Community members, downtown business and building owner and members of the Main Street Board of Directors set out to sweep glass and pick up loose trash in the first Claremore Main Street Alley Clean Up Day on Sunday.

“It was wonderful to see everyone come together for a common mission,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Executive Director. “We got out there and worked together as a team – people from all different ages with different relationships to the district. It was neat to witness.”

Among the crew were four children, who picked up trash and shoveled glass like the rest of the volunteers, showcasing that every bit helps and that community involvement can begin early.

​The idea for the Alley Clean Up Day began in a Board of Directors meeting a few months ago, around the time the City of Claremore was participating in its citywide clean up day. While the timing did not work out to hold the events in conjunction, the idea was postponed to the fall

Jill Ferenc, City Planner and Main Street Board member, headed up the project. Supplies, including gloves and trash bags, were donated by the City. The City also plans to remove an old business sign behind The Willow Tree later this week as part of the initiative.

“Our downtown is the heart of the city, and alleys are an integral part of that urban fabric,” Ferenc said. “This event promotes the enhancement and utilization of alleys for connectivity and more active public uses in the future.”

Jackson said she hopes to make the Alley Clean Up Day a semi-annual event, including getting volunteers to help building owners with their projects.

“Main Street would like to sincerely thank everyone who came out to help us clean the alleys,” she said. “They look great, and I appreciate the community’s support.”

Registration is still open for Claremore’s favorite bike ride – Dickens of a Ride – debuting its ninth year on Oct. 1.

The family-friendly ride is perfect for all ages and skill levels with seven distances ranging from a seven-mile Lazy Lake Loop up to a century. All distances begin at 8 a.m. at Gazebo Park, located at Weenonah Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard.

Along with the always-popular 30-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile routes, riders can choose a shorter 18-mile path or a more aggressive 76-mile ride.

“Dickens of a Ride is a wonderful, fun ride,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “The routes are complete with great rest stops and volunteers, home baked goodies and quirky roadside stops.”
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REGISTER NOW!

Registration for all distances is $30. Riders can register online prior to the event or in person during packet pickup/registration. Packet pickup/registration is Thursday night from 5-7 p.m. at Bike-About Bicycles, 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or Saturday morning beginning at 6 a.m. at Gazebo Park.

A few long-sleeved T-shirts remain for sale for $20. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at packet pickup/registration.

The ride includes well-supplied rest stops and SAG and mechanical support through 5 p.m. as well as a map with instructions.

More than 30 door prizes will be given out randomly to riders. Once returning, riders should visit the registration table at the finish line to see if they won and to claim their prize.

The riders will receive a goodie bag with discounts to local stores as well as handy information about Claremore and other events.

Included in the packet will be a Visit Claremore Passport. Riders have a month to complete 10 of the passport stops. The first 30 returned will receive a special gift from Claremore Main Street and all returned will be entered to win a grand prize.

“I love the passport idea,” Jackson said. “We’ve worked closely with Visit Claremore to find a fun way to encourage riders to stay in or come back to Claremore to see all the great things we have to offer!”

The finish line, sponsored by RCB Bank, will include food truck Jen’s Java, massages by Rhapsody Boutique & Spa and consultations with Reset Chiropractic.

Boom-a-Rang Diner will provide a $2.99 rider breakfast special before the ride on Oct. 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Claremore and La Quinta are both offering special rates for riders.

The event is made possible thanks to a number of sponsors, especially major sponsor Bike-About Bicycles.

Supporting Sponsors are Kevin Fortna CPA, McDonald’s and Boom-a-Rang Diner. Rest Stop Sponsors include Destiny Life Church, Will Rogers Masonic Lodge, Boy Scouts Troop 88, Meltons Sales and RSU Softball.

Proceeds from the ride benefit Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown district and reigniting the area as the social core of our community.

For more information or to register, visit downtownclaremore.org. The official ride hashtag is #DickensRide2016.

Downtown Claremore’s Food Truck Thursday this month offers an opportunity for residents to decorate the streets with beautiful pieces of chalk art during the first I Art Claremore – Downtown Chalk Walk.

The monthly event, set in downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m., features local band The Aviators, a magic show by Spotlight Magic, a free Kids Zone by First United Methodist Church, more than 10 food trucks and late-night shopping deals.

The Downtown Chalk Walk is an informal artist showcase. Artists and amateurs alike can create their masterpieces in 3-foot-by-3-foot squares in the 300 block of Will Rogers Boulevard in the Kids Zone area. The Chalk Walk is not exclusive to children, however, and teens and adults are encouraged to participate.

