It has been a very busy week, but not much new information to share. I would like to thank Rene and Maria Corral, owners of Fajita Rita’s, for their hospitality the month of April, as we held our Weekly Chamber Luncheon there. The past couple week, we had good turnouts, with the following attending this casual get-together: Mark and Sherry Young, Mike and Bette Bradley, Myra Cookson, Tonia Cooper, Denise Bain, Paula Foster, Melody Kennicutt, Vanessa Workman, Debbie Cooper, Cheryl Hill, Al Stevens, Derald Glover, Steve Clinkenbeard, Chance Clinkenbeard, and myself. We continue to talk about ways we can impact our community in a positive way. As mentioned in the past, cleanup has been the number one topic, which just boils down to having pride in our community. The next most prevalent topic has been the desire for a local newspaper that covers all of Fort Gibson’s activities, most importantly school sports and related events. While we appreciate the work that is currently being done by Liz McMahan and the Times staff, we miss the pictures and local coverage we used to have when the paper was located in our town. It would require a circulation of much more than the paper currently has to make this happen, however. Next month (May), we will move our Weekly Chamber Luncheon to the Courtyard Bistro. Join us on Thursdays, at 11:30. We know you will enjoy the experience, plus get to know others in the community.

Plans continue for our first Historic Fort Gibson Golf Tournament, scheduled for May 17, at Pecan Valley Golf Course, here in Fort Gibson. Signup sheets for this 4-person scramble are available at the chamber office or at the course itself. For additional information, contact myself at 478-4780 or 577-2069, or Cliff Garrett at 478-9774. Cost is $50 per person, which includes 18 holes, a cart, lunch, a T-shirt, and a chance for cash prizes and other fun giveaways. We encourage all local businesses to form a foursome and participate. Skill level is not a requirement, we just want everyone to come out and have a great time.

I also want to remind everyone that beginning the week of Memorial Day, May 26, we will be recognizing one local resident with a “Neighborhood Pride” award. This will continue, weekly, thru Labor Day. This award will go to the property that demonstrates an effort to really show off their community or neighborhood pride, by the way they present their home and yard. This could apply to a business as well. Besides being recognized in the newspaper, we will also place a small sign in the yard, signifying the weekly winner. It is anticipated that the Old Fort Women’s Club will be helping us with this award.

Also on the calendar, the 14th Annual Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show, is scheduled for June 13- 14. This is always a great event for the community, which brings many visitors and some spectacular vehicles to our town. This is a “must attend” for all car buffs and enthusiasts. For the kids we will have a giant inflatable pony and castle from Space Walk of Muskogee. In all, this event is always fun for the entire family, featuring all the entries, vendors, great food, and entertainment. Also on the calendar is the Annual July 4th Show and Fireworks Display, at the high school stadium, on July 4th. In August, we will feature the 12th Annual Historic Fort Gibson 5K Run and One Mile Fun Run. More information on these future events will follow, as we get closer to the date. If you want any additional information on any of the chamber-sponsored events, please give me a call at the chamber office. Once again, the number here is 478-4780 or 577-2069.