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 19th Annual Jubilee Festival such a wonderful success. 

Our Jubilee Festival committee led by Chair Terri Waring of Bounds Family YMCA, and assisted by Special Events Coordinator Angela Kimsey, did an outstanding job.

The rest of the mini power group that puts on this main festival are as follows: Beverley Allen, Helen Bell, Linda Mong, Melinda McGhee, Regina Hanberg, Kenny Graves, Jean Humphreys, Linda McDuffie, Alton Long, Millie Long, Jane Robbins, Gwynn Peterson, Mary Jane Owen, Carla Stewart, Casey Zito, Linda Scott, Sally Wagner, Barbara Ladnier, Laurie Kelly and Lauren Safley.

The Jubilee Festival cannot possibly be held without the efforts 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 and our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Citrin Law Firm; Vision Bank; Bayshore Title Co.; Coca Cola; Sylvan Learning; Riviera Utilities; Allen and Allen Accounting; Signature Properties/Old Field; State Farm Lad Drago; Pen Air Federal Credit Union; American Lube Fast; Bryant Bank; HealthSpring; Daphne Utilities; Wells Fargo Mortgage; Will Hughes; Uncorked Fine Wines; Guarantee Title; and GLAM! Photography.

Special thanks to Fastime, LiteMix 99.9, 95KSJ, Fox 10, the CW, WBPG, Herndons, and Bay Rivers Art Guild.   

We had an interesting event this year with the construction underway on City Hall, but thanks to the excellent teamwork and the willingness of the city and the committee to work out of the box, a solution was found and the festival was on! 

There were over 100 artists and some wonderful entertainers. John Reno and the Half Fast Creekers took care of the stage magnificently once again. We owe a special thank-you to Noah Thompson, from the band RomanStreet, for coming in at the last minute to fill our Saturday Twilight Hours.  Noah created some beautiful music by himself, then one of our artists, Michael Fagan, plugged in his electric violin and it sounded like they had played together for years.

You never know what might happen at the Jubilee Festival! 

I would also like to also thank the service groups from all over the Eastern Shore for volunteering to help out. The volunteer organization S.E.L.F. and youth groups from Daphne High, Daphne Middle, Bayside and Christ the King 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.

Bay Rivers Art Guild was very generous in hosting a buffet lunch on Sunday at their gallery for the artists to enjoy. Then I would like to commend the Chamber staff who 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 to keep the Eastern Shore area competitive are essential to the continued strength of our businesses and communities.

Remember to support our local businesses!