The drawings will be put in an album on Friday on the Claremore Main Street’s Facebook page
​“I Art Claremore – Downtown Chalk Walk is a neat addition to this month’s Food Truck Thursday,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street’s director. “It’s a chance for everyone to put their mark on our city.”

​Spotlight Magic will offer a free magic show from 7-7:30 p.m. at the stage in between sets by The Aviators.

The Kids Zone is completely free to attendees, but parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the bounce houses and fun activities.

Boarding House Books, 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd., will feature a book signing by local authors Monica Withers, Valerie Knapp, Jane Rogers, Debbie Noble and Mary Coley.

This month, the event features a few new food trucks, brought in to provide more variety and potentially shorter food lines.

“We want to continue to evolve and improve our event,” said Carol Thibodeau, the event committee chairwoman and owner of Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, 318 W. will Rogers Blvd. “While the favorites are back again, we invited some new trucks to keep things fresh for our guests.”

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, Taqueria El Jarocho, Papos Latin/American Cafe, Curbside Comfort, Jeremiah’s A Cafe of Hope, Kona Ice, Tacos Maranatha, Wild Al’s, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn and Jen’s Java.

In addition to Food Truck Thursday’s events on Will Rogers Boulevard, Light of Hope will host a free outdoor movie, Pixar’s Cars, beginning at 8 p.m. in the Rogers County Courthouse Parking Lot.

Light of Hope is a nonprofit ministry outreach focused on assisting individuals and families faced with struggles of addition or life difficulities.

There is one other Food Truck Thursday remaining this season. Rogers County residents can enjoy the final one, Downtown Zombie Infestation, on Oct. 27.

The monthly event is hosted by the Downtown Merchants Group and Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown district and reigniting the area as the social core of our community.

It’s time to grab those gal pals and head out to enjoy a ladies night out at the 11th annual Ladies Lifestyle event in Claremore on Oct. 11.

Hosted from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Claremore Conference Center at 1400 Country Club Drive, Ladies Lifestyle features shopping, massages, hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, wine samples, a health panel by presenting sponsor Hillcrest Hospital, a photo booth and giveaways every half hour.

The night will cap off with the second Leading Ladies Awards, presented by 98.5 KVOO Morning Radio host Sunny Leigh and media personality Michelle Lowry.

“The Leading Ladies Awards honors local women in our community who stand out, whether it’s behind the scenes, as a leader in health or as a rising star,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street, one of the event’s hosts. “It’s my favorite part of the night because it’s our chance to celebrate each other and the women who make this community great.”

There are seven categories: Behind the Scenes, Business Leadership, Community Supporter, Leader in Health, Nonprofit Leadership, Leading Lady of the Year and a new category, Rising Star, which highlights an emerging leading lady.
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Nominate someone now!

Nominations are free. Nomination forms can be found at claremore.org or by visiting the Claremore Chamber of Commerce, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd. The nominations are judged by out-of-town judges. The awards will be presented at 8 p.m.

The health panel will include a variety health professionals from Hillcrest Hospital. Panelists will each offer a short presentation and will be available to answer questions.

“There’s just a little bit for everyone,” Jackson said. “Whether you want to shop, be pampered or learn a little more about women’s health, Ladies Lifestyle is the event for you.”

General admission for the entire evening is $10. VIP tickets, which gives guests a seat at the Leading Ladies Awards presentation and a meet-and-greet with Leigh and Lowry, are $25. VIP tickets are limited. Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office during regular business hours.

Major sponsors of this year’s event are RCB Bank, Wallace for Life, Tulsa Federal Credit Union, A&B Bail Bonds, BancFirst, A New Image, Elizabeth Jean Salon and NTC.

“We are thankful for our sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t be able to offer this wonderful event for women,” Jackson said.

The event is hosted by the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce and Claremore Main Street, nonprofit organizations designed to better improve the quality of life in Rogers County and enhance business success in the area.

For additional information about the show or to register as a vendor, please call the Claremore at (918) 341-2818 or Main Street at (918) 341-5881.

​Every other month, a store in downtown Claremore is mobbed – mobbed by a group of eager shoppers ready to spend $20.

The “mobbing” is part of Claremore Main Street’s bimonthly Cash Mob, where a collection of local supporters assemble for a small gathering prior to going out and shopping at a downtown store chosen at random the night of the event.

