✈️ Jackson's Airport Just Got A Major Upgrade! ✈️

Happy Sunday On This Rainy Day Jackson!

So we have come to realize that many people in Jackson still don’t know that we have an airport, this may be about to change! 🛫 

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• The Much Needed Upgrade 🏗️ 

• The Return Of The TSA 🪪 

• Positive Impact on the Community 🕊️

• New Travel Destinations 🧳

• Update: Friday, August 9th 2024❗️

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson, Tennessee, is on the brink of a significant transformation.

With all of the economic development going on throughout West Tennessee and the number of new people moving to or visiting the state these upgrades and expansions were long overdue. Modernizing McKellar-Sipes infrastructure will enhance connectivity for residents and businesses alike.

🏗️ The Much-Needed Upgrades 🏗️

For decades, McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport has operated with limited resources and outdated facilities. However, the changing economic landscape of West Tennessee demands more robust infrastructure to support growth.

The runway reconstruction project, a centerpiece of the airport's upgrades, involves a complete overhaul of the 6,000-foot runway, which has reached the end of its useful life after nearly 40 years. This $28 million project, spearheaded by Ford Construction Company, includes new markings, LED runway lighting, newly graded safety areas, and updated signage. These improvements are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations, making it a more reliable hub for air travel.

Another key upgrade is the terminal rehabilitation plan, featuring new hangars, a revamped terminal, and a parking lot with electric charging stations, creating a more welcoming and functional space for passengers.

🪪 The Return Of The TSA 🪪

Some will love it, some will hate it, but the TSA's return to McKellar-Sipes in 2022 is a big deal. 😂 

The return of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport after a 14-year hiatus, ensures that passengers have access to pre-TSA screening, streamlining the security process and aligning it with the standards of over 400 other airports across the country.

This reinstatement is what’s required for the airport to be taken seriously on a regional and national level in terms of safety and security. 🇺🇸 

🕊️ Positive Impact on the Community 🕊️

The upgrades at McKellar-Sipes will have a positive impact on the Jackson community.

The introduction of larger aircraft like the 30-seat Embraer 135 will improve connectivity, allowing more destinations beyond the current direct flights to Atlanta and St. Louis.

However, the proposed upgrades open up the possibility of adding new routes to destinations further north and west.

This expansion benefits residents and businesses, enabling efficient operations, wider talent attraction, and new market growth.

This is not just a Jackson thing but a statewide effort. By the airport's upgrades align with regional plans, especially with BlueOval City’s development, positioning the airport as a vital hub for employees, executives, and visitors, integrating Jackson further into the regional economy.

🧳 New Travel Destinations 🧳 

We don’t have direct flights to Florida, Hawaii or The Bahamas yet but this is a great start! 😂 

The introduction of larger aircraft and the potential partnerships with airlines such as Contour Airlines and Denver Air open up new travel opportunities for Jackson residents. While current direct flights connect Jackson to Atlanta and St. Louis, in the future we could see flights to additional destinations.

Residents may soon be able to fly to major cities like:

• Chicago, IL

• Denver, CO

• Nashville, TN

• Charlotte, NC

  OR

• Dallas, TX

This expanded reach simplifies travel for residents and business operations, making Jackson more attractive for businesses needing efficient travel options..

👣 Jackson’s Baby Steps 👣 

The comprehensive upgrades at McKellar-Sipes signal a transformative moment for Jackson.

• By Modernizing Its Infrastructure

• Enhancing Safety Measures

  And

• Expanding Travel Options

The airport is set to play a key role in the region's economic development.

These improvements are crucial for keeping pace with West Tennessee's rapid changes. The future looks bright for Jackson, with new travel destinations and a stronger foundation for growth and success.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter! As always here is a quick poll followed by next weeks curated list of events! 🫶 

❗️Update: Friday, August 9th 2024 ❗️

It’s Official, Jet Service is coming to McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport! Denver Air will now be serving Jackson starting December 1st, 2024! Jackson will have 12 non-stop round-trip flights every week.

This will officially give residents of Jackson the opportunity to also connect with larger airlines such as Delta, United and American Airlines giving Jacksonians access to the world directly from the Hub City! Passengers can expect all of the great features and services that they have already been receiving from McKellar-Sipes but with the added benefit of a new destination. (Read More)

Monday, July 29th

Unique Line Dance
Date: Monday, July 29th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library

Lego Club: August Building Contest
Date: Monday, July 29th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Humboldt Public Library
Price: Free
Age: All Ages Welcome

Tuesday, July 30th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Tuesday, July 30th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Migration & Peter Pan (2003)

Two Small Pieces of Glass
Date: Tuesday, July 30th 
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Wednesday, July 31st

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Migration & Peter Pan (2003)

731 Day Family Water Balloon Fight
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Arlington Elementary School
Price: Free Entry (Over 7,000 Water Balloons)

Thursday, August 1st

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Thursday, August 1st
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Migration & Peter Pan (2003)

Friday, August 2nd

Two Small Pieces of Glass
Date: Friday, August 2nd
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Saturday, August 3rd

Teen Cuisine (Learn How To Cook & Get Some Tasty Bites.)
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free (Register Here)

Jackson Sports Cards & Collectibles Show ⚾️ 
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: VFW Post 1848
Price: Free Entry

Sunday, August 4th

Smash Bros Weeklies 🎮️
Date: Sunday, August 4th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: E-Gamers Cafe
Price: $10 (Cash Only)
Additional Details: Registration Starts At 5:00 PM & The Tournament Begins At 6:00 PM.

