— Do any of you have an old recliner hanging around that you have been wondering what to do with?

Good news — this year's “Smokin' the Fort-BBQ & Bluegrass Festival,” scheduled for October 28-29, will feature a “Recliner Race.”

If you recall, the first year of the event, we featured a Schooner Race, and last year it was the Toilet Seat Race. This year it will be a Recliner Race. That means you can convert your favorite comfortable chair to a slick race machine — just add some wheels and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

The barbecue event has continued to grow each year, with this year's edition already receiving the Governor's Proclamation, as “Smokin' the Fort-BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Day” in Oklahoma.

It has also been named the State's Championship BBQ Event, by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS). The barbecue committee is also planning many more great happenings to enhance this year's contest.

Those involved in the Taster's Choice Competition can cook or prepare their meat off-site. Last year, it had to be cooked on-site.

Also, there will be no booth fee for those involved in the Taster's Choice Competition.

Of course, the certified barbecuers will still be under the same on-site preparation requirements that are required by KCBS.

For the KCBS competitors, there are four categories: Chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket.

All must be cooked on hardwood smokers, under very stringent rules.

For the Taster's Choice Competition, we will furnish both chicken and brisket for preparation. They may also bring their own meat to enhance their chances of winning cash prizes.

Taster kits will be available, and the public will determine who wins.

Certified KCBS judges will choose the winners of the Certified Competition.

As in years past, the event will kick off on Friday evening with a “Meet the Cooks” party, which will feature food, music, and other surprises.

Kickoff will begin around 6 p.m. Cooking will continue throughout the night, and finally wrap up on Saturday afternoon with presentation of the awards.

In addition to the mentioned Recliner Race, we will also hold pie-eating contests, costume contests, and much more.

Don't miss this great family event. Our Weekly Chamber Luncheons are going very well. For the month of August, we are meeting at the Classic Kitchen in downtown Fort Gibson at 11:30 a.m. each Thursday.

Anyone and everyone is invited to participate.

This past week, we enjoyed the company of Budo Perry, David Perry, Steve Clinkenbeard, Tonia Cooper, Denise Cooper, Russell Bain, Megan Bain, Paula Foster, Valerie Ferguson, Justin Young, and myself.

The food is always great, and the company even better. It is amazing what little tidbits of information you can learn at these very informal luncheons.

This past week, Budo dedicated himself to finding a soulmate for young Megan. Megan, however, didn't seem to be overly excited about Budo's offer of involvement.

Want to know who is moving into the new construction on South Lee Street near the medical center? Come to the luncheon, and we will fill you in on all the latest news — and some “maybes,”

I want to remind everyone of the big 15th Annual Historic Fort Gibson 5K and Mile Fun Run, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Aug. 27.

Entry is only $15, and you can sign up early at the race, or pick up entry forms from the chamber, SonBurst Graphics, of Fort Gibson State Bank.

The Cherokee Nation's Wings Organization is participating, and that means that we should have well over 300 runners involved.

The race is USATF certified, and logistics are handled by Glen's Road Race Service in Tulsa.

Trophies and medals are given out to winners from all the various age and gender categories.

Sponsorships are still available for the minimum donation of $100, and that will get your name on the back of the T-shirts, which are given out to all the runners.

It is a great way to show your support of this great event.

For additional information, give me a call at (918) 478-4780 or (918) 577-2069.