Shoppers took over LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique, 518 W. Will Rogers Blvd., earlier this month and added more than $1,000 into the local economy in about 45 minutes. The mob was sponsored by Melton Sales of Claremore.

As part of a pay-it-forward aspect to the Cash Mob, 10 percent of the proceeds from the night were donated to the Wild Heart Ranch, the nonprofit chosen by the mobbers on the night of the Cash Mob.

“I’m grateful my boutique was selected for Cash Mob in August. It was so much fun to see the shoppers fill my store and take home goodies,” said Loretta Price, owner of LoliPop. “I’m also glad to support Wild Heart Ranch because of all the great work they do for animals. They are one of my personal favorite nonprofits in Rogers County.”

Wild Heart is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center that takes in more than 2,500 injured or orphaned wild animals annually, rehabilitates them and releases them back into the wild. The ranch operates solely on donations.

“In the fall, it’s hard to get donations online so this will help carry us through the season,” said Daniel Hardt, head volunteer at Wild Heart Ranch. “Right now, we are working on a small flight enclosure where we will have flight strengthening for owls and hawks.”

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.

Cash Mob is every other month on the first Tuesday of the month. Pre-registration is not required but encouraged. Register online here.

The next Cash Mob is scheduled for Oct. 4. Participants are invited to the pre-mob gathering at North Block Common, 115 N. Missouri Ave., between 4:30-5:30 p.m. The selected store will be drawn at 5:30 p.m. MoreClaremore.com is the mob’s host.

Downtown Claremore is offering another opportunity for local residents to come out and solve the “Case of the Missing Cupcakes” after this week’s Food Truck Thursday was rained out.

A microburst storm poured down on downtown Claremore on Thursday right as Food Truck Thursday: Clue in Downtown Claremore was kicking off, and while a few quick detectives cracked the Case of the Missing Cupcakes – a bandit took off with the goodies again!

So, on 1st Saturday Downtown, a monthly downtown-wide sale, detectives must once again gather to help solve the mystery.

Beginning at noon Sept. 3, the best and the brightest can grab their Clue game sheet at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., and begin their journey. The entire game, which is good for folks of all ages and completely free to play, should take about a half hour.
​Each step along the way will bring detectives closer to figuring out “whodunit” and will earn them a ticket to win a gift basket valued at $500. Up to eight tickets can be earned playing the free game.

Those clever, brave investigators who dropped their tickets into the Gold Box on Thursday night should keep those tickets as they are still entered to win. They are also welcome to come back on Sept. 3 to go on another track to earn more tickets.

Tickets can also be obtained by dressing as your favorite character or weapon from the game Clue, and with every $10 spent at a participating store.

The gift basket drawing will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 3. The winning number will be posted on the Claremore Main Street Facebook page and website, www.downtownclaremore.org.

The winner will have until 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, to bring their ticket to the Main Street office to claim their prize. If no one claims it in time, a second number will be drawn.

Calling all detectives! We need your help to uncover a mystery at Food Truck Thursday: Clue in Downtown Claremore on Aug, 25.

The monthly event, set in downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m., features a fun game of whodunit as attendees work to solve the “Case of the Missing Cupcakes,” a magic show by Spotlight Magic, a free Kids Zone by First United Methodist Church, about 10 food trucks and late-night shopping with a gift basket giveaway.

“Food Truck Thursday is such a fun monthly event in Claremore,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director. “We love hosting it and seeing everyone come out and enjoy downtown Claremore.”

The “Case of the Missing Cupcake” will begin at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd. It is completely free to play and each step of the way detectives will earn tickets for a gift basket valued at more than $300.
“We are trying to bring something new to our event,” said Carol Thibodeau, the event committee chairwoman and owner of Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, 106 S. Cherokee Ave. “Everyone loves the game of Clue and a good mystery to solve.”

Tickets can also be obtained by dressing as your favorite character from the game Clue, and with every $10 spent at a participating store. The gift basket drawing will be at 8:30 p.m. at the stage in the 500 block of West Will Rogers Boulevard, and you must be present to win.

Spotlight Magic will offer a free magic show from 6:30-7 p.m. at the stage.

The Kids Zone is completely free to attendees, but parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the bounce houses, a fingerprinting station, face painting, a “mug shot” station and giant tic-tac-toe.

“The Kids Zone is wildly popular for families,” Jackson said. “First United Methodist Church does a fantastic job incorporating the event’s theme to make the Kids Zone a little different each month.”