Monday, July 29th

Back To School (Free Haircuts Pre-K - 12)
Date: Monday, July 29th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: O’s Barbershop
Price: Free
Sponsored By: R.O.T.O. NATION, Black Hearts, JDL Professional Catering Solution, EXT and O’s Barbershop. 

Lego Club: August Building Contest
Date: Monday, July 29th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Humboldt Public Library
Price: Free
Age: All Ages Welcome

Jackson Rockabilly vs. Thrillville Thrillbillies (Baseball)
Date:  Monday, July 29th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Jackson Baseball Stadium
Price: $6 - $14 (Prices Vary Based On Seating)

Back to School $12.99 Haircut Specials!
Date:  Monday, July 29th
Time: 9:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Cutting Up Salon/ Spa
Price: $12.99 (Haircut Only) Wash, Color, & Styling Separate.

Unique Line Dance
Date: Monday, July 29th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Age: All Ages Welcome

Tuesday, July 30th

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Tuesday, July 30th
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Migration & Peter Pan (2003)

Back to School $12.99 Haircut Specials!
Date:  Tuesday, July 30th
Time: 9:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Cutting Up Salon/ Spa
Price: $12.99 (Haircut Only) Wash, Color, & Styling Separate.

American Sign Language Class
Date: Tuesday, July 30th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

Red Sand Project - Human Trafficking Awareness Event
Date: Tuesday, July 30th
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Westwood Community Center

Two Small Pieces of Glass
Date: Tuesday, July 30th 
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free

Wednesday, July 31st

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Migration & Peter Pan (2003)

731 Day Concert
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Catbird Studio
Price: $7.31 (Click For More Details)

Porchfest 2024
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Starting Point (Prospect Ave.)
Price: Free Entry (Food Truck & Vendor Prices Vary)
Additional Details: This Year's Houses Will Be Around Campbell Lake In Midtown Jackson. Come Out & Enjoy Free Family Friendly Music From Local Musicians, Get Food From Local Food Trucks & Enjoy The Hospitality Of The L.A.N.A Neighborhood. 

731 Day Family Water Balloon Fight
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Arlington Elementary School
Price: Free Entry (Over 7,000 Water Balloons)

731 Day Christmas in July 🎄
Date: Wednesday, July 31st
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Jackson
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: 30+ Vendors, Food Trucks, Sales & So Much More! 

Thursday, August 1st

Empire Theaters8 (Free Movie Nights)
Date: Thursday, August 1st
Time: 10:00AM 
Location: Empire Theaters 8
Movies: Migration & Peter Pan (2003)

Friday, August 2nd

Two Small Pieces of Glass
Date: Friday, August 2nd
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once Show Starts.

AMP Concert Series: Magi
Date: Friday, August 2nd
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The AMP
Price: Free Entry

August Hub City Flea Market
Date: Friday, August 2nd
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry

Saturday, August 3rd

Back To School Bash
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: The AMP
Price: Free Entry (Food Vendor Prices May Vary)
Additional Details: Free School Supplies, Music, Food & Craft Vendors & More.

Teen Cuisine (Learn How To Cook & Get Some Tasty Bites.)
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free (Register Here)

Farmers / Flea Market
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Free Entry (Item Prices Vary)

Rounds and Grounds - 5 Years Anniversary At The Range
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: The Range
Price: Free Entry (Item Prices Vary)
Additional Details: Misfit Militia Coffee Will Be On Site To Help Fuel The Event.

Jackson Sports Cards & Collectibles Show
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: VFW Post 1848
Price: Free Entry

Hopeful Hearts 5K Run/Walk
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: Gene Record Memorial Park
Price: Early Registration ($25)  Late Registration ($35)
Additional Details: All Proceeds Go To The Non Profit Hopeful Hearts Which Helps Couples With Fertility & Adoption Assistance. 

Back To School Bash
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: T R White Sportsplex
Price: Free Entry (Food Vendor Prices May Vary)
Additional Details: Free School Supplies, Free Student Haircuts, Bike Giveaway, Door Prizes, Food, Gaming Truck & so much more.

August Hub City Flea Market
Date: Saturday, August 3rd
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds 
Price: Free Entry

Sunday, August 4th

August Hub City Flea Market
Date: Sunday, August 4th
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry