Tessa Hill opened First Position Apparel on January 4th, 2020 at 108 S Cherokee Ave. in Downtown Claremore.

Q: First off, tell us a little bit about yourself, and your family:

A: I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, but I’m married to a Claremore native, and I’ve lived in the Claremore area for about 11 years. My husband and I graduated from RSU, and we have three children (a boy and two girls). Both of my daughters dance, and as a dance mom, I saw the need for a dance store closer to home.

Q: What is First Position Apparel?

A: 1st Position Apparel is a dancewear shop that carries shoes, apparel, gifts, accessories, and bags for dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders. In addition to our storefront, customers can order from our website and pick up their purchases in the store. We also take the store to the dance studio with our pop-up shops.

Q: How have your first few months downtown been?

A: Our first few months have been rewarding. I run the shop solo, so I’ve had to close the storefront quite a few days in order to take care of sick kiddos, but the support I’ve received from the community and Main Street have been very encouraging. I’m looking forward to the fun events coming up, like A Taste of Claremore and Food Truck Thursdays!

Q: What about Downtown Claremore made you want to open your business here?

A: Downtown Claremore has a lot to offer with the community events and activities throughout the year. I also wanted a convenient location for dancers and their families, which Downtown Claremore has provided as we’re just down the road from both of Claremore’s dance schools.

Q: What else would you like for the community to know about 1st Position Apparel?

A: We’re just starting out, so bear with us – we may not have every item in every size, but we are happy to order anything you might need (or want). We want to serve our community by offering affordable items without the long drive to Tulsa. We’re excited to grow in Downtown Claremore!

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.

As we get ready for our first event of the 2020 year tomorrow, we would like to thank all of the individuals and businesses that were a part of our 2020 Partnership Drive. Your support of Claremore Main Street makes all the that we do possible throughout the year. Thank you all for your support!

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Centsible Spending

Coleman Antiques

The Cranberry Merchant

The Cozy Cottage

Crooked Roots

The District Baby

The District on Main

Doe’s Eat Place

Dorothy’s Flowers

The Farmhaus

The Haberdashery

Lolipop: A Sweet Boutique

Rhapsody Boutique Saloon & Spa

Sailor Antiques and Collectibles

She Brews Coffee House

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