Blake Smith
Jefferson Jimplecute
For the citizens of Marion County, the Annual Historical Jefferson Pilgrimage festival brings visitors and natives closer while also showcasing all that Jefferson has to offer. This week-long event is for history buffs both young and old.
Pilgrimage began as the Dogwood Trail in 1940 and 1941. Following the events of World War II, the Dogwood Trail transformed into what it is now. The event features a number of attractions including the Heirloom Plant Sale, the Heritage Quilt Exhibit and the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial, all under the sponsorship of the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club.
The festival is a great way to kick-off the summer as it begins during the first weekend of May. This year’s event will be held on May 4, 5, 6 and 7. The event offers something for the entire family to enjoy including a number of vendors like Midge Farmer, Carnes WUD Crafts, Flippin Awesome Designs and Delafield Pottery.
Mary Keasler, Pilgrimage chairwoman, is in charge of organizing and coordinating with vendors to prepare for weekend. Much like Rome, this time honored tradition was not built in a day. It takes a number of sleepless nights to put together an event as beloved as Pilgrimage.
“We have the current year’s Pilgrimage Wrap-Up workshop in mid-May and have the next year’s Pilgrimage workshop in mid-June to start planning for the next year,” Keasler said. “The Pilgrimage committees start their work in the summer and have their event information ready by late September or early October for the brochures to be printed and marketing to start.”
Each year, thousands of people in Marion County and surrounding areas gather to share the joy of Jefferson’s history as well as Pilgrimage. This year is no different. Pilgrimage is expected to serve over a thousand guests again this year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Pilgrimage events and festivities were halted in order to keep guests safe. Since the rise and fall of COVID, Keasler has ensured that guests have access to masks and hand sanitizer.
Despite the impact COVID had on the event, Pilgrimage has continued to be an integral part in Jefferson’s history.
The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club produces Pilgrimage and the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial play each year. These events are able to go off without a hitch through the endless dedication of the club and its members. The organization owns The Excelsior House Hotel, the Jay Gould Railcar and the Jefferson Playhouse and Ruth Lester Memorial house, attached to the Playhouse.
“The City of Jefferson cooperates with Pilgrimage events and loves the visitors who come to Jefferson not only each year for all the Pilgrimage events, but also the visitors who come to tour The Excelsior House, Jay Gould Car and events held in the Playhouse. Visitors who come to Pilgrimage are introduced to all Jefferson has to offer,” Keasler said.
For more information about Pilgrimage, visit http://www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com/. Do not hesitate to engulf yourself in the rich history that is Pilgrimage.
Find the schedule of events and more information on page 10.