Category: Chamber News

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce has another Home Town Santa recipient.  Santa Matt Harmon, Harmon Dental, was revealed by Will Kerns.

December 18, 2015

Dear Chamber Member:

It is time to renew your membership investment in the Osage City Chamber of Commerce. On behalf of the Board of Directors, THANK YOU for your support and continuing participation.

Your renewal is VITAL to accomplish the many important services provided through the Chamber. Even though we thrive on volunteer support, and even though we have a modest staff, renewals ARE VITAL to our success!

Your Chamber is actively involved in planning community events and fundraisers, and providing a coordinating point for community information.

Please join us in our effort to make Osage City a better place to live and work!

Renew your membership today!

Thank you,

Michael Telthorst

Treasurer

Membership Investment Form 2016

2016 Annual Chamber of Commerce Mixer
Santa Fe Depot ~~ January 9, 2016

A simple “after hours” mixer from 6:00-8:00 p.m. President will give a summary of the year’s events at 7:00.

Hors d’oeuvres
Desserts
Beverages
Membership Drive – 2016

Current members can pay their yearly dues which remain the same for 2016. A “first time” member incentive is being offered.

We would like to encourage existing members to invite potential new members.

Looking forward to seeing you.

RSVP by January 4.

785-219-2510

osagecitychamber@gmail.com

“Are you the Home Town Santa?” has been well received by the home town shoppers. The Chamber board would like to thank the select businesses and individual for agreeing to be a Home Town Santa.

To date, three of the Home Town Santas have been revealed. Santa TJ McCoy, McCoy’s Home Electronics, revealed by Chenoa Casebier;  Santa Mary Sue Atchison, Osage Hardware, revealed by Delores Rieck; and Santa Brian Giesy, Jerry’s Thriftway, revealed by Susan Smith.

The recipients received $20 Chamber Bucks  to be used locally at one of the fine businesses.  The Home Town Santas will be around till the 24th,  so continue asking anyone that you see, “Are you the Home Town Santa?”

Meeting Minutes – Osage City Chamber of Commerce – December 15, 2015

Flint Hills Beverage Hospitality Conference Room

In Attendance:  Dave Azwell, Kiwanis Club; Tara Azwell, Osage City Area Arts Council;   Robyn Williams, Edward Jones Investments; Joe Hummerickhouse, H&H Appraisals;  Thelma Hummerickhouse, H&H Appraisals; Jeremy Gaston, Osage County Herald Chronicle; Jan Ogleby, Osage County Herald Chronicle;  Jennifer Hudson, Osage Nursing Center; Corey Linton, Osage City- Parks & Recreation; Jim Lohmeyer, Flint Hills Beverage; Casey Mussatto, Flint Hills Beverage; Patrick Gardner, COF ; Jennell Tebbetts, United Way; Katie Hodge, City of Osage City; Kathy Ayers, First National Bank Of KS.; Nancy Washburn, Ramblin’ Rose.

Officers/Director present: Cindy Wymore, Secretary; Jeannette Swarts, Executive Director.

Lunch by Buzzard’s.  Lunches are ordered from food businesses who are Chamber Members.

Meeting opened at 12:00 p.m. by Jeannette Swarts.

A motion was made by Jennell Tebbetts and seconded by Kathy Ayers  to approve the November meeting minutes.  Motion passed unanimously.

The Treasurer’s Report was unavailable.

Unfinished Business:

• Christmas on Market was a success despite inclement weather.
• Jeannette Swarts announced that the Chamber of Commerce Mixer will be held on January 9^th between 6 – 8p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot.  She will be emailing and hand delivering invitations to local businesses.
• Casey Mussatto updated the members on the By-Laws which states that the Nominating Committee “propose a slate of Directors sufficient for the members to elect 8 Directors to 2 year terms each. The Directors then decide who will be the Officers for the year at each initial meeting of the year in January.” The Directors completing their 2^nd year of their 2 year term next year are:  Chandra Dunbar, Cindy Wymore,  and Wayne White.  The proposed Directors to be elected for a 2 year term are: Jim Lohmeyer, Jan Ogleby, Mike Telhorst, Jodi Smith, Jodi Stark.  A motion was made by Jeremy Gaston to accept the slate of directors as presented,  seconded by Nancy Washburn.  Motion passed unanimously.

