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.

A brand new downtown Claremore event is designed for the whole family as a way to honor mom this Mother’s Day.

Mom’s Wishlist is a two part event – first for Mom to shop and build her list and second for Dad, kids and loved ones to gather for the Wishlist Party and purchase her gifts.

“Mom’s Wishlist is a way to ensure Mom gets exactly what she wants this Mother’s Day,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director. “Think of it kind of like a registry. After the Wishlist is completed, we invite Dads, kids and other family members out to the Wishlist Party for free food and late shopping.”

Moms are encouraged to visit participating stores through noon May 10 to build a Wishlist. Each store will provide Mom with a wishlist to fill out in detail. She will then leave the wishlist at the store when she’s all done. There is no limit to the number of wishlists completed or stores used.

Later that evening, from 4-7 p.m. May 10, