Downtown Claremore’s newest store was overrun with people earlier this month as “mobbers” descended to spend $20 and support a local charity in the bimonthly Cash Mob.

The store, True Gospel, 322 W. Will Rogers Blvd., was packed full of shoppers and added $700 to the day’s total in just 45 minutes.

“It was just exciting to see that many people come in our store, see our merchandise, share with us and take some home,” said Joyce Johnson, True Gospel owner. “It’s also nice to see this event serve the community.”

The Cash Mob is hosted by Claremore Main Street. Ten percent of the proceeds from the night were donated to Rogers County Youth Services, the nonprofit chosen by the mobbers on the night of the Cash Mob.

“We appreciate the sacrifices the community makes to our youth and families,” said Steven Blahut, RCYS executive director. “I’m glad to be a part of this community.”

Participants in the Cash Mob agree to attend every other month and spend at minimum $20 at the store chosen at random the night of the event. The goal is to encourage shopping local and the downtown businesses’ success and to support local nonprofits.

The June Cash Mob was the final one for the 2015-16 season. For more information on next year’s Cash Mob events, sign up here.

Break out your hula skirts, Hawaiian shirts and leis for this month’s Food Truck Thursday, a Downtown Luau on June 23.

The Luau, set in downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m., will feature live music from Bethany Grace & Gypsy Soul, a bunch of delicious food trucks, a hula hoop contest, a Kids Zone by First United Methodist Church and a shopping giveaway.

“The Downtown Hoedown was such a success last month, we are excited to bring the Downtown Luau to Claremore,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street, one of the partners hosting the monthly event. “The themes are really fun this year and just enhance the already-enjoyable Food Truck Thursday nights in downtown Claremore.”
In addition to the late shopping, visitors will have the opportunity to Find Frankie the Flamingo at participating stores, indicated by a pink flamingo on the outside of the store.

Frankie the Flamingo will be hidden on a card in the store, and when a shopper finds her, they can enter to win a gift basket valued at $300. In addition, every $10 spent at a participating store earns another spot in the drawing.

Finally, those dressed in Hawaiian-themed clothing can get an entry into the drawing as well.

“We thought the Find the Flamingo would be a fun way to add something new to our Food Truck Thursday event in June and encourage people to explore all the wonderful shops we have downtown,” said Carol Thibodeau, owner of Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, 106 S. Cherokee Ave., and the Food Truck Thursday committee chairwoman.

“You will not want to miss the awesome gift basket with goodies generously donated by the downtown stores,” she added.

A hula hoop contest will take place near the stage at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the contests.

Twelve food trucks are scheduled to attend, giving guests a variety of cuisine and desserts. Food trucks include Meltdown Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Dorothy’s Wiches, MooChewSooey BBQ, Cake Smash, 2 Chefs on Wheels, Creole Catering, Taqueria El Jarocho, Kona Ice, Papos Latin/American Café, Dog House, Jen’s Java and Maw & Paw Kettle Corn.

Claremore’s First United Methodist Church will sponsor a Kids Zone, fitting with the Luau theme.

Boarding House Books, 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd., will host area authors for book signings at their store, including Gloria Teague, Bob Avey, Jonita Mullins and Cynda Thomas.

Many of the downtown stores, which will stay open until 9 p.m., will feature discounts throughout the evening.

Each month has a different theme. Rogers County residents can enjoy the Downtown Carnival on July 28, CLUE in Downtown Claremore on Aug. 25, I Art Claremore – Downtown Chalk Walk on Sept. 29 and Downtown Zombie Infestation on Oct. 27.

Join the Facebook event!