• Jeannette Swarts instituted the “ Hometown Santa” program between December 9^th and the 24^th which encourages people to ask anyone in town if they are the” Osage City Hometown  Santa” and receive chamber bucks on the spot.  So far, T.J. McCoy was the Hometown Santa and Chenoa Casebier was the lucky recipient.

Under Member Announcements:

• Dave Azwell announced that Nick Stoppel will be performing in Osage City on January 16^th, 2016 at the Lutheran Church at 7pm with refreshments afterwards. Everyone is encouraged to attend.
• Corey Linton spoke about the “Smoke in the Spring” event. He hopes that the Chamber will continue to be a Class Champion Sponsor for $750 again this year. He has 15 teams already signed up with a goal of reaching 102 teams this year.
• Casey Mussatto said that we have verbal agreements with landowners regarding new signage at the US75 & K31 Highways. Also, he gave a brief update on the Motel status.  Pro formas are being reworked and will be presented to potential investors.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully,

CINDY WYMORE, Secretary                                                                         NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, January 19^th , 2016

Submitted by Jodi Stark

In spite of the of inclement weather for the 5th annual Jingle Bell Run, the 5K walk/run was a success, thanks to the number of sponsors for the T-shirt and the 47 registered participants. Every year the amount of money the Jingle Bell Run raises for the Warmth Fund, ECAT, ECKAN and the Chamber of Commerce has grown, and this year is no exception, the 2015 Jingle Bell Run raised almost double the amount raised in 2014. Thank you to all the sponsors, participants and volunteers, without you this tradition would not be a success.

The 19 & Up winners were:  1st – Jim Griffin, 2nd – Will Kerns, 3rd – Jessie Kirkpatrick

The 18 & Under winners were: 1st – Jace Keim,  2nd – Dalton Shaffer,  3rd – Tanner Theel

By Jeanette Swarts, Chamber Executive Director

Christmas on Market 2015 was a very successful event despite the inclement weather that Mother Nature provided on Nov. 28. The response by everyone that came out in the cold and ice, and the participation of the businesses for the day was tremendous.

The events including Kiwanis pancake breakfast, library concession stand, Pride Committee auction and cookie sale, Friends of the Library table settings and Christmas collections, retail poker run, craft show, cancer benefit luncheon, gingerbread building/Santa visit, chili cook off, chili feed, were very well received and attended. Due to the weather, the 5K run/walk and lighted parade were rescheduled for the following weekend (Dec. 5).

Business events

Several businesses hosted events in their stores throughout the day including: Artfully Quilted by Barbs, Bank of Osage City, Edward Jones, Furniture Loft, Gibson Pharmacy, Grandma’s Attic, J’adore Salon and Spa, Landmark National Bank, Meadowlark, McCoy’s Electronics, Osage County Farm Bureau Association, Osage Ace Hardware, Osage Family Care, Osage Nursing Center, Peterson Health Care, Schroeder Drug, Sowers Pub and Grub, Theel Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Ramblin’ Rose, and Vintage Park.

Many winners in Chamber raffle

Businesses that donated merchandise, services, and other prizes for the raffle include: Artfully Quilted by Barbs, Ag Choice, Bank of Osage City, Branine Chevrolet, Citizens Insurance, Country Canine, Dr. Jacoby, Edward Jones, Flint Hills Beverage, Harmon Dental, Haskins Conoco, Ink, Jerry’s Thriftway, John’s Barber Shop, Landmark Bank, Liquor Market, Osage Hardware, Pizza Hut, Ramblin’ Rose, Salt Creek, State Farm Insurance, Spencer Thompson, Theel Plumbing, TNT, First National Bank of Kansas.

Winners of raffle prizes were: Jeff Lohmeyer, Kari Bloomquist, Robert Youngers, Becky Siljenberg, Shannon Addington, Moe Mullins, Shirley Schreyer, Donita Payne, Juanita Kolbaba, Hunter Ayers, Joan Sloop, Dee Attkinson, Muraini Rivera, Darlene Haskins, Wesley Blacketeer, Dee Thompson, Deb Fagan, Rhonda Harmon, Joe and Thelma Humerickhouse, Judy Heward, Carol Pearson, Susan Smith, Micaela Buchman, Levi Punches, Will Kerns, and Silva Mounkes.

