Author Archive: Mainstreet

Kicking off St. Patrick’s weekend with an Irish meal

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For the 11th year in a row, downtown Claremore will be serving up delicious dishes of a classic Irish feast to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Bangers & Mash Lunch.

The annual lunch has become one of Claremore’s favorite ways to enjoy lunchtime each spring. It takes place on March 15 in the Claremore Daily Progress parking lot, 315 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

Running from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the lunch cost $7 for a traditional Bangers & Mash – or otherwise known as sausage and mashed potatoes. New this year, attendees can opt for some of J. Farley’s famous Guinness gravy as a free addition. The meal also consists of a cookie and drink.

“We love this event,” said Nancy Fitts, interim director of Claremore Main Street, the event’s host. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come together for lunch and celebrate.”

“Given that it’s scheduled for a Friday during Lent, a meatless option will be available,” Fitts said.

During the lunch, the ever-popular Timothy O’Brian’s Celtic Cheer will play to entertain the crowds and prizes will be drawn for guests as well as the Pot-O-Gold Giveaway worth $400.

The Pot-O-Gold Giveaway offers a chance to win “Green Bucks,” shopping dollars to spend downtown. To enter the giveaway, simply visit any of the 18 participating stores between now and noon on March 14 to enter.

Each store can be visited daily to enter, but you must be 18 or older to win. There’s no purchase necessary although some stores may provide additionally entries for purchases to increase the costumer’s chances.

Green Bucks can be used at any of the participating stores like cash. Participating stores are: Lolipop A Sweet Boutique, Back in the Day, Bike About Bicycles, Boarding House Books, The Haberdashery, Thrift Harbor, Boom a Rang Diner, The District on Main, Outwest Home Décor, Art Nest Boutique & Studio, The Belvidere Mansion/RCHS, Coleman Antiques, The Turquoise Couch, The Cozy Cottage (Main Street Mercantile), Sailor’s Antiques & Collectibles, Frosted Cake Studio, A Place ‘n Time and Femme Forte.

The winner will be announced at 1 p.m. March 15 during the lunch but does not need to be present to win.

Two smaller giveaways worth $25 each and one $50 giveaway will be drawn during the lunch as well, and guests will need to be present to win those prizes.

Following the lunch, a Not-A-Parade Irish Stroll will take participants through downtown sidewalks.

T-shirts, trinkets and raffle tickets will be on sale during the event as an additional fundraiser for the nonprofit organization.

The Bangers & Mash Lunch is sponsored by Boom-a-rang Diner, Walke Brothers Meats, The Daily Progress, Claremore Fire Department, McDonald’s of Claremore, Froman Propane, What-A-Burger and Cedar Point Church.

The organization also hosts the St. Paddy’s Day Party, this year at Main Street Tavern and J. Farley’s from noon to 10 p.m. on March 17. For more details on the party, visit downtownclaremore.org.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at either of the events should contact Fitts at  or 918-341-5881.

Claremore Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of historic downtown Claremore. With a focus on economic vitality, historic preservation and placemaking, the organization strives to secure downtown as the social and economic core of the community.

Cash Mob returns to downtown Claremore

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After a brief hiatus, Claremore Main Street is bringing Cash Mob back to downtown with a few key changes to improve the shopper experience as well as the impact on the local community.

The first Cash Mob will be on March 12. Participating shoppers should meet at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., by 5:30 p.m. This year’s Mobs are sponsored by Pelco Structural.

Historically, shoppers gathered during Cash Mob and a business was selected at random to “mob.” All shoppers then traveled, en masse, to the store to spend at least $20. Stores boomed with $500-$1,000 in sales in just an hour. One local nonprofit was chosen each time to receive 10 percent of that night’s proceeds.

This year, stores will be chosen in advance but shoppers still won’t know until they arrive at the Cash Mob. Stores will provide snacks and goodies, and store owners will share a brief summary of their business’ story before shopping begins.

“We wanted Cash Mob to be more about the interaction between the merchant and the shopper,” said Nancy Fitts, interim director of Claremore Main Street. “It’s about supporting local, nabbing great finds and fostering community togetherness.”

The nonprofit Pay It Forward aspect of Cash Mob is changing as well. Instead of a little bit based on sales going to a local nonprofit, one nonprofit will receive a larger donation at the end of the year after collections have been gathered all year long.

“This allows us to make a larger impact to one nonprofit,” Fitts said. “Shoppers will still get a chance to vote for the winning nonprofit all year long and will receive one vote per $10 spent on Mob nights.”

