Lake Oconee Breeze
UNION POINT —
Be sure not to miss all the fun at the Union Junction Jamboree (UJJ) on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in historic downtown Union Point. The fun day of activities include history made exciting by story telling, guided tours of the historic town, a bike rodeo and ride with an emphasis on safety and health, a fabulous food court, a fun zone for the kids, a must-be-seen model train exhibit, arts and crafts vendors and more.
The magical lyrics of a professional storyteller will entertain and educate you about the history of the town throughout the day. The play, “Firefly on the Lick,” written by local author, Jan Whyllson, was performed by local school children during the UJJ the past two years. This year it has a new twist — professional storyteller, Jeannette Vaughn Waddell of Sparta, Ga., will enthrall as she weaves the history in to a story.
Sherley Selman, chairperson of the UJJ committee, said this will entertain kids from six to 60.
“Jeanette is an outstanding storyteller and she will bring our history alive,” Selman said. “We’re showcasing our town’s special story.”
Waddell worked with Union Point’s Downtown Development Authority and Better Hometown program (BHT) when they presented “Try your Hand at Art,” in April this year. Her exceptional storytelling skills were a huge hit with everyone, and the BHT are excited she has agreed to return, Selman added.
In keeping with the emphasis on fun and history, there will also be golf cart tours of the historic residential area led by Greene County historian and Union Point resident, Joel McRay. “The tour will be highlighting a portion of the town’ s fascinating history,” Selman said.
Union Point’s museum will also be open with its interesting display on the Chipman Union Mill and the Wayside Home, a nursing home set up during the Civil War by the ladies of Union Point.
The BHT hope to display large posters with old photos of Union Point at the storyteller area. They ask if anyone has a historic photo they can use, to please contact Susan Higdon (706) 453-2406. After the Jamboree, the poster will be donated to the museum.
Modern day will also be represented by popular Georgia musicians appearing continuously throughout the day on the music stage set up behind Dr Bill Rhodes’ office. Alongside the music at the festival, arts and crafts will be exhibited, a bike rodeo and ride for the little ones, and a must-be-seen model train exhibit. The fun zone will be chock full of fun things for the small members of the family.
The focus for this year’s Jamboree is a very good cause - to help raise funds to upgrade the electrical system and fire safety requirements for the historic Union Theater. For more information, call Selman (706) 486-4128