By Jeanette Swarts, Chamber Executive Director

Osage City’s Hometown Heroes nominees were showcased in a display downtown in the former Duckwall’s store window during Christmas on Market 2015. The honored nominees and their nominators were:

Rachael, Veronica and Olivia Estes nominated Jeremiah Bomberger for his dedicated service for his state and country.

Chenoa Casebier nominated Mandy Gibson, who has operated a hometown pharmacy in Osage City for more than 10 years. She is very involved with her church and participates in projects and events put on by the church.

Rick Totman nominated his father, Earl Totman, who served in the Korean War, helped raise six children, and delivered meals on wheels.

Casey Mussatto nominated Mike Gilliland for representing Osage City in the state utility boards and serving Osage City in his role as utilities superintendent for decades.

Dena Paul nominated the Osage City Elementary School teachers, who are dedicated, caring, knowledgeable and energetic, and give the students the social, emotional and academic foundations needed to be successful in their future endeavors.

Tony Heward nominated the Osage City Police Department for keeping our town safe and for the thankless hours they put in. The force cares about the pe0ple of Osage City.

Robyn Williams nominated Gary Lowman, who gives unselfishly a lot of his personal time, energy and money to supporting the youth of Osage City in all of their many activities via pictures and his Facebook site.

Judy Heward nominated Quinn Boyce, who is a senior at Osage City High School and is passionate about his role as a firefighter. He has become a role model for many students interested in the junior firefighter program, and has decided to become an official firefighter during his senior year.

Christine Flynn nominated Bob Harmon for his generosity to the community.

Ronda Harmon nominated the volunteer firefighters of Osage County Fire District No. 2, Osage City, for their dedicated service.

Kelsey Jones nominated Chandra Dunbar for her caring and outgoing personality and dedicated service to the community in numerous events and activities.

Shop in your hometown, ask anyone that you meet on the street or in the businesses, “Are you the Hometown Santa?”

If you are lucky and the person you ask is the Home Town Santa, you will receive $20 in Chamber Bucks to be used locally at one of the fine businesses that serve you.

Event period includes December 11-24.

Meeting Minutes – Osage City Chamber of Commerce – November 17, 2015

Flint Hills Beverage Hospitality Conference Room

In Attendance: Ann Lusk, Lusk Properties;  Dave Azwell, Kiwanis Club; Tara Azwell, Osage City Area Arts Council;  Dee Robert, retired; Wayne White, Osage County News;  Jodi Stark, State Farm;  Robyn Williams, Edward Jones Investments; Joe Hummerickhouse, H&H Appraisals;  Thelma Hummerickhouse, H&H Appraisals; Jeremy Gaston, Osage County Herald Chronicle; Jan Ogleby, Osage County Herald Chronicle; Jeanette Stromgren, Osage City Public Library ;  Jennifer Hudson, Osage Nursing Center;   Kenna Burns, ECKAN;  Barb Thompson, Artfully Quilted; Nancy Durbin, Osage County Economic Development; Rod Willis, Osage City- City Manager;  Corey Linton, Osage City- Parks & Recreation; Jodi Smith, Vintage Park; Jennifer Tillman, J’Adore Salon & Spa;

Officers/Director present:   Chandra Dunbar, Acting President; Cindy Wymore, Secretary; Mike Telhorst, Treasurer; Jeannette Swarts, Executive Director.

Lunch by Jerry’s Thriftway.  Lunches are ordered from food businesses who are Chamber Members.

Meeting opened at 12:05 p.m. by Chandra Dunbar.

A motion was made by Jodi Stark and seconded by Mike Telhorst  to approve the October meeting minutes.  Motion passed unanimously.  (It was noted that the minutes will be available soon  online on the Chamber website www.osagecitychamber.com.)

A motion was made by Cindy Wymore and seconded by Jan Ogleby to approve the Treasurers Report.  Motion passed unanimously.

