We are sorry to have to announce, that our 5K and One Mile Fun Run, scheduled for Aug. 25, have been cancelled. There were several factors outside of our control contributing to the decision to pull the race, at least for this year. It is hopeful that the run will be reinstated next year, with possibly a different course, and combined with a 10K run, as well. We are sorry for this cancellation, especially for those local runners who look forward to this run each year. It was one of those tough decisions that the Board had to make, after carefully reviewing all the facts and circumstances surrounding event. The decision was based on both financial and participation factors. Taking part in the discussion, and voting to cancel the run, was Board President Linda Clinkenbeard and Board members Justin Young, Steve Woods, Pat Green, Tonia Cooper, Cheryl Hill and Kathy Perkins.

Our Weekly Chamber Luncheons have been going very well, and for the month of August, we will be meeting at Fajita Rita’s each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. This past week, we had Mitzi Bradley, Derald Glover, Linda Clinkenbeard, Mark Young, Justin Young, Lisa Clayton, Kathy Perkins, Rhonda Lee, Tonia Cooper, Denise Bain, and myself. Fire Chief Larry Dale Cooper and new Fort Gibson Chief of Police Clint Vernon were also present, but an emergency call sent them running before they could meet all of our attendees. These are always fun and very casual get-togethers, with no planned structure, other than good conversation, and good association with friends. There is no membership requirement, or pressure of any kind for those attending the luncheon. Just good times. So, if you haven’t joined us for awhile, Fajita Rita’s is a great place to get back in the swing. We’ll look forward to seeing you each Thursday at 11:30.

We also held a BBQ Committee meeting this past week, with Brad Clinkenbeard, Mike Williams, Linda Clinkenbeard, Cheryl Hill, Steve Woods, Kathy Perkins, Justin Young, new member Alissa Hill, and myself. All of the necessary paperwork has been forwarded to KCBS, including our liability agreement, and prize money guarantee. Over 30 KCBS certified judges have been secured, for the event, and word is getting around to the teams that make up the KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctioned event. To aid in getting the word out, Alissa Hill has opened a facebook page, detailing many of the attributes of the event, along with deadlines, entry information, information about Fort Gibson, and the great event that “Smokin the Fort-BBQ & Bluegrass Festival” actually is. This year, it is scheduled for Friday evening and all day Saturday, October 26-27. You can find and “like” the facebook page by entering “Smokin’ the Fort-BBQ & Bluegrass Festival". Thanks Alissa, for helping to bring the new age of social technology to the chamber.

The heat and drought has played havoc on the weekly Fort Gibson Farmer’s Market, but we will keep the offer to use the site at Langston Park open, each Thursday, from 3 to 7 p.m. for any of those who wish to do so.