The first annual Mother Jones Festival held June 24-26, 2005 in Mt. Olive, Illinois was a huge success.
According to Tom Spears, the mayor of Mt. Olive and an Illinois AFL-CIO Member Assistance representative, festival planners have significantly expanded this year's event.
"The three-day festival offered a little something for everyone," said Spears. "I think that's why it was so well attended. We are planning to expand the historic aspects of the event for this year and increase our marketing budget to reach a broader audience."
The festival is dedicated to Mary Harris "Mother" Jones who is buried in Mt. Olive at the Miners' Cemetery. Events included a banquet on Friday evening to celebrate the infamous workers' rights advocate. Speakers included Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers and Margaret Blackshere, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO, as well as Sen. Deanna DeMuzio and Representative Gary Hannig. Labor activist and singer songwriter Anne Feeney performed along with the group Rebel Voices.
On Saturday, the community held a 5K race, parade, street festival, tours of the Miners' Museum, antique tractor contest and harvesting demonstration, community picnic complete with music and a carnival for kids of all ages.
On Sunday, the festivities wrapped up with a rededication ceremony at the Miners' Monument in Mt. Olive, that included a performance by actress Margaret Orner who portrays Mother Jones.
©2006, Mother Jones Festival, PO Box 223, Mt. Olive, IL. 62069
217.246.7441 info@motherjonesfestival.us