Jackson County Facilities Gearing Up for Busy Season

By: Shelia Mader

Jackson County is preparing for a packed calendar of events as Facilities and Event Coordinator Brian Walker works to bring more activity, entertainment, and opportunity to county venues.

Walker, who now oversees county facilities while working closely with the Tourist Development Council, said the goal is simple: give residents more to do and attract visitors from surrounding areas.

One recent success story started with a motivated young man looking for space to launch a youth organization.

Walker helped secure meeting space at the county’s new convention center for the inaugural meet and greet of a newly approved chapter of Club America, a youth group centered on faith and patriotism.

“He was looking for a place to hold meetings and grow his membership,” Walker said. “We were able to provide a conference room at the new convention center to help him get started. It’s been great to see how well he’s done. The club is now officially recognized.”

Walker said he was proud to support the effort and sees it as an example of how county facilities can serve the community in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, several events are already on the books.

An artifact and fossil show is planned for March, followed by a trading card and sports memorabilia show this summer. An exotic pet expo is also being considered for the fall.

“I recently went to one just to see what it was like,” Walker said. “They had everything from kangaroos to snakes. It was pretty incredible.”

The broader vision is to keep facilities active throughout the year.

“We’re really just trying to fill the calendar and put events on so people have something to do and can get out more,” he said.

Walker said there is strong interest in expanding programming at several county properties, including Great Oaks.

The historic property already has weddings scheduled for this fall, and Walker hopes to build on that momentum.

“It’s a beautiful space,” he said. “We’re still figuring out the best ways to use it, but we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

He is also in discussions with touring artists, including gospel, bluegrass, and country acts, and sees future partnerships forming with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s incoming director is expected to bring new energy and help strengthen collaboration between organizations.

In addition to the new convention center, Walker said there will be renewed focus on the agricultural facility on U.S. 90. The building received significant upgrades after hurricane damage and is already hosting rodeos and barrel racing events.

“We’d really like to ramp things up and fill that calendar,” Walker said. “Chris Stewart does a great job running it. I’m ready to work alongside him and bring some fresh ideas.”

Other county properties include the Russ House and Great Oaks, Citizens Lodge, Cypress Park on Highway 90, and the extension offices on Penn Avenue, which are typically used for smaller meetings and depositions.

One of the most ambitious plans is a Heritage Festival scheduled for September 26 in downtown Marianna.

Walker is working with Main Street Marianna and the Chamber of Commerce on the event, which will highlight local history and community traditions.

The day could begin with a battle reenactment tied to the historic Battle of Marianna, which took place on September 27, 1864. Walker has been coordinating with local historian Robert Daffin on the idea.

Plans also include an antique tractor show and parade, a barbecue competition, and multiple bluegrass performances throughout the day.

“People have been asking about bringing bluegrass back,” Walker said, noting that Marianna once hosted a popular bluegrass festival. “We’re trying to combine several elements and create something that really brings the community together.”

As planning continues, Walker said the ultimate goal remains steady: make the most of county facilities while creating events that draw families and visitors alike.

“We’ve got great spaces,” he said. “Now it’s about using them to their full potential.”