The first 75 shoppers at Cash Mob this year will receive a free re-usable tote bag for their merchandise. Shoppers who attend five of the six Cash Mob’s for the year will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize worth $300.

“We are fortunate to have Pelco Structural sponsoring Cash Mob in 2019,” Fitts said. “Their support of this community event has been unwavering since it began years ago.”

To get the latest updates about Cash Mob all year long, email us at .

Changes coming to Claremore Main Street

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With outstanding growth and success within Claremore Main Street in recent years, changes are fast approaching at the helm of the nonprofit organization.

After more than three years with Claremore Main Street, executive director Jessica Jackson is leaving. She made the public announcement on Monday night at the City Council meeting, but the Board of Directors already have the transition in the works and will begin the search for her replacement immediately.

Jessica Jackson has been named the Executive Director of Kendall Whittier Main Street in Tulsa. She will begin her post March 1.

“It’s truly bittersweet,” Jackson said. “Claremore has been my home, and I’ve loved playing a part – however small – in its progress. I look forward to taking some of the great things we’re doing here and presenting it to a new market Tulsa.”

Jackson joined Claremore Main Street in July of 2015. Since that time, downtown Claremore has seen a massive increase in reinvestment, nearly doubling the total reinvestment dollars from $10.9 million to nearly $21 million.

“We are sad to lose Jessica Jackson,” said Lou Flanagan, Board President. “She has been a tremendous asset to our Main Street organization and has taken us to a new level with her energy, creativity and ability to manage new projects benefiting downtown merchants, business owners and the city.”

In the last three and half years, there’s been a net increase in the number of businesses downtown and more than 100 new jobs have been created.

Projects completed in the last three years include downtown’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Walk paving stones, a new alley mural and Music on Main.

“We will truly miss Jessica but feel this is an opportunity for her career advancement she was unable to pass up,” Flanagan said. “We wish nothing but the best for her personally and professionally. We have posted her position online already and will seek out the best possible candidate.”

Interested applicants should review the job description here. Resumes will be reviewed until Feb. 28.

“This was certainly a difficult decision to make,” Jackson said. “I feel confident, however, that I’m leaving Main Street with a strong Board and a lot of local support. I know the future of the organization is brighter than ever!”

Claremore Main Street is a local nonprofit dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of historic downtown Claremore. With a focus on economic vitality, historic preservation and placemaking, the organization strives to secure downtown as the social and economic core of the community.

Music on Main launches just before Christmas

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The streets are alive with the sound of music!

Music is now on main thanks to a year-long effort by a local nonprofit, the City of Claremore and generous donors.

“Claremore Main Street has been working to bring music to downtown Claremore for about a year now,” said Jessica Jackson, Executive Director of the Main Street organization. “We are so excited that it launched on Wednesday, just in time for the last weekend of Christmas shopping!”

Psychological studies have shown that music places to people’s emotions and social instincts. It enhances customer moods and visual pleasure, leading to increased happiness.

“After experiencing it firsthand in another community, it became apparent it was something that would be beneficial to Claremore, a way to develop a sense of place downtown,” Jackson said.

The organization needed to raise funds to make it happen, and at the same time, wanted the whole community to feel ownership over the project.

What came out was a crowdfunding project. More than 100 donors over four months contributed to raising the funds for Music on Main.

“We were beyond grateful for the support of our donors and the community. Every dollar ensured this project was completed. Every little bit helped, and we are thankful for each hard-earned penny donated,” Jackson said.

Corporate sponsors provided matching funds to help individuals double their impact. Corporate sponsors were Claremore MoH, Downtown Claremore Merchant Association, The District on Main, GRDA and RCB Bank.

The music is currently scheduled to play from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

“A new system always takes a little tweaking,” Jackson said. “We will be working with the businesses, residents and customers over the next few weeks to resolve any bugs or issues.”

It’s a Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley!

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Shopping local has never been easier this holiday season as shoppers can travel throughout Claremore on a free Holiday Trolley on Saturdays in December.

Claremore’s Holiday Trolley was announced by West Bend Winterland as a way to encourage both shopping local and attending the activities at Winterland.

“We are thrilled to have the Holiday Trolley this year,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “It will just make the whole Christmas experience better in Claremore – where you can shop, dine and enjoy Winterland seamlessly and without the hassle of a car.”

The Trolley will leave from the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center and make continuous loops to several trolley stops, including Ne-Mar Shopping Center and two stops in downtown Claremore – one on Missouri and the other in the Claremore Daily Progress Parking Lot. All trolley stops will have signage to make it easier to spot for pick-ups and drop-offs.

