With one month to go on downtown Claremore’s Music on Main crowdfunding initiative, local businesses — as well as a national organization — will be doubling all donations for the final push.

More than $10,000 has been raised so far to bring music to the community’s core but more is needed to make the dream a reality.

All donations are appreciated. Donate online at http://bit.ly/MusicOnMainCMS. Donations will be raised through the St. Paddy’s Day Party on March 16.

“We had a lot of people – merchants and community members – come to us asking for music downtown. So we listened,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street director. “We want to see the whole community get behind this project and help support it. Every dollar gets us that much closer.”

Fortunately, several local businesses have stepped up to the plate to support it as well. Every dollar donated will be doubled by a National Main Street Center grant through Feb. 15.

“Essentially, every dollar you donate gets us two dollars closer to our ultimate goal,” Jackson said. “Time is off the essence right now. The grant is expiring, and we don’t want to leave any free money on the table when we could use it to better our community.”

Following the grant, a donation by GRDA will match every dollar donated between Feb. 16 and Feb. 23.

At that time, a donation by the Claremore MoH (Museum of History) funds will double donations, followed by a week for the District on Main.

Finally, the last week of the project will see donations matched by RCB Bank. In January, the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association doubled donations.

“We are so thankful for our corporate sponsors, without whom this would not be possible,” Jackson said. “These businesses saw the vision and wanted to help the public make a bigger impact on this project.”

Once the project is funded, music will play along speakers on existing light poles up and down the three blocks of historic downtown Claremore during regular business hours and events. Music will be at a low volume as to not disturb conversations or those living downtown.

It’ll feature a variety of clean, radio-edits of songs, including but not limited to classic rock, adult contemporary, new hits and holiday music. Music also can be themed during the holidays or during Claremore events.

“We love seeing donations roll in from every corner of Claremore and beyond,” Jackson said. “People are really getting behind this.”

Given that the donation is going to a 501c3 nonprofit organization – Claremore Main Street – 100 percent of the donation is tax deductible.

Claremore Main Street is dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of historic downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy, historic preservation and placemaking. The organization was established in 2002.

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

Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of historic downtown Claremore, is seeking community input as it develops a Business Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Plan.

A short survey will allow Claremore and Rogers County residents to share how they currently interact with downtown Claremore – how often, why and when they come downtown – as well as what types of businesses, services and activities they’d like to see in the upcoming years.

[Access the survey here.]

“In beginning this new plan, we felt it was vital to hear from the public to ensure we create a downtown the community wants,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Executive Director. “The survey asks the right questions to help us gauge how downtown is used currently and how folks want to use it in the future.”

The 13-question survey should take individuals anywhere between 3-10 minutes to complete, depending on how much thought is given to some of the open-ended questions. The more specific the answers, the better, Jackson said.

“This is your chance to tell us what you want,” Jackson said. “In the next few years, we will take this plan to actively recruit new businesses, expand the downtown district and ensure that our current businesses remain successful.”

Main Street has been around since 2002 and has seen 86 new businesses open up and 185 new jobs created downtown. In all, more than $20.2 million dollars has been reinvested in downtown Claremore in the last 15 years.

The organization has a focus on economic vitality, historic preservation and placemaking and strives to secure downtown as the social and economic core of the community.

Claremore Main Street is seeking volunteer models and extras for a downtown photoshoot scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.

All are welcome to come be a part of the shoot, either as a “model,” meaning they’d like to be featured, or as an “extra,” those who want to participate but would rather be in the background. Children and pets also are welcome.

The photos will be taken by DroneWorks and will include people downtown, architecture shots and drone photography.

“We scheduled this photoshoot as a way to get new and fresh photos of our ever changing downtown,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “We are happy to be working with a local photographer on this project.”

The photos will be used for marketing materials, including the organization’s website, advertisements, social media and brochures among others.

Volunteers should meet at the Claremore Main Street, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., at 3 p.m. for instructions and assignments. The entire shoot will be over by 6 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to stay as long as they can but are welcome to come-and-go as necessary to fit their schedules.

Additionally, volunteers are asked to dress in winter/fall attire without logos — with the exception of RSU or Claremore Zebra attire — trademarks or offensive language.

“All clothing should be deemed not offensive by the average person,” Jackson explained. “Basically, anything that is revealing or potentially controversial should be left at home.”

