BY: Cydney Baron – Claremore Daily Progress
January 22nd, 2020
Claremore Main Street Executive Director, Jacob Garrison
Engagement and enhancement are the name of the game for Claremore Main Street in 2020.
Main Street Director Jacob Garrison said Main Street, and Claremore as a whole, has a lot to celebrate looking back at 2019. He said there are big things in the works— some he’s not ready to make an announcement on just yet.
‘Our big vision is to continue to work towards making downtown a destination, where you’re not coming for just one shop or one place to eat, you’re coming for the entire experience,’ said Garrison.
He said Main Street saw new signs, lights, sound systems and facade upgrades over the past year and 2020 will have even more enhancements.
‘There are two things I talked about during the hiring process for this position, Rogers State University engagement and Route 66 enhancement,’ he said. ‘And those are still my priorities.’
He said relationships developed with the school are growing and manifesting in some collaborations between the two.
‘I want to continue to make Claremore a town that a kid wants to stay in after they graduate. RSU is the single greatest asset. Right there we have future business owners, educators, couples that will make this their home,’ he said. ‘We need to capitalize on that and do what we can to make them want to stay.’
Claremore Main Street has a full roster of events scheduled this year— with returning favorites and some brand new additions.
‘We just wrapped up a successful Souper Saturday event,’ Garrison said. ‘Looking ahead, Feb. 1 is a big day.’
He said Claremore Cars & Coffee event is scheduled for Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The anniversary celebration of the Will Rogers Hotel is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
‘So people can check out some cool cars, then cruise main street up to the hotel.’ Garrison said.
Rogers State University homecoming week festivities include a Main Street event.
‘We are excited to be part of the homecoming fun with our Paint the Town event. Spectrum Paint is sponsoring this one and will provide the paint to businesses. Twenty-one businesses will be partnered with student organizations to show their Hillcat spirit by decorating their windows,’ he said, adding that the displays will remain up for a week and will be critiqued by some special guest judges.
Garrison said The St. Paddy’s Day party and music festival is March 14, followed by the Bangers and Mash Luncheon on March. 17.
Taste of Claremore is April 25 and May kicks off Food Truck Thursday events.
Food Truck Thursday events fall on May 21, June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 31.
Details are still under wraps but a special city-wide event is being planned and will kick off during one of the Food Truck events.
‘Towards the end of the year we will celebrate the 25th Dickens on the Boulevard,’ Garrison said, hinting that some special additions are in the works for this event as well.
More information on each of these events will appear in the Progress as the date approaches.