History

The Poke Sallet Festival began with the Jackson County Jaycees and, over the years, has been hosted by several local nonprofits, including the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson County Rescue Squad, and others. Because the event changed hands every few years, there was never a single organization responsible for keeping records or maintaining continuity, which made it difficult to ensure the festival stayed consistent and successful year after year.

In 2022, when the American Legion decided to retire from hosting the event, a group of local residents came together to form a new nonprofit dedicated to carrying the festival into the future: the Poke Sallet Foundation. The Foundation was created to host the festival (and other community events) on an ongoing basis so that its records, finances, and integrity are preserved for generations to come. Many of us grew up attending the festival and treasure memories of competing in contests, eating funnel cakes, riding carnival rides, and listening to great local music. Our goal is to keep those traditions alive for the children and families who come after us.

All revenue from events hosted by the Poke Sallet Foundation stays within the Foundation, supporting future events and helping promote Jackson County as a welcoming destination for visitors and tourism.