Boarding House Books, 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd., will feature a book signing by local authors Daniel Welch, Derek Bullard, Philip D. Smith, Bill York and Robert Scott. LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique will host a children’s book signing with local author Crystal Campbell.

Nine 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, Taqueria El Jarocho, Papos Latin/American Cafe, Curbside Comfort, BackWatters BBQ Chuckwagon, Kona Ice and Jen’s Java.

There are three other Food Truck Thursday’s remaining this season. Rogers County residents can enjoy I Art Claremore – Downtown Chalk Walk on Sept. 29 and Downtown Zombie Infestation on Oct. 27.

The monthly event is hosted by the Downtown Merchants Group and Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown district and reigniting the area as the social core of our community.

Downtown Claremore is one step closer to being placed on the National Register of Historic Places after the nomination was signed off by the state Historical Preservation Review Committee.

The committee unanimously voted to forward Claremore’s nomination on to the National Parks Service, the final stop before the official designation.

Claremore Main Street officials expect to hear the final designation by early October.

“Our volunteers have spent countless hours over the last few years pouring over research on our district’s history to complete the complex narrative for the nomination,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Executive Director. “I couldn’t be more excited to see downtown Claremore within reach of this goal.”

“We are so thankful for our friends at the State Historic Preservation Office for their guidance and assistance throughout this process,” Jackson added.
Dr. Ray Brown, Main Street Treasurer, and former Main Street Director Cindy Bissett spearheaded the project, which resulted in new information and insights about the district.

“When Cindy Bissett approached me about preparing an application for a National Historic Preservation District in Downtown Claremore, I was excited about the opportunity. This seemed to fit right in my wheelhouse,” said Brown, a former vice president at Rogers State University.

“Conducting the research and preparing the application was a challenging but rewarding project. I sincerely enjoyed the project and hope to see more historical renovations downtown,” he added.

As per the nomination, the historic district includes the three blocks of West Will Rogers Boulevard from Lynn Riggs Boulevard to Muskogee Avenue and from 4th Street to the alley between Patti Page and Will Rogers boulevards.

The nomination’s period of significance is from 1890-1955.

Once named to the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Claremore will be protected from federal projects or mandates that may alter the district and building owners have a chance to qualify for 20 percent tax credits for restoration and rehabilitation of their buildings within the district.

“Future prosperity and economic development will depend on using our historical resources and adapting them to meet future needs,” Brown said. “This encourages owners to invest in preservation and renovation of their buildings, which creates for the owners more valuable assets.”

Additionally, the placement on the Register has potential to increase tourist attention, especially among history buffs.

“We took on this project to be able to offer people investing in downtown Claremore the opportunity for the major tax credits and because it is such an honor to be on the National Register of Historic Places,” Jackson said.

Claremore residents can test their ring toss skills this Thursday during this month’s Food Truck Thursday: Downtown Carnival on July 28.

The monthly event, set in downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m., features live music from Brent Giddens Band, a free Kids Zone by First United Methodist Church, a chance to dunk local celebrities in a dunk tank, more than 10 food trucks and late-night shopping.

“With hundreds of people flocking downtown to enjoy our district each month, the Food Truck Thursday is one of my favorite events,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “We have a little bit of something for everyone with great shopping, food, kids activities and local musicians.”
​The Kids Zone is completely free to attendees, but parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the bounce houses, sand castle stations, face painting and carnival games.

In addition to the Kids Zone on the 300 block of W. Will Rogers Blvd., near the band on the other end of downtown will be a balloon animal artist handing out free creations and a dunk tank featuring local faces.

For $5, guests will have three opportunities to dunk State Farm Agent Grant Gingerich, City Councilor Jeff Godwin, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office’s Erica Brown and Joel Smith, moreClaremore.com’s Ashley Orf or compete in the Bedlam Battle – Dr. Steve Elgeston representing the University of Oklahoma or Brent Youngs representing Oklahoma State University.

“The dunk tank is a fun addition to our event and the carnival theme,” Jackson said. “We found your neighbors and community figures who were willing to just have fun with us at this event and put themselves in the hot seat.”

Proceeds from the dunk tank will go to improving subsequent Food Truck Thursdays and beautification of downtown Claremore.

Pokémon Go fans can make use of the five Pokéstops in the district as “lures” will be set up all three hours to help gamers nab some rare Pokémon during the event.

