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.

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 .

Downtown Claremore is celebrating the days when women walked around downtown in poodle skirts and Elvis Presley was the most popular musician in America. The days before cell phones, when color TVs first hit the market.

This celebration of the 1950s is part of Food Truck Thursday At the Hop Downtown on Aug. 30 from 6-9 p.m. in Downtown Claremore. The monthly, seasonal event features more than 15 food trucks, late night shopping downtown, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, local musicians and a fun theme each month.

Performing for the night is Elvis Presley — known locally as EJ Sharp. He will be performing at the stage in the 500 block.

The event also features a Classic Car Show, which is held in conjunction with Volunteers for Youth as a small fundraiser for the organization. The show will feature up to 20 classic cars available for viewing and voting from 6-8 p.m. in the Claremore Daily Progress Parking Lot, 315 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

Guests will get to vote on their “Fan Favorite.” Voting will end at 8 p.m., and the winner will be announced at the stage at 8:30 p.m. The winning car’s owner will receive a $100 gift card to Doe’s Eat Place.

It is free to vote, and each attendee will get one vote. To enter a car, the registration fee is a $10 donation to Volunteers for Youth. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the organization to support its mission to keep at-risk youth on track for a happy, healthy, productive life. Space is limited. Those interested in participating can download the application here.

At the free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, kids can play volleyball, hop scotch, hula hoop and other fun kids games. The church also always offers a free snack for all kids in the Kids Zone. Parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the games and fun activities.

Volunteers for Youth’s TSET Healthy Living Program is sponsoring a free cooking demonstration with items available for purchase at a farmer’s market booth nearby. There also will be a dunk tank to benefit the Volunteers for Youth.

Most shops will remain open throughout the event while other vendors will be in the streets to add to the shopping variety. The Main Street Tavern will be selling low-point beer, and Studio B Artworks will be offering face painting.

Food trucks include Alpha Grill, Blue Boys Soul Food, Curbside Comfort, Dave’s Smoke Shack, Dorothy’s Wiches, Hoops Philly Truck, Hot Mess BBQ, Jack’s Ice Cream, Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn of Miami, MooChewSooey BBQ, My Baby Can Cook, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Taqueria El Jarocho and Wild Al’s.

Food Truck Thursday is a monthly, seasonal event in downtown Claremore hosted by the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Claremore Main Street. Both organizations strive to improve downtown Claremore and reignite the area as the social core of the community.

Upcoming dates for Food Truck Thursday are Downtown Fall Festival on September 27 and Downtown Halloween Haunt October 25.

Food Truck Thursday was named the 2018 Best Premier Special Event Over 1,000 Attendees by the Oklahoma Main Street Center.

Food Truck Thursday is made possible thanks to its community support and sponsors, including Season Signature Sponsor Midtown Rentals and numerous major and supporting sponsors.

Claremore Main Street is once again seeking volunteer models and extras for a downtown photoshoot scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.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 had our first photoshoot in February and had wonderful turnout and beautiful shots taken,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “With its success, we wanted to do it again in the summer to get different lighting and clothing.”

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., by 10:30 a.m. for instructions and assignments. The entire shoot will be over by 12:30 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 summer 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 rain or bad weather, Jackson will notify everyone those she’s heard from and update their Facebook page if the shoot is postponed.

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.

With the popularity of Cash Mob’s en masse shopping concept, Claremore Main Street introduces a new event featuring en masse dining – Breakfast at the Boom.

Breakfast at the Boom is exactly what it sounds like – a big group getting together and eating breakfast at the Boomarang Diner, 302 W. Will Rogers Blvd. But there’s more to it.

“Breakfast at the Boom is a fun opportunity to get together as a group and enjoy a meal, plus we’ll have added benefits of giveaways and free shopping dollars,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director.

The event is from 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, August 18. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call or text Main Street at 918-341-5881 or email .

