— A quick note to remind everyone of our big July Fourth Fireworks Show scheduled for tonight at the high school stadium. Admission is free, and we will have a short opening ceremony with the customary Posting of the Colors, prayer and National Anthem sung by Carrigan Bradley.

Good patriotic music will be played, and Tim Smith and his American Legion buddies will be selling T-shirts and stuff.

Also, any of the local churches are invited to set up booths for fund-raising. The school concession stand will not be open, but the public bathrooms will be.

It'll be hot, so bring your own drinks (no alcohol, of course) and pads to sit on. The fireworks usually get going around 9:15 p.m., as soon as it gets dark enough to really enjoy the displays.

Families are welcome to sit in the stands, or bring lawn chairs and sit around the area.

The area to the east of the stadium and the soccer fields will be closed to the public because of the display set-ups and firing.

As in years past, the fireworks show is a good one and has grown over the years, with primary financing coming from the Town of Fort Gibson and Fort Gibson State Bank, and additional help coming from Cherokee Nation, OG&E, Armstrong Bank, and the Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce.

Don't miss this great family event as we celebrate Independence Day and the freedoms we enjoy.

Our Weekly Chamber Luncheons have been going very well, despite the fact that many of our regulars have been on vacation or are tied up with other summer projects.

For the month of June, we met at the Courtyard Bistro each Thursday, and this past week the following were there: Jerry and Barbara Jackson, Sue Edwards, Kathy Perkins, Justin Young, Derald Glover, Linda Clinkenbeard, Justin and Whitney Calvert, with 3-month-old son Anderson and myself.

We appreciate the good food and great service we received this past month at the Bistro. For the month of July, we will move to Simple Simon's Pizza, so come join us every Thursday at 11:30.

It is a good time to catch up on all the going-ons around town, along with other fun conversation. Bring a friend and join us.

One final word about our weekly Farmer's Market, also being held each Thursday from 3-7 p.m., at the parking lot in front of Fajita Rita's.

Despite the heat, several of our regular vendors have shown up to sell their wares.

We are in the process of trying to move the weekly event to a more compatible location, and I will let everyone know if and when that is accomplished.

For now, check it out at the old Spencer's Corner parking lot in front of Fajita Rita's. Remember, there is no vendor or booth fee for those who want to sell their fruits and vegetables, plants, food stuffs or other new items.