“We see people walking the streets all day and night in search of Pokémon, and we are excited to add in something for the gamers in our event this Thursday,” said Carol Thibodeau, owner of Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, 106 S. Cherokee, and Food Truck Thursday committee chairwoman.

Boarding House Books, 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd., will feature a book signing by local authors Jim Laughter, Tom Yarbrough, Jan Monk, Tammy Mullins and Patricia Harsley.

Several 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, Taqueria El Jarocho, Papos Latin/American Cafe, Curbside Comfort, Wild Al’s and Jen’s Java.

Additionally, the final Civic Concert will take place in Gazebo Park on Thursday evening. The Claremore Museum of History will be open and will hand out free ice cream sundaes to the first 100 people who show up after 7 p.m.

Many of the downtown stores, which will stay open until 9 p.m., will feature discounts throughout the evening. LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique, 518 W. Will Rogers Blvd., will hand out free cotton candy to the first 100 guests.

There are three other Food Truck Thursday’s remaining this season. Rogers County residents can enjoy CLUE in Downtown Claremore on Aug. 25, I Art Claremore – Downtown Chalk Walk on Sept. 29 and Downtown Zombie Infestation on Oct. 27.

The monthly event is hosted by the Downtown Merchants Group and Claremore Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown district and reigniting the area as the social core of our community.

Check out the event on Facebook!

Dunk Tank Schedule
6-6:25 p.m. – State Farm’s Grant Gingrich
6:25-6:50 p.m. – Councilor Jeff Godwin
6:50-7:15 p.m. – BEDLAM BATTLE
Brent Youngs (Orange Power!)
7:15-7:40 p.m. – BEDLAM BATTLE
Dr. Steve Elgeston (Boomer Sooner!)
7:40-8:05 p.m. – RC Sheriff’s Office’s Erica Brown
8:05-8:30 p.m. – RC Sheriff’s Office’s Joel Smith
8:30-8:55 p.m. – moreClaremore’s Ashley Orf

One of Claremore’s favorite lunch spots is getting the opportunity to grow and serve more of Rogers County thanks to a donation by Leadership Rogers County.

She Brews Coffee House, 414 W. Will Rogers Blvd., is in the process of their remodel, which will include dining for an additional 30 people and a full-service kitchen.

“We had this vision but Leadership Rogers County became like the fuel behind the vision to make it happen. We honestly could not have done it without their assistance,” said Rhonda Bear, She Brews’ owner. “I’m very grateful.”

Each year, the Leadership Rogers County class raises money with an annual golf tournament to benefit a local nonprofit or cause. The 2016 class unanimously voted to help She Brew’s vision to expand.

“Our class felt that our class project contributing to She Brews was a no-brainer,” said Crystal Campbell, the 2016 Class Leader. “The story of She Brews leads a great example for so many in that together we can make effective changes in the lives around us.”
“Servant leadership is a core value of any great leader and so many of us felt that common bond in Rhonda Bear,” she added.

She Brews isn’t your traditional coffee shop. It’s a ministry that gives previous incarcerated women a chance to get back on their feet and change the path of their lives. Bear also works to reunite the women with their children.

Her program boasts an 85 percent success rate. In October, Bear was named the Leading Lady of the Year in Claremore.

“With the growth, we can increase the number of employees,” Bear said. “They love to tell their stories. What’s going to be neat is that the walls will tell their stories, too.”

The front of the She Brews will have a coffee shop feel, with a barista station and couches. Diners will go farther back to enjoy a traditional dining area. On the walls will be photos of women saved – and their children — through Bear’s mission and a looping video with their stories.

The glass tabletops were donated by Oklahoma Glass & Mirror in Claremore and the TV to display the video was donated by Destiny Life.

Farther back still will be a full kitchen, allowing She Brews to make their staple “She Bread” and their traditional casseroles and dishes on site.

“To be able to support a local business as well as the lives of Oklahoma women and children meant so much to so many in our Leadership class,” Campbell said. “The smiles of the ladies and the heart of Rhonda make it an easy place to love going to and supporting.”

Bear said she hopes to see She Brews reopen in mid-July.

Leadership Rogers County is a program designed to develop the talent and broaden the perspective of future or present community leaders. The program provides practical information, builds networking circles and provides opportunities to serve the community.

“It was great to go through the journey of Leadership Rogers County this last year,” Campbell said. “As a class, we not only got to see more of our community but we made great friendships as well.”

To apply for the 2017 Leadership Rogers County Class or to get more information about the program, visit their website.