Volunteers are not required to RSVP but when possible should let the Main Street Director know by emailing if they intend to be there. In case of extreme cold or inclement weather, Jackson will notify everyone those she’s heard from and update their Facebook page if the shoot is postponed.

A second photoshoot is tentatively scheduled for June.

Claremore Main Street is 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.

Fat Tuesday is just around the corner and Claremore Main Street has residents covered with a Mardi Gras-themed retail event on the Saturday before.

The Mardi Gras Poker Stroll is a shopping extravaganza that promotes shopping local and gives participants a chance to go home with a grand prize!

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 10 in downtown Claremore. For every $10 spent at a participating store or restaurant that day, shoppers will receive a bead necklace, up to three per store.

Whenever the participant is done for the day, he or she can exchange the bead necklaces for playing cards. The best five-card poker hand wins.

Guests can collect as many beads as they want during the event with a minimum of five beads. Multiple beads benefit the participant because one can collect nine beads for nine different cards and select the best five for a better chance of winning.

If someone comes in with 10 or more beads, they can choose to play one or two hands, however each card can only be used once.

Bead necklaces can be exchanged between 10 a.m. at 3 p.m. at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Shoppers and diners should have their beads as well as a copy of their receipt – paper or electronic – listing the date of purchase as Feb. 10 only.

The grand prize – a gift basket worth more than $250 – will go to the person with the best hand as of 3 p.m. that day. The winner will be notified at that time and does not need to be present to win. The basket needs to be picked up within one week of the event.

Participating businesses will be designated by a poster in the window. The 17 participating businesses are Bike-About Bicycles, Boarding House Books, Boomarang Diner, Centsible Spending, The Cozy Cottage, District on Main, The Haberdashery, LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique, Outwest Home Decor, The Pink House, Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, Sailor Antiques, Second Impressions, She Brews Coffee House Downtown, Thrift Harbor, Waterfront Frame & Art and Willow Tree Mall.

Claremore Main Street is 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.

The Mardi Gras Poker Stroll is one of the handful of new retail-focused events Claremore Main Street is hosting this year. For more information or for a full list of events as the year progresses, view the calendar or call 918-341-5881.

Join the Facebook event!

As downtown Claremore continues to grow, a common request continued to come before the Claremore Main Street Director’s desk.

“People kept asking me what it would take to get speakers and a sound system downtown,” said Jessica Jackson, the organization’s director. “I heard it from business owners, community members and even a few City Councilors, so it became one of our major projects.”

The decision was made to raise the money needed — $25,000 in all – using crowdfunding, the idea that a little bit donated here and there by hundreds of community members can affect change.

“We’re really encouraged by the support so far. We are well on our way with about six weeks to go in our campaign,” Jackson said.

All donations are appreciated. Each donation is doubled thanks to donations from corporate sponsors. Donate online here.

“I would love music. Music is very motivational and to me it just would add and increase the ambiance of this downtown,” said Jim Anderson, a longtime resident of Rogers County. “Music is part of a rhythm that gives people a jaunt to their step … It’s more than a flat medium. Music is everywhere.”

“It allows people to kind of enjoy the moment much more than walking in silence,” he added.

(Rest of the story below.)

Once the project is funded, music will play along the speakers up and down the three blocks of historic downtown Claremore during regular business hours and events. Music will be at a low volume as to not disturb conversations or those living downtown.

“The Claremore Main Street staff will be careful in choosing the music played,” Jackson said.  “We don’t want it to be our favorite music, but what the community actually wants to hear.”

It’ll feature a variety of clean, radio-edits of songs, including but not limited to classic rock, adult contemporary, new hits and holiday music. Music also can be themed during the holidays or during Claremore events.

“Music makes people happy. It’s calming,” said Cari Bohannan, owner of The District on Main, 406 W. Will Rogers Blvd., a corporate sponsor of Music on Main. “You’re more relaxed when you listen to music, and I think you’re not as rushed.”

A number of businesses have caught the vision. Corporate sponsors – whose donations will be used in the drive as an individual match, essentially doubling a person’s donation – include the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association, Claremore Museum of History, District on Main, RCB Bank and Grand River Dam Authority.

“The Merchant Association wanted to contribute because this improves downtown for all of us, the community and the merchants,” said Amy Cannon, owner of Willow Tree Mall and DCMA Treasurer. “Additionally, these speakers will allow us to run announcements from the stage during events such as Food Truck Thursday … throughout all the event area.”