The Trolley will run from noon until 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 21. The complimentary service is made possible by West Bend Winterland, Claremore Main Street, the Claremore Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association.

“Shoppers can ride as often as they like, or make several trips back to their vehicle at the Expo Center in case they need to drop off bags,” said Tanya Andrews, director of the Claremore Expo Center. “This is a great way to promote Shop Claremore, Shop Local and encourage residents and visitors to spend money in town. It’s a great service provided by our partners.”

Many of the merchants in historic downtown will remain open until 7 p.m. or later, and folks can always grab a great meal or libations while they are out and about.

“The merchants are excited to participate in West Bend Winterland and are glad to partner in the Holiday Trolley, which will provide shoppers a convenience we have not had in Claremore before,” said Sheila Giannelli, president of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association.

A full schedule of the Holiday Trolley and West Bend Winterland can be found online here or by calling 918-342-5357.

Shop Small this Saturday for Small Business Saturday

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Downtown Claremore’s second annual Shopper Breakfast will kick off the national Small Business Saturday for Claremore this Saturday, Nov. 24.

Small Business Saturday is the chance for holiday shoppers to make a big impact by shopping at small, locally-owned stores. Falling the day after Black Friday, it fits into the busiest shopping weekend of the year.

“Shopping locally and at small businesses makes such a big impact on our local economy and serves our local families,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “That’s why we’re eager to host a Small Business Saturday breakfast with She Brews again this year.”

For the second year in a row, Claremore Main Street has teamed up with American Express to host Small Business Saturday events and shopping deals in downtown Claremore.

The day will start with the free Shopper Breakfast at She Brews Coffee House’s downtown location, 414 W. Will Rogers Blvd., at 9 a.m. The first 200 guests will receive a free canvas bag with store coupons and deals for the day.

She Brews will be serving coffee and breakfast goodies for free to shoppers, and many stores are opening the doors early for customers to get started right away.

Santa Claus will even be in town! He will be in North Block Common, 115 N. Missouri Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free photos, courtesy of Grant Gingerich State Farm and MoreClaremore.

While out and about, shoppers are encouraged to use the hashtags #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall to join the nationwide conversation.

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010. It was created to be a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday to promote small, locally-owned businesses.

Claremore Main Street is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission to enrich downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy and advocating for revitalization and historic preservation.

For more information, follow the Small Business Saturday event page on Facebook.

Dickens on the Boulevard promises ‘historically’ good time

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The air is getting cooler and soon Santas, snowmen and holly will be popping up everywhere. The onset of the holiday season in Claremore brings a historic flair as Dickens on the Boulevard hits the streets of downtown Claremore for the 22nd year.

The Victorian-themed Christmas festival in the heart of downtown has been the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season for decades and comes back to Claremore on Nov. 16 and 17. Donning historic attire, the streets of downtown are flooded with shoppers enjoying the crisp winter air, holiday music and historic re-enactors.

“This event is a Claremore favorite because there is so much to do, see and experience during Dickens on the Boulevard,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street director. “It brings history alive while launching guests into the Christmas season.”

Visitors will be greeted by actors in a “living window,” street urchins and even a chuckwagon feast to fill the three blocks of the historic downtown. A carriage ride to the Belvidere Mansion and back, a saloon – Wantland Public House — with sarsaparilla, and a chance to play cards with the Territorial Marshals give guests even more of that Victorian spirit.

Gearing up for Christmas, Santa Claus himself will be on site in the Cranberry Merchant, 417 W. Will Rogers Blvd., for photos for $5, and just down the street will be a living nativity by Shepherd’s Cross.

A free Kids Zone will be available both nights. Cedar Point Church is sponsoring Friday’s Kids Zone while Trinity Baptist Church is sponsoring Saturday’s Kids Zone.

Saturday only, Dickens on the Boulevard will feature a Dickens of a Cook-off Chili Cooking Contest. Participating businesses, nonprofits and individuals will begin in the afternoon and cook through 6 p.m., at which time public tasting will open. A limited number of tasting kits will be sold starting at 5:30 p.m. for $5 while supplies last.

Cook-off participants can register through an application online here or in person at the Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Space is limited and available for a $35 registration fee. Awards will be given out for People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice, Booth Decoration and Ham-manship.

“People always mention they want more food options, and what goes better with a Victorian-themed Christmas festival than delicious chili?” Jackson said. “We hope the cook-off brings more people downtown during the day and then feeds them at night.”

Stores stay open during the event. Shoppers can qualify for the Dickens Dollars drawing by visiting each of the participating stores and asking for their complimentary ticket. Additional tickets may be available with purchases.

