Jonesville Soybean Festival Returns After More Than Three Decades

After more than three decades, the Jonesville Soybean Festival made a successful comeback Oct. 9–10, with for two days of entertainment, food, and vendors.

The celebration began Friday evening at the National Guard Armory with a performance by the Glory Bound Line Dancers and a street dance featuring the Parker James Band.

Saturday morning began with a parade followed by activities at the armory. Jonesville Boy Scout Troop 21 led the pledge in the opening ceremony, and Mayor Loria Hollins recognized former board members and introduced the festival queens.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed food, shopping, and children’s activities, including rock climbing, jumpers and a mechanical bull. DJ Bow Bow Bow of Alexandria provided entertainment, and Avery Michaels closed out the celebration with an evening performance.

The festival’s return carried special historical significance. The first Jonesville Soybean Festival was held Oct. 10, 1956. Seventy years later, the celebration returned on that same date, reviving a tradition that contin- through 1993.

The successful comeback was the result of more than a year of planning. What began with a Facebook post in August 2025 asking whether residents wanted the festival to return grew into a community-wide effort involving board members, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and local supporters.

Beyond the entertainment, the festival represented an opportunity to bring people together, and create renewed interest in Jonesville.

Festival Vice President Beatrice Cummings summed up the committee’s mission with the words, “Bring the festival back and bring Jonesville back.”

The Soybean Festival Board, led by President Dexter Jefferson, Vice President Beatrice Cummings, Secretary CaShuna Mayes, Pageant and Vendor Director Kimberly LaBorde Heimbach, and Sponsor Coordinator/Marketing Melissa Freeman, worked alongside numerous volunteers to make the celebration possible.

The board expressed appreciation to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors and everyone who contributed to bringing the festival back.

After more than 30 years, the Jonesville Soybean Festival was more than a return of a tradition. It was a celebration of hometown spirit.