Just like in Cash Mob, attendees are expected to spend $20. The cost covers the free meal, prizes and giveaways and shopping dollars to spend at select stores downtown.

“Main Street isn’t making any money off of this,” the nonprofit director said. “One-hundred percent of the registration fee will go to the downtown businesses, either in the cost of the food, the shopping dollars or purchasing the door prizes.”

Main Street encourages shopping right after breakfast, which conveniently ends at the same time most stores are opening.

“Enjoy your delicious breakfast and then shop! Take in the downtown and visit the variety of stores offered downtown to find a perfect gift to take home,” Jackson said. “The best part is that we’re all doing it together!”

Breakfast at the Boom is sponsored by RCB Bank.

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 sights and sounds of the island will fill downtown Claremore from 6-9 p.m. July 26 for the Food Truck Thursday Downtown Luau.

The monthly, seasonal event features more than 20 food trucks, late night shopping downtown, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, local musicians and a fun theme each month.

“The Downtown Luau has been one of our most beloved themes, so we brought it back again this year,” said Sheila Giannelli, President of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Food Truck Thursday committee co-chair.

Also back by popular demand is the hula hoop contest. All ages are encouraged to participate in the hula hoop contests at the stage at 7:30 p.m. Every contestant will go home with a prize, while winners will receive grand prizes.

The Aviators, a classic rock band out of Tulsa, will be performing on stage all night long to entertain crowds with popular cover songs.

“We’re excited to bring the Aviators back. They always get the crowd going,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director and event committee co-chair. “We hear a lot of compliments on the music when the Aviators are in town.”

At the free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, kids can play pineapple bowling, volleyball and other beach-like activities. The church also always offers a free snack for all kids in the Kids Zone. Parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the games and fun activities.

Volunteers for Youth’s TSET Healthy Living Program is sponsoring a free cooking demonstration with items available for purchase at a farmer’s market booth nearby. There also will be a dunk tank to benefit the Claremore High School Band.

Most shops will remain open throughout the event while other vendors will be in the streets to add to the shopping variety. The Main Street Tavern will be selling low-point beer, and Studio B Artworks will be offering face painting.

Food trucks include Alpha Grill, Blue Boys Soul Food, Breenie’Z Soft Pretzel, Curbside Comfort, Dave’s Smoke Shack, Dorothy’s Wiches, Frigid Whips & More, The Grillin’ Shack, Hot Mess BBQ, Jack’s Ice Cream, Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn, MooChewSooey BBQ, Moose Trax, My Baby Can Cook, Potlickers, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Taqueria El Jarocho and Wild Al’s.

Food Truck Thursday is a monthly, seasonal event in downtown Claremore hosted by the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Claremore Main Street. Both organizations strive to improve downtown Claremore and reignite the area as the social core of the community.

Upcoming dates for Food Truck Thursday are August 30, September 27 and October 25. Each month will feature a different theme.

Food Truck Thursday was named the 2018 Best Premier Special Event Over 1,000 Attendees by the Oklahoma Main Street Center.

Food Truck Thursday is made possible thanks to its community support and sponsors, including Season Signature Sponsor Midtown Rentals and numerous major and supporting sponsors. July is sponsored by BancFirst.

Nonfood vendors who would like to set up a booth should email Jennifer Kincade at . Space for food trucks is completely booked for the season.

Get all the latest about the Food Truck Thursday season by liking and following the Food Truck Thursday Facebook page!

Exclusively for the summer, select downtown Claremore stores and businesses will extend business hours into the evenings on Thursdays.

Participating businesses will remain open until 7 p.m. or later on Thursdays in July and August.

“A lot of customers were telling us they loved shopping downtown, but found it hard to go during the weekday because of work schedules,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street.

Together, Main Street and the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association decided to solve that problem – for nine weeks at least – with a Shop Late Thursdays initiative. The public is encouraged to make use of this limited weekday extension while it lasts.