Unfinished Business:

Chandra updated the members on the Christmas Opener:

• All the flyers have been printed and are now being distributed.  Just a reminder to nominate your “hometown hero” via the chamber website or online at http://tinyurl.com/occhometownhero.  You may also use a paper nomination form with the following businesses:  Ramblin Rose, Artfully Quilted by Barb, Harmon Dental, and the Osage City Public Library.
• A full schedule of events will be in the local paper this week.  We also have Business “coupons” coming out that can be used throughout the holiday season.
• Jodi Stark mentioned she is putting together a  goodie bag for the 5K Event.  If you have any items you would like to donate, please contact Jodi on 528-5141.
• RCIL, in cooperation with Schroeder Drugs, will be raffling off a “power lift” chair which retails for over $800.00 dollars.
• Ann Lusk mentioned that  the “Friends of the Library” need more people to participate in the Table setting & Christmas Collection Event which will be displayed at the Senior Center .  If you are interested, please contact Ann on 528-4220.

Jeannette Swarts announced that the Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held on January 9^th between 6 – 8p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot.  It will be more of an “after hours” mixer with hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided.  We hope to encourage existing members to invite potential new members as this will kick off our membership drive for the upcoming year.  Current members can pay their yearly dues  at that time which will remain the same for 2016.  We will be offering a “first-time” member incentive as well.  More information will be provided at the December meeting.

Chandra stated that Casey Mussatto and Joe Hummerickhouse will remain on the Nominating Committee.  While the current committee chairs have expressed an interest in staying on for 2016, we will need volunteers to help along the way.  Some of the existing committees are: Website, Concession, Fair Parade,  Christmas on Market, Kansas Sampler, Beerfest, and Garage Sales.  Please consider helping with one of these events next year.

Under Member Announcements:

• Ribbon Cuttings for Grandma’s Attic (14 Market ) and J’Adore Salon & Spa (631 Market) are scheduled following the meeting. Jennifer Tillman said that her salon will be open for business starting tomorrow November 18th.  Jennifer will be providing hair styling, manicures/pedicures, and massages.
• Jan Ogleby recommended that we update our membership list. Mike Telhorst said he has that available now.
• Jodi Smith, Vintage Park, announced that the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care will be providing a 6 week diabetic seminar for those interested in attending. It is free to the public and an “orientation” will be held on December 8^th at 1p.m.  The program will continue through the holidays with the exception of Christmas week.  Please contact Jodi on 528-5095 if you have any questions.
• Kenna Burns, ECKAN, announced that ECAT, RCIL, ECKAN, and Help House are combining their efforts to better assist the community. They are looking for people that might need assistance with raking leaves, home winterizations, etc.  They also are asking for volunteers to help with this effort.  If you know of someone who could use some assistance or would like to volunteer your time, you may contact any of the participating organizations.
• Nancy Durbin, Osage County Economic Development (OCED), stated that they have received a Federal grant for home rehabilitation. OCED is located at the Osage County Senior Center in Osage City.  Documents must be provided and while there is no age restriction, there is a yearly income limitation of $53,000.00 dollars.  Homeowners interested in this program should contact Nancy.
• Dave Azwell announced that Nick Stoppel will be performing in Osage City on January 16^th, 2016 with the time and location to be determined.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully,

CINDY WYMORE, Secretary

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, December 15, 2015

2015 Christmas on Market

“Christmas with our Hometown Heroes”

Saturday, November 28, 2015

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our annual Christmas on Market event will be held this year on Saturday, November 28, 2015. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.osagecitychamber.com or by liking our page “Osage City Christmas on Market” on Facebook.

We encourage you to spend your Saturday supporting our local merchants.

For any questions concerning Christmas on Market please contact Chandra Dunbar at 785-219-1566.

We are excited this year to announce that several businesses will be hosting events in their stores throughout the day. Please see below for specific business events, times, locations and descriptions.

9 am-close Ramblin’ Rose, 635 Market St. Guess how many candies are in the jar. The closest guess wins the jar, the candies, and a picture session for up to five people with Chelsi Simpson Photography. Value $35.

9 am-6 pm Grandma’s Attic, 14 Market St., invites you to our Barn Wood Craft Building. Come build a 24″x 6″ barn wood wall hanging during Christmas on Market. The cost is $5 for all of the supplies you will need. These will make a great unique Christmas gift.

9am-6:30 pm Meadowlark Interiors, 630 Market Street, will be hosting their first anniversary open house and ornament making. Wood Slice ornaments will be available for decorating. All stencils, paint and materials will be provided. Cost is $1-$5. Refreshments will be provided.

9 am-2 pm Vintage Park located at 1403 Laing will be opening their HomeTown Heroes Fudge Shoppe . Each of our heroes will have a homemade fudge or candy named after them and you will able to buy an assortment of wonderful delicious candy. Just a few examples are Dean’s Chocolate Fudge, Gene’s Peanut Butter Fudge, Marshall’s Cherry Mash, Skip’s Hershey’s Fudge, and Bob’s Triple Delight. Please stop by and support Christmas on Market Street and the Resident Activity Fund at Vintage Park at Osage City.

9am-12 pm Landmark National Bank 102 S. 6th “Two for Tots” We invite all kids 12 and under and their parents to come into Landmark to exchange their regular money for a genuine $2 bill. Just before noon, we will draw for a $50 holiday gift card using the serial numbers of the $2 bills that have been given out.

10 am-12 pm Theel Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. at 426 Market, will be hosting a coloring contest during Christmas on Market. Prizes will be awarded in each age group.

• 6 years old and under.
• 7 years to 12 years.
• 13 years to 18 years.
• 19 years and up.

Please come by to see what Theel’s has to offer and join in on our all ages coloring contest. We hope to see you there!

10 am-3 pm Osage County Farm Bureau Association at 509 Market St. will host “Dig into Agriculture”. Kids are invited to dig through buckets of grain to find cash prizes. Adults can guess how many kernels of corn are in a jar for a chance to win a great prize.

10 am-12 pm Osage Nursing Center’s Sweet Treats. Osage Nursing Center will be hosting an Open House with sugar cookie decorating and drinks. Please stop by for a sweet treat.

10 am- 12 pm Test Try Event going on at Furniture Loft at 526 Market Street. DOUBLE your chances to WIN from 10am – Noon! We will be GIVING AWAY a comfortable sofa chaise, Plush Queen Mattress Set, Remote Control Fireplace Entertainment Center, Heat & Massage Rocker Recliner, and an Adjustable Queen Base! Stop in to Test Try each item and your name will go into a drawing for a chance to WIN one of these amazing prices FREE!! 5 Lucky winners will receive one of these prizes!

10 am-12 pm McCoy’s Electronics 2015 Toy Expo will feature this season’s hottest toys and electronics. Our toy expo will be held at the Theel Plumbing Heating and Air building in conjunction with the Osage City Chamber’s Christmas Opener. We will have every product that we demo for sale on the spot and will have over $1000 in giveaways. Our grand prize giveaway is a professional Multi Function Bluetooth Speaker valued at $300.

10 am-1 pm Artfully Quilted by Barb’s Christmas on Market Street Make & Take event. Come make an ornament or two. There will be something for all skill levels, from the simplest (something even the youngest can do) to the more complex for the sewing enthusiasts. Materials, pattern and instructions from $1-$5. Come join the fun.

11am-1 pm Osage Ace Hardware will be hosting at free photo booth sponsored by the Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation. The booth will be located in the lot just to the west of Osage Hardware. Cotton candy will also be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather the photo booth will be available in the meeting room of the Santa Fe Depot.

11 am-1 pm Osage Family Care will be hosting an open house and invites you to stop in for a visit. Lisa Crettol, USD 420 school nurse, will be on site with first aid kits for sale for $12. These kits make a great Christmas gift for anyone who has a car, boat, or camper. Everyone needs one for their home, dorm room, apartment or work area.

11am Sowers Pub and Grub located at 609 Market Street invites you to visit us for a hot dog eating contest. There will be a guessing game set up for the kids. Stop in for a visit.

5th Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Proceeds benefit the Warmth Fund, ECAT, EKAN and the Osage City Chamber of Commerce.

Where: Corner of 6th and Market St., Osage City, KS.

When: Saturday November 28, 2015.

Registration begins at 7:45 am, race 8:30 am.

Registration Fee: Pre-Registrants $20.00 (includes race shirt), Race Day Registrants-$25.00.

Prize for the best Christmas costume or ugliest Christmas sweater!

Men, Women & Kids: 18 and under, 19-39, 40-55, 56-over.

Download the 2015 Jingle Bell Run Registration Form here!

Events during Osage City Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas on Market, Nov. 28, 2015, will make for a fun day of holiday celebration in Osage City. Here is the schedule for the day as currently planned.

• 7 am-10 am: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast – Senior Center – Free Will Donation
• 9 am-3 pm: Osage City Public Library Concession Stand   School Cafeteria – Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks
• 9 am- 3pm: Centerpiece, Wreath, Tree Silent Auction and Cookie Sale – Senior Center Come bid on your favorite item. Presented by Osage City Pride Committee
• 8 am-3 pm: Table Settings and Christmas Collections – Senior Center – Presented by Friends of the Osage City Library – Be sure to vote for your favorite display.
• 8:30 am: Jingle Bell Run 5K – 6th and Market Streets – Contact Jodi Stark 785-528-5141
• Events starting at 9 am: Holiday in our Hometown Businesses  – See participating businesses for details and start times.
• 9 am- 4:30 pm: Retail Poker – Contact Ronda Harmon at 785-528-3773 for details.  Visit participating businesses to pick up a card.  Try to get the best hand for some great prizes.
• 9:30 am: Santa Fly in – Weather permitting come greet Santa at the Osage City Airport as his plane flies in all the way  from the North Pole. – Sponsored by SkyDive Kansas
• 10 am-3 pm: Craft Show – USD420 School Gyms – For registration contact Janet Kramer Bosworth at 785-554-5039
• 11 am: Living Nativity – Santa Fe Depot Lawn – Sponsored by Local Osage City Churches
• 11 am-1:00 pm:  Relay for Life Cancer Benefit  Luncheon – Senior Center – Sponsored by Poppy’s Warriors – Ham&Beans or Chicken & Noodles, dessert and drink all for a suggested $7.50 donation.
• 12 pm- 1 pm: Emergency Services Showcase – 6th and Main St. Take a moment to come visit and thank our local emergency services personnel. There will be activities for the whole family.  In case of inclement weather event will be held at the  Santa Fe Depot meeting room.
• 1 pm:  Story Time –  Osage City Public Library.
• 2 pm-4 pm: Gingerbread Building/Santa Visits USD420 Cafeteria – Sponsored by Osage City PTA – Free event.  Come make a Gingerbread house and take a turn visiting Santa to give him your Christmas wish list.
• 4 pm: Chili Cook Off Judging – Senior Center – For registration contact Nancy Lamb at – 620-762-6260
• 4:40 pm: Chili Feed – Senior Center – Free Will Donation
• 4:45 pm: Raffle Prize Drawing – Senior Center – Contact Barb Thompson 785-528-2605 for details. Raffle tickets will be available starting November 9 at the following  businesses  Artfully Quilted by Barb, Meadow Lark, Barber John, Caseys, Bank of Osage City, Landmark Bank, Jerrys, Ramblin Rose, INK, Osage Hardware,McCoys Electronics, Gubbins.
• 6:30 pm: Christmas Lighted Parade – Market Street – For registration contact Dena Brown-Gardner at 785-806-5223. All individuals and groups welcome to participate.
• 7 pm: Downtown Holiday Lighting

Where’d the summer go? The Osage City Chamber is reminding everyone to begin planning for citywide garage sales, which will be the last weekend of summer, September 18-19, 2015.

The Chamber publishes a map of sales as a fundraiser for the group’s scholarship fund.

A $5 donation is requested for listing a name and address on the map, with a deadline of 8 a.m. Sept. 14 for a listing. Funds are used for scholarships for graduating Osage City High School seniors.

To have a sale listed on the sale map, contact Jodi Smith, map coordinator, at 785-528-5095, or contact Casey’s General Store in Osage City.

Osage County Fair Parade

Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m.

Theme “Dog Days of Summer”

Join us for a good old fashioned county fair parade!  Register now to be a part of this traditional Osage county event.

Parade will start at 2nd and Market and end at 7th and Market

Floats:

Staging at 5:45 pm at Flint Hills Beverage. Judging at 6:15 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st,2nd, and 3rd place.

Bands, walking and all other entries:

Staging at 6:15 p.m. in Pizza Hut parking lot and along 2nd Street.

Entry Form

Name of Group/Business__________________________________________________

Contact Name, Phone, Email________________________________________________

Mail to:

Chandra Dunbar

731 California

Osage City, KS 66523

or email to chandunbar@gmail.com

Questions? Contact Chandra Dunbar, 785-528-3990 or 785-219-1566

By Dave Azwell

With a vision to encourage, cultivate and support the fine arts in Osage City and the surrounding area, the Osage City Area Arts Council has provided programs of high quality which have included theater, visual, literary and performing arts.

Now in its 12th year, the arts council has presented such events as the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, pianist Julie Rivers, the Capitol City Chorus, the Lecompton Reenactors, cowboy storytellers, Western singers, art exhibitions, and annual free concerts by the Army National Guard Band. (Note that the Guard Band will perform this year at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, in the OCHS auditorium, 5th and Ellinwood. The concert is open to the public.)

OCAAC has made many contributions to fund educational programming for the students of Osage City public schools. The arts council has provided funding for high school plays, educational performers and workshops. OCAAC has also helped fund children’s programming organized by the Osage City Public Library. The variety of presentations has encompassed a wide range of ages and interests.

Funding for the arts council is through ticket sales, donations and memberships. Admission is by free will donations for most of the performances, which are always open to the public. Single, family and corporate memberships are available. More information on memberships and a complete listing of current and past programs are available at www.osagecityarts.org.

Over the years, the arts council has worked with several members of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce to provide events and activities. Being a member of the Chamber provides arts council members the opportunity to meet people involved in growing Osage City, know what’s happening, and gain insights into the business sector and community. The Chamber strives to make Osage City a first-rate city, which is what the arts council attempts to do with its programming.

Submitted by Dave Azwell

The 26th Annual Kansas Sampler Festival will be held May 2-3 in Wamego. Members of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be on hand informing thousands of Kansans and other visitors about the many things that make Osage City and the surrounding area special.

Since the 1800s, Kansas has played a major role in many significant historical events of our country. Twenty-six years ago, in an effort to increase the knowledge of these events and the state, Marci Penner and her father, Mil, hosted the first Kansas Sampler Festival on their farm in Inman.

According to the Kansas Sampler Foundation, “The purpose of the early festivals was to show the public what there is to see, do, hear, taste, buy and learn in Kansas.” The festival continued to be held on the farm from 1990 to 1997.

Due to the success of those early festivals, the foundation began taking the festival to different locations around the state to expose more people to the wonders of Kansas. Originally starting with one tent, the festival now requires multiple tents representing each of the regions of Kansas. The festival features city and regional displays, Kansas food products, entertainment, informational presentations, food vendors, and activities for kids.

Tickets for the festival may be purchased on site. Adult daily admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 7-12 and free for children under 6. Weekend passes are $8 for adults and $4 for children. For more information about the festival, see www.kansassamplerfestival.com.

For more information about the Osage City Chamber of Commerce’s exhibit at the festival or to volunteer, contact Dave Azwell, 785-528-4025.

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce is having a membership meeting and social gathering 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 7, at the Osage City Santa Fe Depot, and you’re invited.

The event is an opportunity for members to pay their 2015 dues, and for potential members to learn about the Chamber. Current members are encouraged to invite a friend or non-member. Attendees can meet the Chamber’s 2015 officers and board, and network and socialize with Chamber members.

The gathering will be come and go, with beverages, finger foods and other refreshments provided by the annual meeting committee, Thelma Humerickhouse, Casey Karnes and Cathryn Houghton.

The cost will be $10 per person at the door. RSVPs are requested, but not mandatory. To RSVP or for more information, contact Houghton at 785-528-4711. Santa Fe Depot is at Fifth and Market streets in Osage City.