals and area visitors attend the festivities on the circle for friendship, reunions, great food and fun.  The festival provides activities for all in the community to enjoy.  Both adults and children activities are planned each year.

This year's Festival (August 29 & 30^th, 2003) features a Gospel Sing on Friday night August 29 and the parade that begins at 10 A.M. on Saturday morning.  After the parade, Camo the Clown will entertain the kids and parents with activities on the circle, then The Tom Wallace Show from 11:30 to   1 P.M.  You will need to visit the many booths located around the Circle.  Indian Crafts, Royalton's Lions, Paul Luney concession, Casey's food tables, Booster Club, Southern Illinois Bank provide free water to the weary and many more; also the Zeigler Fire Department and Eagle's bingo.  The Rea Clinic will again provide a free wellness check, at the Professional Building; then when you are checked out; visit the Dunking Booth at the entrance to Wilcox Street to soak your favorite people.  Bingo starts at 1 P.M., then at 2PM visit the Library for the Story Hour.  When 3 PM rolls around you will be ready for Cousin Delano's music and a chance to rest your feet or if you feel more energetic, visit the Zeigler's Volunteer Fire Departments Kool Kids activities.  From 4:30 to 5PM, an old fashion cakewalk will have many takers.  For the evening entertainment, beginning at 5PM, Sweet Katie Jay with Z100's Julie Ingram will entertain until Zeigler's own Deanna Freeman and the Jonesey Band starts at 7PM. Deanna will provide an evening of remarkable music to sooth all of our ears.  Deanna will take you to dusk for the climax of the Festival - a captivating fireworks show.

Whether you are from Zeigler visiting friends or family, having a class reunion or just want a fun day out - you are welcome in Zeigler.

¹ Information extracted from the supplement to Tri-County Advertiser, Wed., Sept. 4, 1968.  Zeigler Public Library

Many of the pictures on this site are located on books
and CD's located on the Zeigler's Memorabilia page

Thanks to those who have contributed pictures and memorabilia that is viewed on this site.  

Thanks to those who have contributed pictures and memorabilia that is viewed on this site.

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