“After work, come out and shop your favorite stores with us and then go grab a bite to eat at any of our downtown restaurants,” Jackson said.

Participating businesses may vary by week but include: Art Nest Boutique & Studio, Blooms on the Blvd., Coleman Antiques, CrossFit Parts Unknown, The District on Main, The Farmhaus, The Haberdashery, Homeward Bound, LoliPop A Sweet Boutique, Main Street Mercantile (formerly Cozy Cottage), Rhapsody Boutique & Spa and Thrift Harbor. Restaurants include Boomarang Diner, Doe’s Eat Place, Dot’s Café and the Main Street Tavern.

American flags are raised high. Summer days are warming and nights are short. Fireworks are just around the corner.

Downtown Claremore celebrates the United States and the military with Food Truck Thursday Yankee Doodle Downtown on June 28 from 6-9 p.m. The monthly, seasonal event features more than 20 food trucks, late night shopping downtown, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church and – for this month only – a special military band with more than 40 years of tradition will be performing in Claremore.

“It’s the week of a major primary election and less than a week before we celebrate our Independence Day, so an American-themed Food Truck Thursday was a natural fit this month,” Jackson said. “We are excited to have the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest coming out with their jazz ensemble, Flight Plan.”

The band, which is nationally recognized, will perform two sets during the evening – one beginning at 6:45 p.m. and one beginning at 7:45 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a special presentation to honor veterans, active military and others.

The Marine Corps League will be set up near the band and will be giving away pins to all Vietnam War veterans. Additionally, Blue Star Mothers will be accepting donations and the American Legion will be hosting a Wreaths Across America fundraiser.

Downtown will be decorated with balloons and American flags, and downtown stores will show off their Fourth of July flare as part of the window-decorating contest. The winning store will be announced at the event.

At the free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, kids will have an opportunity to design cards to be sent overseas to those on active duty, create their own American flag and play yard games. Additionally, there will be free juice and Rocket Pops. Parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the games and fun activities.

For those who’d like to burn a few calories before partaking in food trucks, the Claremore Rec Center will be offering free aerobics classes downtown all night long in 30-minute segments. Located at the end of the 300 block near Muskogee, anyone can join instructors for as little or as much as they’d like of the yoga, kickboxing, step and line dancing.

Most shops will remain open throughout the event while other vendors will be in the streets to add to the shopping variety. The Main Street Tavern will be selling low-point beer, and Studio B Artworks will be offering face painting.

Food trucks include Alpha Grill, The Bacon Truck, Blue Boys Soul Food, Dave’s Smoke Shack, Dorothy’s Wiches, Frigid Whips & More, The Grillin’ Shack, Hoops Philly Truck, Hot Mess BBQ, Jack’s Ice Cream, Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn, MooChewSooey BBQ, Moose Trax, My Baby Can Cook, Purple People Feeder, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Steak & Bake, Taqueria El Jarocho and Wild Al’s.

Food Truck Thursday is a monthly, seasonal event in downtown Claremore hosted by the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Claremore Main Street. Both organizations strive to improve downtown Claremore and reignite the area as the social core of the comunity.

Upcoming dates for Food Truck Thursday are July 26, August 30, September 27 and October 25. Each month will feature a different theme.

Food Truck Thursday was named the 2018 Best Premier Special Event Over 1,000 Attendees by the Oklahoma Main Street Center.

Food Truck Thursday is made possible thanks to its community support and sponsors, including Season Signature Sponsor Midtown Rentals and numerous major and supporting sponsors.

Nonfood vendors who would like to set up a booth should email Jennifer Kincade at . Space for food trucks is completely booked for the season.

Get all the latest about the Food Truck Thursday season by liking and following the Food Truck Thursday Facebook page!

Photo by Matthew Wood/DroneWorks

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a food truck!

The Food Truck Thursday season is starting with a bang, a pow and a wham with the Downtown CASA Superhero Smash from 6-9 p.m. May 31 in downtown Claremore.

