“It will be a Jubilee.” Russell Heater of Raleigh, N.C., spoke these words as he announced his concept for the event now known throughout the industry as the South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee. Under Heater's leadership, the first Jubilee was held in 1955 at Carolina Beach, N.C. For 50 years, Heater's vision of a drilling industry event, emphasizing both business and family relationships, has prevailed. The Jubilee was, and still is, the industry's “family affair.” The celebration of the Jubilee's 50th anniversary is July 30-Aug. 2, 2005 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The 2005 Jubilee is designed as a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Jubilee and as a salute to the well drilling industry. It will feature historical exhibits on industry products and technologies as well as the families that make up our industry.

Educational opportunities abound at this year's Jubilee, and they include these special offerings that require pre-registration:

• Water Quality Association Exams, Monday, Aug. 1, 2pm-5pm. Contact Ann Parassidi at 630-505-0160.

• The HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher (OSHA), Saturday, July 30, from 8:30am-5pm. Contact: Jane Cain at 540-740-3329.

• South Carolina Licensing Exam, Monday, Aug. 1, from 2pm-5pm. Telephone 803-896-4430.

• NGWA Exams, Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 1:15pm-3:15pm. Call 800-551-7379 to register.

In addition, there will be 25-plus classes including: down hole video techniques, electronic detection of ground water, common drilling company insurance losses, electrical safety, pump installation and repair, well rehabilitation, conjunctive use and sustainability, and many more.

Each year on Monday night, the Jubilee Board of Directors sponsors the Worth Pickard Picnic, a meal event (now indoors) that's open to anyone who is registered for the Jubilee. The directors greet each adult who attends the picnic as they give out prize tickets that are for drawings throughout the evening.

Headlining the after-dinner program is one of the South's favorite comedians and storytellers, Carl Hurley. You will definitely enjoy his gentle, down-home humor and his tales of growing up in Appalachia. Mr. Hurley appeared at the Jubilee in 1994, and everyone who saw his performance agreed that he is an outstanding performer. The annual Horse Shoe Pitching contest follows the meal and the entertainment.

For details, call 540-740-3329 or visit the Jubilee Web site at www.well-drillers.com.
ND