Can you feel the buzz in the air…the energy as our micro-town emerges from its winter slumber? This month and all summer long, there are so many events and positive things happening—thanks to great people who are making a difference.

Starting in May, anyone interested in history is in for a treat as multiple seasonal events kick-off and new ones begin. Up in the cemetery, Dirk Siedlecki and his team will again bring Jacksonville’s pioneer history alive with their monthly “History Saturday” and grave marker cleaning programs.

And this year, in conjunction with History Saturday, Carolyn Kingsnorth of Jacksonville History, Inc. has created new Beekman House and Beekman Bank tours, bringing history and historic buildings back to life. Be sure to catch “Behind the Counter,” “Victorian Architecture,” and other Beekman House Living History tours.

On May 4, celebrate Jacksonville’s German Heritage at Maifest, held from 1-5 at Bigham Knoll. Later in the month, a few miles west in the Applegate Valley, the Spring UnCorked barrel tour is on May 18. With food, music and art, the tour is another must-attend event. Be sure to stop at Red Lily Vineyards where Jacksonville’s favorite artist, Cheryl Garcia, is holding a very special show. (See article on page 4 of our print issue.)

May 31-June 1, the Boosters Club’s Home, Garden & History Tour is a must-attend event, showcasing interesting homes, history and gardens. And speaking of gardens, the Garden Club presents its annual sale on May 9 & 10, just in time for Mother’s Day.

When the Britt Music Festival kicks-off in early June, I suggest taking a stroll around the venue to marvel at the amazing upgrades to the area. The Britt Pavilion now has a new gateway, parking, lighting, restrooms, pathways and other improvements. And, the Lower Britt Gardens project is equally impressive—the gardens have never looked better, having been restored to their original glory. In conjunction with Britt and the city, the Boosters Club has just completed the 5-year-long garden restoration project. With hundreds of new plants, walkways, lighting and more, the project was made possible due in large part to the tireless efforts of Boosters Club volunteers Rob Buerk and Steve Casaleggio, both of whom contributed hundreds of hours to make it a reality. The Review would like to thank them and many others, who deserve our thanks for a job well-done. Today, the Lower Britt Gardens is something else to be proud of in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!

Posted April 28, 2014