Extension Service - SJ Jubilee reach agreement

Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts and Crafts Jubilee leaders are breathing a little easier following a meeting with the West Virginia University Extension Service regarding the future of the Labor Day festival.

The festival's existence was being questioned by its own board of directors because of a debt of more than $18,000 owed to WVU Jackson's Mill. The debt was incurred through the lodging and feeding of the musicians and some demonstrators. WVU Extension Service leaders have agreed to allow the Jubilee to pay off the money over time.

The WVU Extension Service could also become a sponsor of the event, but its staff wants to have more of a say in the happenings of the festival. A meeting of the Jubilee board is set for 6 p.m. today at Jackson's Mill to discuss those terms.

"I feel positive something can be worked out," said Jubilee President Debby Walker. "We need to know a little bit more about the terms we are striking with WVU and what are the requirements."

Lewis County Commissioners Pat Boyle and Agnes Queen also attended last week's meeting in Morgantown over concerns what the disappearance of the Jubilee would mean to the local economy. The festival generates hotel/motel tax funds that are distributed not only to other tourist attractions, but also to local parks and the public library.

"They were very open to the plight of the Jubilee," Boyle said. "The Extension Service wants it to be successful. They don't want to see it fail, and that shows they are willing to work with us."

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