Dickens Dollars are gift certificates that spend like cash at participating stores. There are multiple drawings each night. Winners receive Dickens Dollars, which are good to spend through Christmas Eve.

The Schedule

At 6:15 p.m. both nights, the stage entertainment will kick off with Christian Homeschool Acting Troupe’s “It’s a Wonderful Christmas Grinch,” an original mash-up of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Christmas Story.”

Following the play will be Westside Elementary School Choir on Friday and Timothy O’Brian’s Celtic Cheer on Saturday. Around 7:10 p.m., First United Methodist Choir will take the stage on Friday and Bethel Holiness Choir will perform Saturday.

Follow the stage entertainment, the annual shootout will take place at 7:45 p.m. by the Territorial Marshals.

Each year, the event features a Victorian costume contest with categories for different ages and genders as well as for the best dressed couple. Those interested in entering can visit Thrift Harbor, 316 W. Will Rogers Blvd., between 5:30-8 p.m. each night to check in with the judges.

Following the costume awards presentation is the festival’s nightcap – the Victorian Stroll and Street Dance. The stroll is the perfect opportunity for young and old to get together on the street and enjoy the old-fashioned entertainment. A caller will explain each dance, so community members of any experience level can take part.

“The stroll and street dance is my favorite part of the evening,” Jackson said. “The whole community comes together to dance and enjoy downtown. The togetherness and sense of belonging is so strong; it’s just the perfect way to end the night!”

Special Tours

The Tales from the Top tours will be all new this year. It is a ticketed tour that takes guests through the upper floors of five downtown Claremore buildings. A short play will take place in each one, and guests may have an opportunity to poke around the 100-year-old buildings.

The tour begins at 6 p.m. and last about an hour. Tickets are $12 and are limited. They can be purchased beginning on Nov. 1 at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

For historic buffs, Claremore Main Street also offers a daytime Historic Walk through downtown on Saturday afternoon. The approximately three-quarter mile walk takes guests from the Will Rogers Hotel to the Belvidere Mansion while relaying aspects of Claremore’s history and telling stories that most Claremore residents don’t know.

Tickets for the Historic Walk are $8, are limited and will be on sale at the Main Street office Nov. 1. The tour will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 and end at the Andy Payne Sculpture Dedication Ceremony at Gazebo Park. The dedication ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

The Claremore Museum of History is hosting the sculpture dedication and opening a new Andy Payne exhibit that day. Andy Payne is known for winning the International Trans-Continental Footrace in 1928.

Dickens on the Boulevard is hosted by Claremore Main Street. Wantland Law Firm is the saloon sponsor. Supporting sponsors are American StaffCorp, Leading Edge Landscape Creations and RCB Bank.

For more information, visit us on the web or call 918-341-5881.

Alley Activation 2025: Mural Signing Party on Oct. 2

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Photo by DroneWorks

Downtown Claremore is a little brighter and bolder, thanks to a larger-than-life mural on the North Block Common, 115 N. Missouri Ave.

The mural is part of Claremore Main Street’s Alley Activation 2025 project. Public surveys earlier this year resulted in the No. 1 takeaway being that Claremore residents wanted more public art.

Alley Activation 2025 was born from a Claremore Main Street committee and with the support from the City of Claremore, partnerships with Spectrum Paint and The Hammer Studio, the first piece of alley revitalization and our first public art piece in four years, has been possible.

We were proud to have enlisted the artistic ability of Claremore’s own John Hammer, of Hammer Studio to be the artist.

The Mural is centered around Claremore Astronaut Stuart Roosa, Claremore’s favorite son Will Rogers, and of course a large Route 66 road sign.

On Oct. 2, a community party in the alley will take place from 5-7 p.m. where the artist will sign his artwork, officially completing the 2,700-square-foot piece. There will be food, beverages, live music and a fun atmosphere!

Main Street expands grant opportunities downtown

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With the success of the Façade Grant Program offered by Claremore Main Street, the nonprofit organization announces an expanded program, including five new grants.

Grant opportunities include Awning Grant, Lighting & Signage Grant, Windows & Doors Grant, Paint Grant and a Storefront Grant.

“We are thrilled to expand our popular Façade Grant Program to include new, specific grants,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director. “In the last year, we’ve had two grants projects completed and two more in the works right now.”

Each grant offers a dollar-for-dollar match, essentially doubling the applicant’s dollars not to exceed $1,000 payout.

The program has quarterly deadlines for building owners to apply when it is most convenient for them. The next deadline is Sept. 30.

“We know that building improvements can be expensive, so we’re happy to be able to help share that cost and reduce the burden for property owners,” Jackson said.

While the grants are targeted to property owners in particular, renters are welcome to apply with the property owner’s permission.

The Awning Grant is for repair, replacement or addition of awnings.

The Lighting and Signage Grant is for repair, replacement or additions for exterior lighting as well as for signage.

The Window and Door Grant offsets the cost for window or door repair and replacement as well as transom repair and replacement.

The Paint Grant is available for exterior painting, with the exclusion of painting unpainted brick, as well as murals or public art desired on the property.

The Storefront Grant includes masonry or mortar joint repair, replacement or repair of architectural details, removal of non-historic materials and other improvements.

Applications must be completed in full, including a detailed description of the project, bids or quotes and photos, and be turned in by the deadline. Projects must be completed within six months of the award notification.

To be considered, applicants must be within the Claremore Main Street Boundaries, which extend from Lynn Riggs Boulevard to Chickasaw Avenue and from 4th Street to Patti Page Boulevard.

Applications will be given priority if they prove high visual impact, historic or architectural integrity, lasting improvements and are on an active street front or include a public entrance.

The Façade Grant Program began in April of 2017. The inaugural recipient was Carol Thibodeau, owner of Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, 318 W. Will Rogers Blvd., for a new awning on the building’s storefront.

Last fall, Claremore Main Street awarded a grant to the Rogers County Historical Society for help paying for the repairing, caulking, re-glazing and painting windows and trim at the Belvidere Mansion.

In August, Kevin Fortna, CPA, was awarded two grants – one for the front and one for the rear of his building at 512 W. Will Rogers Blvd.  Those projects are expected to be completed in the fall.

In addition to the five new grants with the Façade Grant Program, Claremore Main Street also offers a Beautification & Improvement Grant, which is for smaller beautification projects such as planters, outdoor décor, holiday decorations or window displays. The B&I Grants have monthly deadlines and are worth $75.

Claremore Main Street is dedicated to its mission to enrich downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy and advocating for revitalization and historic preservation. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established in 2002.

For more information, call Jackson at 918-341-5881 or email . Applications can be downloaded here.

Fresh Paint Days to transform downtown Claremore building

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One downtown Claremore building will have an all new look with a fresh coat of paint thanks to Claremore Main Street volunteers and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s Fresh Paint Days grant.

Volunteers will gather on Monday (Sept. 17) evening to paint the outside of downtown’s centermost building, 409 W. Will Rogers Blvd. The store, formerly the Willow Tree Mall, is in the process of re-branding to the name Back in the Day.

“I’m so excited about Fresh Paint Days. It’s going to greatly improve the look of my store and our street,” said Ronda Cole, owner of Back in the Day. “The timing is perfect since I’m re-branding my store I’ll have a new look for a new name!”

The “Paint Party” will begin at 5 p.m. and will go through 8 p.m. Supplies and dinner will be provided to volunteers, whether they’re able to give just an hour or stay for the duration. All are welcome.

“This is the second year in a row we’ve participated in Fresh Paint Days,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “It’s a great opportunity to really put some sweat equity into our wonderful downtown to support businesses and improve the area.”

Additionally, each volunteer who signs in will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card to Back in the Day.

Claremore’s local Sherwin Williams store is a community partner, donating primer, paint supplies and t-shirts for all volunteers.

The volunteer painters will be replacing orange and black paint with recycled, almond-colored H-I-S paint provided by the grant.

Fresh Paint Days is a program founded on the collaboration between H-I-S Paint and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful. KOB, with the help of sponsors, provides the paint and a stipend for supplies; selected communities supply the volunteers. This program has helped to revitalize communities across Oklahoma with a fresh coat of paint.

Claremore Main Street and Back in the Day are among 43 participating groups working on chosen projects across the state.

H-I-S Paint and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful started the Fresh Paint Days program in 2005.

“H-I-S Paint is thrilled with the transformations that are being made within each of the communities participating in the Fresh Paint Days in Oklahoma initiative,” said Joe Cox, founder and CEO of H-I-S Paint. “It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint can help to transform the entire community.”

Amelia Schoenhals, the projects coordinator for KOB, works with potential participants throughout the application process.

“I am honored to be able to assist communities in renewing their pride for the town they have built a life in,” Schoenhals said. “The participants of Fresh Paint Days truly exemplify how Oklahomans can make a change by working together, asking for help and applying a vision for the future.”

Claremore Main Street is dedicated to its mission to enrich downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy and advocating for revitalization and historic preservation. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established in 2002.

For more information, call Jackson at 918-341-5881 or email .