TAHLEQUAH — Although the mercury climbed above the century mark this weekend, it didn’t stop visitors from enjoying the music that filled the air at this year’s annual Cookson Jubilee.

This annual event, which began 36 years ago, had several things to keep both children and adults entertained, helping area organizations with fundraising.

Nancy Draper, coordinator of the arts and crafts and food booths, said the Cookson Jubilee has a down-home, country atmosphere.

“You don’t know that so many people live in the Cookson area until you come to our Jubilee,” she said. “This event is a chance to meet your area neighbors and to see people you haven’t seen in awhile.”

Linda Stubblefield, a Tenkiller Area Community Organization volunteer for the past 11 years, said the event is for families.

“This is a family venue,” she said. “In the evening, when it’s dark and everything here is lit, children can run around and play with each other and the parents don’t worry about them.”

Susan Savage, a seven-year TACO volunteer, said, visitors often make the Cookson Jubilee part of their annual summer plans.

“People from around the state, like Oklahoma City, meet here every year,” said Savage. “So it’s become a reunion place for them.”

Bill Payne, owner of Payne Radio Crew has helped with the entertainment for 10 years.

“Once a year we hold our Listener Appreciation Show,” said Payne. “I love doing this.”

Payne, who was inducted in the Country Radio Hall of Fame in Nashville this past March, owns several area radio stations, including Lakes Country 102.1 and Classic Country KTLQ 1350 in Tahlequah.

He brings together area bands from the surrounding counties to entertain the audience all day and night of the Jubilee. This year, the headliners were Ryan Turner on Friday night, and Jason Meadows on Saturday night.

Another example of the TACO volunteers and the service they bring to the event is the Cook Shack. It’s only open two days a year, specifically for the Cookson Jubilee.

According to Bill Sherrick, who has been with the Jubilee since it began 36 years ago, the Cookson Jubilee was created to establish a fire department.

“Originally, the proceeds from this event helped TACO build an out building and a fire department,” he said. “Now, proceeds go to the upkeep of the TACO building near the airport. Also, TACO uses the money earned to provide a Christmas party for 75-100 Tenkiller school students, a Thanksgiving dinner for the community a low cost to those attending, as well as provide free phone cards for the veterans at the VA Hospital in Muskogee. Basically, if there is a large need in the community, the funds from this event will be used to meet that need.”

Many people help by volunteering their time or donating money. Sherrick said the merchants in Tahlequah are consistent in supporting the event.

Having fun in the hot July sun is something many people in Cherokee County and surrounding counties like to do.

“This is a great event,” said Toni Jasna. She is from Sallisaw and this was her first time at the Cookson Jubilee.

Kara Horn has been attending the Jubilee for more than 10 years.

“It’s amazing and fun,” she said. “On the way here, I always get excited, like a little kid.”

Crystal Alberty, whose husband performs with the Springstreet Bluegrass Band, said she enjoys meeting people in the community. According to Alberty, her daughter, Bradie grew up attending the Cookson Jubilee.

“I like the arts and crafts,” said Bradie. “The crafts are good. The food’s good, too.”

Vendors are another reason for the success of the Cookson Jubilee, according to Stubblefield. “The vendors feel they are treated well and feel appreciated.”

Jeremy Beal operates a concession stand that sells corn dogs and shaved ice, along with other goodies. This is his third year to work the event.

“It’s a nice crowd here,” Beal said. “Everyone is friendly, and they have good, family shows.”

Besides arts, crafts and food, there were booths that had activities for children.

“There aren’t a lot of things for kids out in the country to do,” said Draper. “So the kids love this event.”

The Cherokee County Fire Safety Trailer was there to educate children about what to do if a fire breaks out in their home.

Cookson Assistant Fire Chief Josh Warner said the trailer inside is built like a small house. He said that the volunteers explain many fire safety tips, like calling 911.

“We show kids where to place the handles on pans and not to touch them when they’re on the stove. We also show them what not to do, like don’t put paper towels on a stove,” Warner said. “Also how to escape a house from different rooms in case of fire.”

Children are given a tour inside the fire safety trailer to experience the safety tips first-hand, according to Warner. In the bedroom area, smoke appears and the metal door becomes warm, so the children have to climb out the window.

After the tour, children receive a badge, a coloring book and other material as a reward for learning fire safety tips.

Visitors, vendors and volunteers alike all agree that the Cookson Jubilee is a great place to meet old friends and make new friends while they listen to good music, eat good food and help support area charity organizations.