Jubilee Brings Fun for All Ages: Front Royal Gears Up for October 24 Celebration

The upcoming Jubilee event in Front Royal promises to bring excitement to the community on October 24th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Hosted in partnership with Warren County Parks and Recreation, the celebration will be held at 465 W. 15th Street at the field. With 37 vendors already lined up, attendees can expect an evening of activities for all ages.

One of the highlights of the Jubilee is the moon bounces—always a crowd favorite. Kids will be able to jump and play to their hearts’ content. Cinderella and her magical carriage will also make a special appearance, adding a touch of fairy tale charm to the night. Another fun addition is a vendor booth decoration contest, where participants will compete for the best decorated booth. Trophies sponsored by Cricket Wireless of Front Royal will be awarded to the winners.

Parks and Rec will also set up games in the field area, adding even more to the fun. A cakewalk, which has become a beloved staple of the event, will be back again this year. Michelle Smeltzer from the Department of Social Services (DSS) states, “Once the kids get into those moon bounces, they forget about everything else!” She emphasizes that the event has been growing in popularity every year, drawing more people from the community.

Last year, the Jubilee attracted at least 800 attendees, and this year’s turnout is expected to be just as big, if not bigger. Smeltzer and Nicole Johns, both with the DSS, shared their excitement for the event, noting how much fun the children—and adults—have at the Jubilee. Smelzer joked that she participates in the inflatable race yearly but always comes in last. “The kids love it, though,” she said, referring to the friendly competition and playful atmosphere.

In addition to all the fun, there’s a more serious side to what DSS is doing. Michelle Smeltzer highlighted the importance of the department’s ongoing Fuel Assistance Program, which provides help to eligible residents with heating costs during the colder months. Applications are currently being accepted until November 8. “Even if you’ve never applied before if you think you might be eligible, go ahead and fill out the form,” Smeltzer urged. The program covers various heating sources like wood, propane, oil, and electricity, providing crucial support to those in need.

Another important initiative is the opening of the HARTS Hope and Rest Temporary Shelter, which will welcome individuals on December 7. The shelter, previously known as the Thermal Shelter, opens this year to provide a warm place to stay during winter. The shelter relies entirely on donations, as it receives no financial support from local governments. To keep it running, HARTS constantly needs volunteers and donations. Anyone interested can visit their website for more information on how to help.

HARTS will also be participating in a series of upcoming fundraising events. On November 16, they will host a chicken dinner at the Masonic Lodge near Skyline High School, complete with sides and desserts. Another exciting event is a Trivia Night scheduled for December 9 at On Cue, a popular evening venue in town. These events are key in raising the funds needed to operate the shelter.

The community’s generosity shines through even more as the weather turns colder. For instance, the Living Water Christian Church is organizing a Feed the Hungry event on November 2 at Fantasyland Park. This event will provide free hot meals, coats, hats, gloves, and blankets to those in need. Smeltzer noted that while the event is aimed at helping the hungry, it’s also about raising awareness of food insecurity in the area. “This isn’t just for people without homes; it’s for anyone in need,” she explained.

Numerous other organizations and churches in the community provide similar support throughout the year. For instance, First Baptist Church offers meals from Monday through Thursday at 5 p.m., and various churches maintain blessing boxes around town with food and supplies for anyone in need.

Smeltzer emphasized how Front Royal’s tight-knit community consistently comes together to help those in need. She said, “Our community is very giving.” Residents can lend a hand in many ways, from the HARTS shelter to the various food programs.

The upcoming Jubilee on October 24 is an opportunity for fun and a reflection of the supportive and compassionate spirit that defines Front Royal. While the kids enjoy the moon bounces and cake walks, the event also serves as a reminder of the critical work being done behind the scenes by organizations like DSS and HARTS to ensure that no one is left behind, especially as the winter months approach.

Mark your calendars for these events, and if you’re able, consider donating or volunteering to keep these vital programs running.