Given that the donation is going to a 501c3 nonprofit organization – Claremore Main Street – 100 percent of the donation is tax deductible.

“I think in the traditional aspect of just environmentally, you want to keep your town alive and active and part of that is having something that attracts people that nowhere else has,” Anderson said.

Jackson said she’s confident Claremore residents will come out to support the project and enjoy it once it’s in place. Donations will be raised through the St. Paddy’s Day Party on March 16.

“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we believe it takes a village, a community, to create a sense of place in our downtown through music,” she said. “That’s why we’re asking for each citizen’s support. Just $10, $20 or $50 – any little bit can make a difference and make this dream a reality.”

Claremore Main Street is dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of historic downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy, historic preservation and placemaking. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established in 2002.

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

Claremore Main Street announced this month a new beautification grant designed to help business and property owners in downtown Claremore make small improvements to their buildings.

The Beautification and Improvement Grant is a $75 matching micro-grant created for all those finishing touches that complete the look of downtown storefronts.

“These micro-grants are designed to offer an incentive for the little projects that shop owners are looking to do directly outside their business – a new flower pot, updated signage or even additional lighting,” said Jessica Jackson, executive director of Claremore Main Street.

Eligible improvements include planters and landscaping, signage, holiday lighting and decorations, some exterior painting, exterior lighting, window displays, public art and exterior cleaning.

“Our goal is to make downtown a destination to shop, dine and unwind,” Jackson said of Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization. “Being able to offer these grants to help small businesses improve their exterior will only encourage more people to spend time downtown.”

Applications are due monthly on the last day of the month by 5 p.m. to the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or by midnight CST by email at .

Notification will be made within one month of the application deadline, and projects must be completed with receipts submitted for reimbursement within 45 days of the award notification. Applications must be completed and grants awarded before work begins.

Businesses and properties can receive the grant no more frequently than once a quarter and only on different projects. Preferences are given to new award applicants and projects that prove high visual impact, lasting improvement and active streetfront. The grant is exclusively for downtown partners.

“The last few years, we’ve had a successful partnership drive. In turn, we were able to get this grant up and running earlier than originally planned,” Jackson said. “We wanted this to be a perk for partners because they are the ones who helped us raise enough to offer it in the first place.”

Claremore Main Street also offers a $1,000 matching Façade Grant to anyone within the Main Street Boundaries, and the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association offers $250 Giving Back Grants to businesses within downtown’s National Historic District.

The Façade Grant has quarterly deadlines with the next one coming up on March 31. The application is available for download here.

The Giving Back Grant is open until the grants are awarded. Applications are available at the Willow Tree Mall, 409 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or by contacting the DCMA.

Claremore Main Street is 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.

For more information, call Jackson at 918-341-5881 or email her at . Applications and a map of the boundaries can be downloaded here.

More information about the Facade Grant Program here and the Giving Back Grant here.

Claremore Main Street offers an opportunity to support the community in a tangible way while also reaping the benefits of tax deductible donations.

Music on Main is an initiative is designed as a crowdfunding project to raise funds to install 12 speaker sets on current light poles in downtown Claremore. Now one month in, the project has raised $5,000 of the $25,000 goal.

“We know that music is a powerful psychological mood enhancer, and we’d like to see that joy brought to our downtown,” said Jessica Jackson, Main Street Executive Director. “Right now at the end of the year is the perfect time to give for two reasons.”

Given that the donation is going to a 501c3 nonprofit organization – Claremore Main Street – 100 percent of the donation is tax deductible.

“This request comes just in time for folks to give and claim it on the 2017 taxes for the biggest benefit,” Jackson said. “Secondly, every dollar donated is doubled through a National Main Street Center grant right now. The more we raise now, the more contributed on the national level.”

Tap here to make your donation now!

Once the project is completed and paid for, today’s popular music or a holiday hit will play during regular business hours for those sitting on a bench or wandering through the downtown.

During downtown events like Dickens on the Boulevard or Food Truck Thursday, music, bands and announcements from the stage will play throughout the three blocks.

Corporate sponsors – who’s donations will be used later in the drive as an individual match – include the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association, Claremore Museum of History, District on Main, RCB Bank and Grand River Dam Authority.

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 .

More information about Music on Main.

