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 23rd annual Jubilee Festival such a wonderful success. Our Jubilee Festival committee led by Shea Dean, O’Sullivan Creel, and assisted by our Director of Tourism and Special Events, Ginger Parnell, did an outstanding job. The rest of the mini power group that produces this Main Street Festival are: Beverley Allen, Linda Mong, Kenny Graves, Alton Long, Millie Long, Jane Ellis, Tiffany De Roy, Lee Ann McKenzie, Wyndy Ladnier, Barbara Ladnier, Sally Wagner, Elsa VanEysbergen, Melvin McCarley, Rick Castillow, Phil Cusa, Beverley Bradford, Glenn Normand, and Linda Scott.

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. We deeply appreciate our sponsors who provide us with so much support: Borden Milk, American Family Care, Crooked Hook Charters, Riviera Utilities, Hartmann, Blackmon & Kilgore, Allen, Allen & Foster, Ink Works, Coca-Cola, Guarantee Title, Catering to You and Walmart. Manning the entertainment stage for us this year was Glenn Normand, Grand Events.

This year was the biggest in four years. There was a fantastic diversity and variety of arts and crafts at the Jubilee 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 on the projection screen in the City Council Chambers.  Mike Thomas, our artist this year and his interpretation of pelicans on the bay was well received. 

We also are indebted to the service groups from all over the Eastern Shore for volunteering their time during the weekend. Service groups from Daphne High, Fairhope High, Bayside Academy, Spanish Fort High and SELF women’s service organization provided extra manpower for aiding exhibitors, committee members and children’s activities. Without all these wonderful volunteers we would not be able to have had a successful festival. We definitely would not be able to host Kids-Art area, which is always enjoyed by the children. Borden Milk’s own “Elsie” the cow and the Hamster Water Balls were new favorites, weighing in heavily with painting the fence and the fish prints. I would like to commend the chamber staff who works behind and in front of the scenes to help make the festival a success in so many ways. 

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.

Please remember to support the local businesses especially during this economic recovery time. They in turn, support our schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations! 

Darrelyn J. Bender

President-CEO

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce