Author: Osage City Chamber

It is the time of year again when we start planning for the annual Christmas on Market Street event. So many of you have great ideas, are great at planning events, and genuinely want to see our community continue to thrive. The theme for this year’s event is “Treasured Memories” which will be fun to work with, and the theme can go in so many directions as to your actual treasured memories.

Now that the fair parade is over, we will begin planning for the annual Christmas on Market Street event. The event will held Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, which sounds like a long time from now, but will be here before we know it. We would love to make this year the best event we have had so far.

If any of you have any ideas or are interested in helping plan, please let me know. We have some traditional events that need someone new to take over. We need lots of volunteer help. We also are interested in any new events you might like to add. If you own a business or are part of a community group, this is a great time for you to be a part of a fun community event. Let’s get together and make this great.

Christmas on Market Street events will include the annual raffle, parade, chili cook off and Kiwanis breakfast.

An organizational meeting for anyone wanting to volunteer will be at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23, at Artfully Quilted by Barbs. Call Jeanette Swarts at 785-249-5451 if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce served concessions at the baseball concession stand July 5-7. A variety of food items other than the items furnished by the Osage City Parks and Recreation were served. Food items that Chamber members donated were frozen grapes, baby carrots with ranch dressing, sloppy Joes, walking tacos, chili, cookies, brownies, root beer floats, ice tea and ice. A new suggestion and was a big hit this year which was grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. The aroma of the hamburgers grilling got the attention of the hungry parents and ball players, thus kept the grill going most of the evening!

The Chamber would like to thank members Jan Ogleby, Jeanette Swarts, Diane Michael, Kathy Ayers, Julie Carlson, Vida Lewis, Jim Lohmeyer, Casey Mussatto, Tara Azwell, Nancy Washburn, Jeanette Stromgren, Vintage Park, Ann Lusk, COF, Thelma and Joe Humerickhouse, and Robyn Williams for their contribution of either food items or working at the concession stand. Would also like to thank Richard Swarts for keeping the grill going. The success from the events are measured by the support and enthusiasm from everyone and we did have a successful three days and the proceeds go back to the Chamber.

A ribbon cutting and grand opening was held June 27, 2017, at Garrett’s Fireworks. Garrett Fireworks is a family owned and operated business located in Osage City, Kan. They wholesale nationwide and are the largest importer of Grand Patriot and Lil Patriot Fireworks in the United States. They are proud to announce the opening of a fireworks super store located in Osage City. They offer competitive prices, high quality and are leaders in innovative products. Visit their website at www.garrettsfireworks.com

By Jeanette Swarts

The Osage County Fair Board worked hard this year to have this as one of the best fairs so far. Weather issues created some delays throughout the week, however, Jeff Pearson, fair board president, indicated that this year was the largest attendance. The fair had an increase in vendors, 4H livestock exhibits, and antique tractors.

Activities this year went from Wednesday, June 28, through Sunday, July 2, 2017, and included exhibits, 4H activities and competition, Chamber of Commerce parade, carnival, family fun night, pet shows, barnyard olympics, outdoor movie, antique tractor show and pull, kids pedal tractor pull, barn dance, ice cream social, concert and fireworks. Osage City’s own chef Rita Ford stepped in and gave an interesting and entertaining cooking demonstration.

A huge thank you to the organizers of the spectacular fireworks display. It was a grand finale to a week of community support and involvement. Looking forward to another great fair week in 2018.

The annual Osage County Fair parade, sponsored by the Osage City Chamber of Commerce, was Thursday, June 29, 2017. The theme for the parade this year was “Summertime Fun”.

Diane Michael, parade chairman, coordinated a variety of entries including the mounted color guard and 1st Division Infantry Band from Ft. Riley, Boy Scouts, emergency vehicles, including the city and county law enforcement, ambulance and fire department, parade marshal Ann Lusk, and Mr. and Mrs. Osage City Richard and Jeanette Swarts, floats, golf carts and ATVs, band, politicians, and horses.

The float entry awards were presented as follows: Conklin Plumbing, first place, $125; Friends of Pomona State Park, Going Retro, second place, $100; RCIL, third place, $75; Osage City Middle School cheerleaders, fourth place, $50. The golf cart and ATV entry awards went to: Osage City-Great Life Golf Course, first place, $30; Jody Lohmeyer Stark, State Farm Insurance, second place, $20; First National Bank of Osage City, third place, $10. The high school band competition first place prize of $100 was presented to  the Osage City High School band.

As Diane Michael stated, we are hoping that next year there will be more involvement of floats, school bands, etc., thus there will be have a larger parade for 2018. Your support contributes to the growth of our community.

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce and Diane Michael, Parade Committee Chairman would like to take this opportunity to thank those that participated in the 2017 Osage County Fair Parade. Everyone that attended the parade seemed to have a good time and enjoyed the entries.

Richard and Jeanette Swarts represented Osage City in the  2017 Osage County Fair Parade as Mr. and Mrs. Osage City. They said they feel very honored and appreciative and would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for selecting them.

Richard has been a life-long resident of Osage City. After high school graduation, he attended Flint Hills Vo-Tech, studying automotive. He has held a variety of employment including DuPont, Buzz’s Automotive, co-owner of Buzz’s Automotive, and Kansas Department of Transportation. Upon retiring from KDOT, he now assists his brother-in-law with his farming operation.

Jeanette grew up in Burlingame and moved to Osage City after they got married. After high school graduation, she received a business-secretarial degree from Emporia State University. Retirement in 2012 concluded a combination 40 years of service with Hallmark Cards and Kansas State High School Activities Association. Jeanette has enjoyed supporting the community, where she has served on the school board for 12 years, recreation commission for 12 years, and treasurer for the Osage City Country Club. Jeanette continues and is enjoying the opportunity to serve Osage City as executive director for the Osage City Chamber of Commerce and Third Ward representative on the Osage City Council.

The couple is always looking for ways to improve and support the community. On June 28, they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Together, Richard and Jeanette’s hobbies include attending car shows and traveling. They are active with the Twin Lakes Cruisers Car Group and organizing the annual Cruis’n and Cook’n Car Show. They enjoy spending time at The Lodge, in Branson, Mo., and attending Kansas State Football games as season ticket holders. They also enjoy spending time with their two sons, Shawn, Baker, Mont, and Ty and Jill, Shawnee, Kan., five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and four step-great grandchildren.

Longtime Osage City resident Ann Lusk was chosen as the 2017 Osage County Fair parade grand marshal.

Ann said that she is very honored and pleased to be asked to be the grand marshal. Osage City has always been an important place to her. She was born in a hospital in Osage City and lived on a farm near Olivet (now under the Melvern Lake). Osage City was the town where they went to buy tractors, groceries and clothes. She also enjoyed the skating rink and the regional basketball tournament.

After Harold and she were married, they opened a DeSoto dealership on Market Street. They bought the house where she lives now and where their children, James and Luree, grew up.

Harold was sheriff of Osage County and later chief of law enforcement for Kansas Fish and Game. When he retired, they began buying rental houses, of which Lusk Properties now has 25 rental houses in Osage City.

Ann has been president of many organizations, including Sorosis, Mothers’ Study Club, and Osage City PTA, and has been treasurer of just about everything. Ann said, “In 89 years you get a lot of things done.”

Ann said she would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce for choosing her to be the parade grand marshal and it will be a treasured memory.

Click here or the schedule above for a printable version. See www.osagecountyfair.org for more information.

Ladies, Gentlemen, Clubs, Organizations and Individuals,

I would like to invite you to participate in our fun filled “Summertime Fun” Parade. You may enter a float, truck, car, ATV/Golf Cart (age at least 17yrs to drive in parade), anything you feel would be fun and the people along the parade route would like to see. Also there is prize money in two different catagories. There is a float judging and an ATV – Golf Cart judging. Prize money is 1st – $125.00, 2nd – $100.00, 3rd – $75.00 and 4th – $50.00 for the float catagory. ATV – Golf Cart prize money is 1st – $30.00, 2nd – $20.00 & 3rd-$10.00.

It’s always fun for the crowd to wave at the entries and for the parade participants to wave back, throw candy and just make people smile!! A fun evening to forget troubles and just have a great time!!!

This years theme is “Summertime Fun.” It is a wide open catagory. Whatever you feel “Summertime Fun” is. Whether it is vacation, boating, fishing, camping, swimming, golfing, the races, barbeque in the backyard or baseball the ideas are open to your imagination!!! It will be fun to see what everyone thinks of as “Summertime Fun.”

Let’s make this year’s Osage County Fair Parade one of the best we’ve seen. I know it’s possible with the participation of all of the fabulous businesses, organizations, clubs, schools and individual people we have in this area!!!

Attached is an entry form for you to fill out and send to me. If you prefer e-mail, call, or text me, with your information and I will fill a form out for you. The “Summertime Fun” parade is on June 29th, parade begins at 6:30. Line up for judging of floats, ATVS & Golf Carts is 5:30. All other entries be ready and in your designatd line up spot in the parade by 6:15 at the latest!!

Thank you so much for taking time to read this letter and I’m thanking you in advance for your participation in our “Summertime Fun” parade.

Diane Michael
510 Holliday Street, Osage City, KS 66523
785-608-2277
m.diane27@yahoo.com

Click this form for a printable pdf version:

By Jeanette Swarts, Chamber Executive Director

The following compilation notes the themes of Osage County Fair parades since 1997, along with whom was honored as Mr. and Mrs. Osage City and parade grand marshal, if one was named. The Osage City Chamber of Commerce has traditionally set the theme of the fair parade and selected Mr. and Mrs. Osage City and the parade grand marshal.

2017 – June 28-July 1

• Parade Theme: “Summertime Fun”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Richard and Jeanette Swarts
• Parade Marshal: Ann Lusk

2016 – June 28-July 2

• Parade Theme: “Remember When”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Dave and Tara Azwell
• Parade Marshal: Arlo Bell

2015 – June 24-27

• Parade Theme: “The Dog Days of Summer”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Willie and Sue Atchison
• Parade Marshal: Julie Carlson

2014 – June 26-28

• Parade Theme: “Celebrate Lake Fever”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Jim and Gail Lohmeyer and Lohmeyer Families
• Parade Marshal: Mel Croucher

2013 – July 10-13

• Parade Theme: “Songs of Summer”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Craig and Jan Ogleby
• Parade Marshal: Cathryn Houghton

2012 – July 5-7

• Parade Theme: “Dreaming of Disney”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Casey and Cheryl Mussatto
• Parade Marshal: Nancy Washburn

2011 – July 6-9

• Parade Theme: “150 Years of Kansas”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Humbert and Darlene Rosetta
• Parade Marshal: Wayne Jones

2010 – July 8-10

• Parade Theme: “All American Summer”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Jim and Bertie Towle
• Parade Marshal: Martha Colstrom

2009 – July 22-29

• Parade Theme: “Osage City Going Green”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Al and Lois Parks
• Parade Marshal: Carolyn Nordling

2008 – July 12-16

• Parade Theme: “Holidays”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Primo and Carmen Chavez
• Parade Marshal: Lorraine Iona Smiley

2007 – July 14-18

• Parade Theme: “Favorite Movies”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Al and Flossie Duffey
• Parade Marshal: Eldora Thompson

2006 — ??

• Parade Theme: “Gold Old Days”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Chuck and Eileen Schroeder
• Parade Marshal: Pat Lyon-Emporia, UPS Driver-Osage City Area

2005 – August 14-17

• Parade Theme: “1945…The Beginning”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Leland and Reba Olson
• Parade Marshal: Edwin and Ilene Mueller

2004 – July 10-15

• Parade Theme: “Right On Track”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Wayne and Marie Jones
• Parade Marshal: Joe and Maxine Sahlberg

2003 – August 10-13

• Parade Theme: “These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Bill and Mary Lou Estes
• Parade Marshal: Jerry Tudgay

2002 – August 11-14

• Parade Theme: “American Pride”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Mike and Patti Gilliland
• Parade Marshal: Steve Haller

2001 – August 12-15

• Parade Theme: “Through The Eyes Of A Child”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Joe and Thelma Humerickhouse
• Parade Marshal: Oren Wendt

2000 – August 13-16

• Parade Theme: “Century Celebration”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Bud and Janet Steinle
• Parade Marshal: Steve Kellison

1999 – August 14-18

• Parade Theme: “Our Living History In The 1990’s”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Gale and Rose Marie Cook
• Parade Marshal: N/A

1998 – August 10-12

• Parade Theme: “Books-Making Stories Come To Life”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Wayne and Marie Jones
• Parade Marshal: N/A

1997 – August 10-13

• Parade Theme: “Friendship”
• Mr. and Mrs. Osage City: Dwight and Marilyn Adams
• Parade Marshal: Kan-Build Employees (John Samples)

Come join the fun … Osage County Fair Parade, Osage City

• June 29 – 6:30 p.m.
• Kid’s Parade – June 29 – 6:00 p.m.
• Starting at Fourth & Market, vacant lot next to Branine Chevrolet-Buick, proceed to Seventh & Market
• Decorated Floats,  Golf Carts,  ATV’s
• Bands,  Shriners
• Fire Trucks
• Emergency Vehicles
• Horses

For parade entry information, Contact: Diane Michael, 785-608-2277, or m.diane27@yahoo.com.

Canceled

Due to the inclement weather, the Osage City Chamber Of Commerce annual mixer to be held Saturday, January 14, at the Santa Fe Depot, has been canceled. The event has not been rescheduled at this time. For more information, contact Jeanette Swarts, Chamber Executive Director at osagecitychamber@gmail.com.

The 2016 Christmas on Market committee would like to thank all of the businesses that generously donated toward the event. Businesses support & community participation creates successful events.
The Osage City Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone that attended the 2016 Christmas on Market event. It was a great sight to see Santa parachute. Throughout the day, many spectators enjoyed the various activities including the 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Friends of the Osage City Library, Osage County Senior Center sewing projects, Osage City Pride Committee, Retail poker, Craft show, Living Nativity, Emergency Services Showcase, Story Time, Gingerbread House Building/Santa visits, Chili Cook-Off & Feed, Raffle Drawing, Lighted Parade, Downtown Lighting.
The raffle drawing was well attended. There was approximately $3,400 of merchandise generously donated by the businesses for the raffle.

Winners of the 2016 Christmas on Market events are:
Window Decorating, 8 Entries:
1st – Artfully Quilted by Barb’s
2nd – Landmark National Bank – Designed by COF Training Services
3rd – Ramblin Rose
Sowers Pub & Grub, Schroeder Drugs, Osage Hardware, Osage County Herald-Chronicle, Edward Jones Investments
Retail Poker:
1st – Debbie Rinzler
2nd – Jennifer Traphagan
3rd – Becky Siljenberg
Chili Cook-Off, 10 Entries:
1st – Linda Getsinger
2nd – Jay Bailey
3rd – Mandi Potter
PARADE
Float Winners:
1st – Osage City Willing Workers 4-H Club
2nd – Hometown Health Care Home Health Agency
3rd – JP Tree Service
ATV/Golf Cart Winners:
1st – Cameron’s Pumpkin Patch
2nd – State Farm – Jodi Lohmeyer-Stark Agency
5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Female –
18 and Under
1st Place-Isabella Melgren, 24:12.5
2nd Place-Emma Theel, 35:14.1
3rd Place-Allison Sloop, 36:00.6
Stark Campbell, Callie Lane, Dallie Senft, Taylin Kirkpatrick
19-39
1st Place-Darcy Keefe, 25:14.0
2nd Place-Jodi Stark, 34:47.9
3rd Place-Carly Spicer, 36:18.4
40-55
1st Place-Jane Weiler, 24:28.9
2nd Place-Carrie Lingenfelter, 28:12.9
3rd Place-Jessi Kirkpatrick, 45:40.0
56 and Up
1st Place-Jan Briggs, 37:40.0
2nd Place-Kim Bosworth, 42:23.4
3rd Place-Julie Carlson, 50:08.4

Male –
18 and Under
1st Place-Justin Melgren, 19:34.7
2nd Place-Tanner Theel, 23:28.4
3rd Place-Konrad Carlson, 24:09.4
Nosh Lohmeyer, Quenten Stark, Lincoln Theel
19-39
1st Place-Erick Punches, 20:50.0
2nd Place-No Entry
3rd Place-No Entry
40-55
1st Place- No Entry
2nd Place- No Entry
3rd Place- No Entry
56 and Up
1st Place-Jim Griffin, 23:15.2
2nd Place- No Entry
3rd Place- No Entry

Saturday, November 26, 6:00 pm – 2016 Christmas on Market Parade  Theme – Legends, Rails & Jingle Bells

The parade will top off an event filled day of great food, activities including a live nativity, craft show, building a gingerbread house, visits with Santa, chili cook-off, meeting emergency personnel, raffle, etc.

The parade committee’s anticipation is that the parade will include floats, decorated golf carts & ATV’s, cars, specialty entries, etc.  The parade committee would like to invite everyone to participate in the excitement of the beginning of the holiday season & be a part of the parade this year.  A new class has been added this year which will include decorated golf carts & ATV’s, light em up & have fun decorating them.

Cash prizes will be awarded for Floats – 1^st – $100; 2^nd – $75; 3^rd – $50  &  Golf Carts/ATV’s will be 1^st – $30; 2^nd – $20; 3^rd – $10.

The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the West end of town on Market Street.  Staging will begin at 5:15 p.m.  All entries are asked to enter from the West end of Market Street.  Judging will begin at 5:30.  Emergency Service vehicles will line up north on 2^nd street.

The parade will proceed east down Market street to 7^th street.  At the intersection, please turn right onto 7^th street and the parade will dissolve from there.  Please do not turn left onto 7^th street as this is not the approved route.

______________________________________________________________________________

Saturday, November 26^th, 6:00pm —  2016 Christmas on Market Parade:  Theme—Legends, Rails & Jingle Bells

NAME:                                                                                                                

ADDRESS:                                                                                                          

PHONE:                                                                                                              

ENTRY CLASS: Please circle   Float, Golf Cart, ATV, Band, Horses, Cars, Other

Deadline –  Monday, November 21

Please return entry form to: Osage City Chamber of Commerce,

PO Box 56, Osage City, KS 66523; or call Cherity Kerns 785/633-6715;

Email: osagecitychamber@gmail.com

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Holiday in our Hometown Businesses

Be sure to visit the businesses listed below & participate in their event.
8:30 am-12:00 pm — Bank of Osage City, 913 Market St, Pennies for Presents. Any child 10 years old or younger can grab as many coins as possible from our Treasure Chest. Spend the money for a little Christmas gift for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa or a sibling. Merry Christmas from the Bank of Osage City.
9:00 am-2:00 pm – Meadowlark Interiors, 630 Market St, Children’s Christmas ornaments will be available for making & decorating.
9:00 am-2:00 pm — Gubbins, 622 Market St, Build a “Living Locket” with a variety of charms for yourself or for a gift, $12.
9:00 am-2:00 pm — Vintage Park, 1403 Laing St, will be opening their Fudge Shoppe. Please stop by and support Christmas on Market Street and the Resident Activity Fund at Vintage Park at Osage City.
9:00 am-2:00 pm — Schroeder Drug, 535 Market St, Medicare Part D open enrollment. Bring your list of current medicines in & let us help with your Medicare Part D options. Our staff is trained to help make this process as easy as possible.
10:00 am-12:00 pm — McCoy’s Steren Electronics, 523 Market St, come check out the store expansion & the 2016 Toy Expo which will feature this season’s hottest toys and electronics. There will be demos & over $1,000 in giveaways. Will also be collecting for “Toys for Tots”.
10:00 am–1:00 pm — Artfully Quilted by Barb’s, 635 Market St, “Make and Take”.
10:00 am-3:00 pm — Osage County Farm Bureau Association, 509 Market St, Ag: A Pollination Party, a children’s activity which will be small projects for the kids to do inside or outside, if nice. Will also be giving away popcorn.
11:00 am-1:00 pm — Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation, Santa Fe Depot Museum will be hosting a free photo booth located at the entrance of the museum.
11:00 am- 2:00 pm — Sowers Pub & Grub, 609 Market St, will host a guessing game set up for the kids. Stop in & visit.

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Raffle Prize Drawing

Look for the raffle buckets & be sure to buy your raffle tickets at the following businesses:  Artfully Quilted by Barbs, Meadowlark Interiors, Barber Johns, Casey’s, INK, Bank of Osage City, Gubbins, Landmark Bank, Ramblin Rose, First National Bank, Osage Hardware, McCoy’s Steren Electronics.

Due to the generosity of the businesses this year, we have approximately $3,400 in merchandise for the raffle including  Gift Certificates, Vacuum, Eyeglass Frames, Miscellaneous Gift Baskets, Jackets, Bicycle, Newspaper Subscription, Wicker Cooler on Wheels, Blu-Ray/DVD Player, Fitness Center membership, Hooded Sweatshirts, Sunflower Bird Feed, Jerry’s Thriftway-Cash, Haskins Oil –Cash.  The drawing will start at 4:45 immediately after the chili feed at the Senior Center.

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Home Town Santa

Shop in your hometown, ask anyone that you meet on the street or in the businesses “Are you the Home Town Santa?”.  If you are lucky & the person you ask is the Home Town Santa, you will receive $20 in Osage City Chamber Bucks to be used locally at one of the fine businesses that serve you.

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Kiwanis Club of Osage City joins  with the USMCR and Marine Corps League for the 2016 Osage City Toys for Tots drive. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the following Osage City locations until Dec. 7, 2016: Dollar General Store, McCoy’s Steren Electronics, Osage City Elementary School Office, Osage City Library, ECKAN, State Farm Insurance. The Osage City Toy Distribution to Tots (with parent) will be at the Osage City Library Community Room, 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at .

Dear Osage City Business Owner,

We are excited to announce that planning is well under way for the 2016 Christmas on Market celebration. Once again this year we will be promoting shopping locally for the holiday season along with planning for a great day of family fun. Our theme this year will be “Christmas on Market 2016: Legends, Rails, and Jingle Bells”. We would like to invite you to be a part of this annual Osage tradition.

There are many opportunities for  businesses to be involved. This year we have created sponsorship levels to honor those individuals and business that support the event through monetary donations as well as in kind donations. Our sponsorship levels are as follows:

• Santa sponsor-$1000 or more
• Mrs. Claus sponsor-$750
• Rudolph sponsor-$500
• Elf sponsor-$250
• Frosty sponsor-$100
• Jingle Bell sponsor-$50
• Snowflake sponsor-$25

This year businesses and individuals who donate items for our auction, events and/or give monetary donations will be honored as one of our sponsors by recognition on advertising, at events, and on our sponsor banner. For example, if you donate $100 worth of prizes for the auction and then $150 monetary donation you will be considered an Elf sponsor.

Last year we began an event that involved businesses hosting events in their stores. We had over 20 businesses involved. Each offered a fun event in their store. There was a great response to these events both from the business owners and the patrons. We invite you  to open your business and  create an event to add to the festivities.

Finally, don’t forget the annual window decorating contest. More details will be announced soon for that contest.

I encourage you to like our “Osage City Christmas on Market” Facebook page or visit the Chamber website at Osagecitychamber.com for the most up-to-date information.

If you have any questions or would like your business to be represented during the 2016 Christmas on Market event please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 785-219-1566.

Best regards,

Chandra Dunbar
Osage City Christmas on Market Committee Chairperson

Submitted by Jeanette Swarts, Chamber Executive Director

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce members meeting was called to order by Chamber President Jim Lohmeyer at 12:05 p.m. July 19, 2016, at the Flint Hills Beverage hospitality room with the following in attendance: Kristen Punches, Don Shaw, Tara Azwell, Dave Azwell,  Nancy Washburn, Jodi Smith, Jeanette Swarts, Kenna Burns.

The minutes from the June. 2016 members meeting were approved on a motion from Jodi Smith, second by Kenna Burns, motion carried. An updated treasurer’s report was not available.

Summaries of the Osage County Fair Chamber sponsored successful events including the parade, 35^th Infantry Division Band, Kansas Army National Guard Rock Band, the outdoor movie. Jeanette Swarts reported that the summer ball concession stand during the week of July 5-8 was a success. The menu was a nice variety & enjoyed by participants & spectators.  There were no expenses due to the generous donations of food items & supplies.  The total revenue for the 4 days was $1,027.08.

It was determined that the Chamber of Commerce ad in the 2016-18 Osage County Guide will be a half page ad at the cost of $360. Decision was to include the events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for the ad.  The business names would not be included. The ad would have to be a full page with the addition of the businesses.

Immediately following the meeting will be a ribbon cutting at the Osage City Public Library new addition. All members were invited to help with the ribbon cutting. COF will hold a Chamber After Hours Wednesday, July 20 at 5:30  at the Osage County Senior Center.

Jim indicated the date for the 4^th annual Beer Festival will be September 24.  Any additional assistance for  helping coordinate the event &  day of the event personnel will be greatly appreciated.

Jodi Smith passed out an invitation card for the Vintage Park 4^th annual Luau celebration on Friday, August 19 from 3:00 till 7:00 pm.  Jodi is also seeking sponsors and/or donations for the 6^th annual Vintage Park Car Show which will be held October 15^th.  Jodi is also canvassing for ads for the Citywide Garage Sale which will be held September 16-17.

Kenna announced that ECKAN will be offering school supplies again this year, supported by a generous grant from the Jones Foundation. ECKAN also received $8,000 grant from the Humphrey Estate to be designated for dental assistance.

On a motion from Kenna Burns and second from Tara Azwell, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

It is time to plan for the fall Osage City citywide garage sales, which will be Sept. 16-17, 2016. If you want your sale to be listed on the map, please contact Casey’s in Osage City or Jodi at Vintage Park. There is a $5 donation for getting your name and address listed on the map. This money is used for a scholarship for a graduating senior from Osage City High School. Please support the Osage City Chamber of Commerce and this scholarship for a deserving Osage City High School senior. The deadline to get your sale on the map is 8 a.m. Sept. 12. Contact Jodi Smith at Vintage Park at 785-528-5095 for more information.

By Chandra Dunbar

I am excited to announce that the Chamber is making some great plans for the upcoming Osage County Fair. We have a lot of fun things planned and I can’t wait to see you all there.

On June 30th the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2016 Fair Parade. The theme is “Remember When”. This year we will be celebrating days gone by and the great traditions of our community. Parade time is 6:30 pm. I would like to see a lot of you involved. Get together with your church, your coworkers, your civic group, your sports team or just as a family and sign up to be a part of the parade. You can contact Chandra Dunbar at chandunbar@gmail.com for a parade registration form.

Just prior to the parade we will have a kiddie parade. Kids will line up and parade down Market starting at 6:15 pm. They can ride their bikes, walk, come in costume or whatever they would like. More details will be coming soon on the kiddie parade.

On Friday, July 1st the Chamber will sponsor the Chamber night at the fair. The 35th Infantry Division Rock Band will be playing from 7:30 pm-9 pm. They are a great group that are sure to be entertaining. From 8:30-9:30 pm several local businesses will be hosting some fun family events as we prepare for the last event of the evening. Join us at about 9:30 pm for a free outdoor showing of the great classic summertime baseball movie, “The Sandlot”. Bring your chairs and blankets for a movie under the stars. All Friday night events will take place between the new 4H buildings and the football field.

We can’t wait to see you there!