There is something for everyone at the Waynesboro Summer Jubilee – a day of fun for the whole family.
The July 4 celebration at 500 E. Main St. kicks off with a Kids 1 Mile Fun Run at 7:15 a.m., followed by the Firecracker 5K Run at 7:40 a.m. The Brother’s of the Brush parade is set for 9:30 a.m.
“This is such a family tradition,” noted president Suzie Menard. “I hope people know that this is all funded by sponsors and donations. Everything, with the exception of a few carnival games and the food, is free. There is a ton of stuff for kids to do and live entertainment starting at 11 a.m. right after the flag raising.”
This year, the 27th annual event will feature new patriotic artwork to replace the Uncle Sam and Statue of Liberty display that had been in place at the Jubilee since 2002.
“(Dr.) Joe Stewart, who initiated the celebration and headed up the committee for many years, thought the artwork would be a great addition,” according to Pat Edwards, who also served on the committee. “I painted them on a piece of plywood. It was stored in another member’s garage and I would go out every night to work on it. Even though I would touch up the painting each year, the characters were starting to show wear and tear,” she added.
“Lots of people got their photos taken there – I would change the date on the star (in the display) so that people would be able to recall the year. I’m so happy they are still having the Jubilee. It has been a wonderful source of entertainment for our town.”
The sketches for the new artwork were created by Ivanka Litoshik, a member of the Class of 2023 at Waynesboro Area Senior High School, according to WASHS art teacher Melanie Erb. “She was a fabulous art intern and has been such a big help to me this year. Because she was working on another big painting project, I picked out the colors and my husband Justin and I ended up painting it.”
Erb said she was honored to help with the project. “I have always loved working with the community … everyone has given my art students so much support and this was our way of contributing art to the community so that everyone can enjoy it.” Her students’ artwork – a postcard mural and Hometown Heroes painting – also can be seen at locations in downtown Waynesboro.
“It took us a couple weeks to complete the work. We had a good time. We like working on things together. It turned out really cute and now more people can get their picture taken with them – there are holes in the displays for them to put their heads through,” noted Erb.
Menard said the contribution of the artwork is just one of the ways volunteers have reached out to help continue the Jubilee tradition. President since 2019, Menard signed up after committee members who had helped with the celebration for many years issued an invitation for new people to get involved. “This was one of my grandmother’s favorite events, and that meant something to me. The other people who are now on the board were all at that meeting and we stepped up together. Right away we were hit with Covid, but since then, overall it has gone great. We have made very few changes.”
Menard said her first goal was to get a sponsor for the kid’s craft tent. “I saw kids being turned away because they didn’t have any money and we needed a sponsor so that every child could participate. The Owls Club gave us a sizable amount to cover it and the free entry has become a tradition. I’d also like to thank Jesus Alive Ministries for its continued sponsorship of the inflatables.”
The celebration caps off with fireworks. “Waynesboro has the best fireworks around … I have heard that so many times,” added Menard. She also emphasized that volunteers are always needed. “We have a good group and it’s not a heavy lift when you have enough people to support it. To volunteer, go to summerjubilee.org
