— By Gary Perkins, Chamber director

Definitely the highlight of this past week was the rain that we have received and continue to receive.

What a great relief to our parched land. Hopefully, and again prayerfully, we hope the rain will continue until deep-rooted trees can be nourished and burn-bans lifted.

Other than the rain, the week has been relatively quiet. Hopefully many of you had the opportunity to stop by Simple Simon's Pizza this past Thursday evening and “meet and greet” several of the bass pros, who were here for the big PAA Fishing Tournament held at Three Forks Harbor and the Arkansas River.

We've all seen many of their great fishing rigs being pulled around our town and the area. Several of the pros are staying at Fort Gibson's Discover Harbor RV Park, and thanks to the efforts of Doss Briggs, agreed to stop by Simple Simon's Pizza this past Thursday and allow spectators to see their rigs up-close-and-personal and talk to the pros about fishing.

We also thank Jim Huggins for allowing them to use his parking area for the occasion. The tournament goes on, rain or shine, and we wish them all great success.

 Our Weekly Chamber Luncheon continues to be very successful. For the month of September we are meeting at 11:30 a.m. each Thursday at Abner's BBQ at 700 N. Lee St.

This past week we enjoyed the company of Tim Smith, Dallas Cox, Mark Young, Justin Young, Cheryl Hill, Tonia Cooper, Denise Bain, Rhonda Lee, Kathy Perkins, Sue Edwards, Will Crawford and myself.

The place was full, not only with our group, but also Larry Dale Cooper with the local EMS crew and Jeremy Rhoden with several of his associates — all enjoying the barbecue delights of Abner Miller.

We are glad to see his restaurant doing so well. For the month of October, we will move our weekly luncheon to the new Subway.

Come join us and experience the fun.

And finally, a shout-out for the 4th annual “Smokin' the Fort — BBQ & bluegrass Festival,” scheduled for Oct. 26-27.

Festivities begin with Friday night's Meet the Cooks party, Kids Que and Anything Goes competition, along with music for dancing or just listening at Centennial Park.

Also Friday evening, we are inviting any local church or club to set up a vendor booth for fund-raising or just passing out information.

There is no charge for Friday evening's invitation.

Again, Friday evening's vendor invitation is for local churches and clubs only.

Saturday will be filled with great Bluegrass music, fantastic barbecue, and a variety of merchandise and other food vendors.

The “Tasters’ Choice” competition will give spectators the chance to fill up on all the great variety of barbecue delights.

And this year's new T-shirt design will grab the attention of everyone. Information on participating in any of the competitions or vendor information for Saturday's event are all on line at fortgibson.com, or by giving me a call at (918) 478-4780 or (918) 577-2069 or fortgibson@sbcglobal.net. Don't miss this year's great annual event.