By Gary Perkins
I would like to use these Chamber Notes to recognize and give thanks to the many individuals and businesses that had a hand in the very successful “Smokin’ the Fort-BBQ and Bluegrass Festival,” that we just completed.
I am always fearful that when I do this, I undoubtedly leave someone out, and for that I apologize.
First, I’d like to recognize the committee, which met every Tuesday since early August, and put the plans in motion that resulted in our successful event. They included: Chairman Brad Clinkenbeard, Linda Clinkenbeard, Steve Woods, Don Lewis, Paula Clinkenbeard, Gabe Mosteller, Charly Mosteller, Cody Cook, Donny Cook, Mike Williams, Steven Hill, Cheryl Hill, Tonia Cooper, Kathy Perkins, Kathy Carson, Don Foster, and myself.
There were several others who stopped by on occasion and gave some input and recommendations.
Sponsorships, in the way of cash or merchandise, came from: Brad and Linda Clinkenbeard; Steve Clinkenbeard/Clinkenbeard Agency; Fort Gibson State Bank; Donald R. Lewis, attorney at law; Muskogee Ready Mix; Cook & Associates; Armstrong Bank; Fort Gibson Nursing Home; Terry Burrows, BCI; Tractor Supply Co.; E-Z Mart; Frito Lay; SonBurst Graphics; Ruth Kelly Studio and Imaging; Oklahoma Natural Gas; Jim and Phillip Kizzia; Old Fort Women’s Club; Doug Burt, Charlie’s Chicken; Petco; Fort Gibson School Cafeteria bakers; the Town of Fort Gibson for their attention to the streets and crowd control; and the Fort Gibson Chamber of Commerce. Again, if I have left anyone off, I apologize.
I want to give special thanks to those that worked the chamber booth, both Friday night and all day Saturday. Without their tireless dedication and support, we would not have been able to keep up with the crowds, and demand for taster kits, food, drinks, Christmas ornaments, cookies, T-shirts, and pies that we were selling. They included chief cook and server, Steve Woods, along with Kathy Perkins, Kathy Carson, Cheryl Hill, and Tonia Cooper. And, for single-handedly the Kids Corner, special thanks to Linda Clinkenbeard. We sold a record 680 taster kits, along with countless numbers of water and sodas. We would also like to thank the Old Fort Women’s Club for helping us sell the water and soda. Also, thanks to Paula Clinkenbeard and Pat Clinkenbeard, who supervised the blowups.
I am also happy to report that we have sold more than $1,000 worth of Christmas ornaments, many of those sales coming on Saturday, at the event. A side note … if you haven’t purchased your ornament already, better stop by Scott’s Pharmacy, SonBurst Graphics, Granny’s Porch, or the chamber office and get yours. They are going fast. The dual 2008/2009 sets that sold for $25, are almost sold out.
Also, a special thanks to the bands, who performed excellently throughout the entire event. They included the Sand Creek Band, SpringStreet Band, The Park Family and the Rockin’ Acoustic Circus. Everyone enjoyed the music and it added to the excitement of all the festivities. And finally, a special thanks to Cody Cook and the Kansas City Barbecue Society, for their bringing their barbecue cooks to our inaugural event. Next year, we plan on making it a “sanctioned” event, that promises to triple the number of participants we have, which also gets it listed on a national level of competition. The committee has already met to cover the notes from this year’s event and start the planning process for next year. It promises to become one of those type of events that will become a staple in Fort Gibson and put us on the map for the best barbecue and bluegrass around. The decision has already been made to hold this event the last Friday and Saturday of October, each year, so mark your calendars now.
One last comment is on the upcoming Starlight Christmas Parade, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. Lineup will begin at 6 p.m., at the Church of Christ parking lot (a change from previous years), and this year’s theme is “Family Traditions”. Our grand marshals are Dick Faurot, TV 6 weatherman, along with Tara Vreeland, TV 6 weekend anchor. There will also be a special “Tree Lighting” ceremony at Centennial Park, at 6:30 p.m, prior to the parade. Don’t miss this always-fun Christmas tradition in Fort Gibson.