Much like last year, the event will feature more than 20 food trucks, late night shopping downtown, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church and music by Jerry Pringle. Plus, superheroes … and villains.

Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. Several stores are offering discounts to those dressed up.

For the May event, Food Truck Thursday has partnered with CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every abused or neglected child can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

“Over the years, we’ve tried to partner with a community organization for at least one of the events,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street, an event co-host. “CASA’s mission to support children is really important in our community, so we’re glad to have them be a part of this with us for May.”

CASA also will be hosting a dunk tank where children and adults can try their luck at dunking their most hated villains. Proceeds to the tank will go to support CASA and its mission. CASA also will be introducing a special guest during a presentation around 7 p.m. at the stage.

“CASA is proud of our association the downtown Food Truck Thursday series,” said Angela Henderson, executive director of Child Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma. “Claremore’s business owners are very community-oriented, and they care about kids. We hope all superheroes, large and small, will come to Food Truck Thursday decked out in their costumes.”

In addition, sponsor Volunteers for Youth will bring their Smoothie Bike, offering guests a chance to ride a stationary bike that makes smoothies, to promote their healthy living initiatives, and Studio B Artworks will be doing face painting.

The Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church is completely free to attendees, but parents are asked to watch their children while they enjoy the games and fun activities. The Kids Zone will have superhero mask decorating, an obstacle course and a free snack.

Most shops will remain open throughout the event while other vendors will be in the streets to add to the shopping variety. The Main Street Tavern will be selling low-point beer.

“We’re looking forward to this new season for Food Truck Thursday because every year has just gotten bigger and better,” said Sheila Giannelli, president of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association, an event co-host. “This has allowed us to add more features each month and provide a fun, community-oriented event series.”

Food trucks include Alpha Grill, The Bacon Truck, Blue Boys Soul Food, Breenie’Z Soft Pretzels, Dave’s Smoke Shack, Dorothy’s Wiches, Frigid Whips & More, Hoops Philly Truck, Hot Mess BBQ, Jack’s Ice Cream, Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn, Moose Trax, My Baby Can Cook, Not Your Grandma’s Cupcakes, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Steak & Bake, Taqueria El Jarocho and Wild Al’s.

Food Truck Thursday is a monthly, seasonal event in downtown Claremore hosted by the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association and Claremore Main Street. Both organizations strive to improve downtown Claremore and reignite the area as the social core of the community.

Upcoming dates for Food Truck Thursday are June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27 and October 25. Each month will feature a different theme.

Food Truck Thursday was named the 2018 Best Premier Special Event Over 1,000 Attendees by the Oklahoma Main Street Center.

Food Truck Thursday is made possible thanks to its community support and sponsors, including Season Signature Sponsor Midtown Rentals and numerous major and supporting sponsors.

Nonfood vendors who would like to set up a booth should email Jennifer Kincade at . Space for food trucks is completely booked for the season.

Get all the latest about the Food Truck Thursday season by liking and following the Food Truck Thursday Facebook page!

Mr. Brasel’s 4th Grade class at Westside Elementary School is the winner of the Union Pacific Flag Art Contest designed to promotion train history and safety here in Claremore. Fourth-grade classes all over town participated in the contest.

​Attendees at this year’s Sip, Savor & Shop: Taste of Claremore voted for their favorite flag. The winning class received $100, courtesy of Claremore Main Street and Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce, the contest’s hosts. The flag will be delivered to the contest’s sponsor, UP Railroad, to hang in their corporate office.

An honorable mention from each of Claremore’s three other elementary school’s received $50. Those classes were: Catalayah, Mrs. Crutchfield; Claremont, Mrs. Hindenberg; and Roosa, Mrs. Reavis and Mrs. Robinson. All the classes’ flags are hanging in downtown Claremore all during the month of May, Train Safety Month.