Homemade pies of all kinds including—apple, cherry, gooseberry, and chocolate with real meringue — luscious vine-ripened dark red tomatoes, hamburgers, hot dogs, picnic fries and legendary tenderloins (more than 1,500 sold over the span of the two evening and one day and evening event); can all be found at the annual Jameson Lions Club Picnic on August 11-13.
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In addition to the food, a baby show, parade, lawn mower pull, carnival games, talent show, bands, free drawings and people from across the country returning home to reunite with family, school mates and locals are all gathering in the Jameson Park over three days in August. While not your typical picnic, the Jameson Picnic has been a tradition since 1892. That’s 125 years of renewing friendships, creating memories, sharing stories, and eating good food.
In 1892, what is now known as the Jameson Picnic, was a true traditional picnic, with each family bringing baskets filled with food. It was held during the daytime in the Jameson Park on the 9th of August and hosted by the Knights of Pythias Lodge for its members, families and friends. A large metal stock tank was filled with water and cooled with blocks of ice for all to partake. Metal cups hung on wire hooks over the edge of the tank for all to use. The railroad added extra passenger cars to transport people to and from this special event. The cars were parked on a side-rail near the depot and awaited the happy and exhausted attendees to fill them for return to their home communities.
When the KP Lodge closed, the Jameson merchants began sponsoring and conducting the annual Picnic. The event grew; becoming a point of pride for the entire community and beyond. It was a time for farmers and town’s folk to come together in camaraderie and celebration before the upcoming harvest would have everyone too busy to do so.
In 1952, the Jameson Lions Club was organized and began hosting the annual Jameson Picnic. It is now a 3-day event and is held on the weekend closest to August 9th in the Jameson Park.
This annual August gathering continues to be a very special time for children and adults in Jameson, Daviess County and across the nation. It ranks with Christmas and birthdays for excitement and special times with friends and family. Smells of popcorn and cotton candy mingle with hamburgers and tenderloins. The yellow lights which outlined the food stand have been replaced by white lights drawing customers to the buy and enjoy a sandwich or full meal. Generations of locals have worked in the cook shack and continue to use the recipe for the famous tenderloins that people dream about year-round. This working together, volunteering, and serving others is the heart and soul of the Picnic and the Jameson Lions Club.
Jameson, located in northwest Missouri along rustic Highway 13 (north of Adam-ondi-Ahman and east of the Grand River) has a population of 133. At Picnic time, that number swells to more than 500. The village of Jameson is little but mighty, where the community works tirelessly to put on a big show and keep this tradition alive and growing for the next generations to enjoy.
For three nights, activities are presented for the attendees and even the emcee role is passed from father to son and mother to daughter. Thursday night is the amateur talent show; where all are welcomed to share their talent. Participants are divided into age groups to compete for a prize: tap dancing, singing, playing of instruments or telling jokes are a few examples of talents competing for a prize.
At ten o’clock each night, a last call is made for folks to sign up for the free drawing. Names to be drawn (from those who have signed up earlier in the evening) and to win the person must still be present. (only 1 prize per person) Winning names are pulled from a bucket by a young child from the audience and are announced by the emcee. Prizes are all donated by individuals and businesses from Daviess County and beyond, generously sharing their products & services. Regardless of the prize (caps, gift certificates, craft items), every winner is always excited to have won.
Friday’s activities kick off in early evening with the annual Jameson Picnic Baby Show, followed by the Little Mister and Miss Show. All participants receive a ribbon and a trophy goes to the winner of each age group. . . along with life-long bragging rights.
Musical entertainment and another free drawing complete the evening.
Saturday begins with a parade from the School grounds, through town, and finishes after the entries pass by the announcer’s stand on the west side of the Park. After all of the individuals, fire trucks, politicians, floats, cars, restored horse-drawn school wagon, tractors, horses, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and those walking (some leading their pets) in the parade have been seen and the announcer has described each entry and participant. . . it is time for lunch at the food stand. Pies are plentiful and the menu has something for everyone.
It takes more than 300 volunteers to provide, prepare, sell and serve the food, along with washing the dishes and cleaning the area over the duration of the Picnic. Volunteers come from throughout Daviess County and beyond. The Jameson Lions Club, which now sponsors the annual Jameson Picnic has 24 members. Four of them live locally, yet every member and scores of volunteers who are not members are committed to continuing the Jameson Picnic traditions for another century. No doubt their children and grandchildren will carry and continue the tradition of ‘coming home’ for the Picnic!
Saturday afternoon activities include a lawn mower pull, games for youth and adults of all ages including a washer toss tournament, sack races, watermelon eating contest, nail driving contest and an egg toss competition.
Saturday night brings the largest crowd for an auction, final buying of raffle tickets for a beautiful hand-made quilt and accessories, visiting with long-time friends, making new friends, and enjoying the band. The advertising tagline from early Jameson posters still fits: “Come to the Jameson Picnic where there is plenty of shade and free ice water.”