As the weather begins to turn colder, taste buds start craving warm soups and stews. Enter: Souper Saturday.

Back for the second year, Souper Saturday is a soup tasting and shopping event in the heart of Claremore.

A total of 15 participating stores will be cooking up their favorite soup or stew recipes and serving them to event attendees from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 6.

“Souper Saturday is back by popular demand,” said Sheila Giannelli, president of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association. “Last year we had a lot of traffic and a lot of great soups.”

Tasting kits are required. They are limited and on sale now for $8 or two for $15. An early bird special of $7 a kit runs from Dec. 16 to Dec. 22.

The kits include a specialty mug, a bottle of water, a spoon, a menu, a tasting wrist band and an opportunity to taste 15 delicious soups and stews.

Tasting kits are available at The Cozy Cottage, 514 W. Will Rogers Blvd., The Grapevine, 404 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, 318 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or online here.

Additionally, guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite soups. The business with the most votes will earn bragging rights on the street and a roving trophy to keep until next year.

Last year, The Haberdashery won with their broccoli cheese soup. Runners up were Cozy Cottage’s broccoli cheese soup and MoreClaremore’s pumpkin chili.

“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and trying this year’s entries,” Giannelli said.

Participating businesses are The Burlap Closet (Taco Soup), Centsible Spending (Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque), The Cozy Cottage (Potato Soup), The Cranberry Merchant, Crystal Pistol Boutique (Beef Stew), Dorothy’s Flowers (Cowboy Stew), The Farmhaus (Chicken Noodle), Frosted Cake Studio (Potato Soup), The Grapevine (Tortilla Soup), The Haberdashery, LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique (Japanese Noodle Soup), MoreClaremore (Full Moon Café Tortilla Soup), Rhapsody Boutique & Spa (Corn Chowder), Sailor Antiques and Collectibles (Cheeseburger Soup) and Willow Tree Mall (Cabin Fever).

Souper Saturday is an event by the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association. It is being held in conjunction with 1st Saturday Downtown, a monthly downtown-wide sale.

For more information, email the DCMA at .

Join the Facebook event!

Cash Mob shoppers finished their Christmas shopping early after a small but mighty group took over Outwets Home Décor for the December Cash Mob.

Shoppers flocked from the Claremore Main Street office across the street to Outwest Home Décor, 418 W. Will Rogers Blvd., spending nearly $1,000 grabbing gifts for loved ones to put under the tree or decorations to make their homes more festive.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in Cash Mob this month,” said Jenny Meeks, owner of Outwest. “It’s really a boost when you need it the most. It’s hectic, but mostly it’s fun!”

Cash Mob is bimonthly shopping ‘mob’ where participants gather and then, as a group, “mob” a downtown store chosen at random, spending $20 in that store. Hundreds of dollars are pumped into the local economy in 45 minutes.

The mob also benefits a local nonprofit or cause voted on by the attendees. In December, there was a tie between Toys for Tots and Claremore Main Street’s Music on Main initiative, which is a crowdfunding project to get speakers in downtown to play ambient music throughout the shopping hours.

With the unprecedented tie, Meeks was able to make the tie-breaking decision. She voted for Music on Main.

“The project is going to enhance our downtown. Music on the streets helps everyone. People always comment about how much they love mine,” said Meeks, who has music both right outside her store and inside.

To support the cause, donate online here. Right now, 100 percent of individual donations are doubled through a National Main Street Center grant.

The Cash Mob was sponsored by Kevin Fortna, CPA. Claremore Main Street has hosted Cash Mob for years as a way to promote shopping local, small business success and a pay-it-forward attitude.

Claremore residents and others who love the community can purchase their own limited edition, specialty ornament featuring downtown Claremore now through the end of the year.

They feature downtown staples like the Will Rogers Hotel, Will Rogers statue, railroad tracks and Route 66. The ornament says “Downtown Claremore” and “Season’s Greetings 2017.”

At just $10 each, the ornaments are also perfect stocking stuffers. Only 200 were produced, so interested parties are encouraged to get theirs while supplies last.

The ornaments are a fundraiser for Claremore Main Street and go to the support the ongoing revitalization of downtown Claremore.

Ornaments are on sale now at the Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., and in four downtown stores – The Cozy Cottage, The Grapevine, The Haberdashery and The Willow Tree Mall.

Ornaments will also be on sale Dec. 15 at West Bend Winterland from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.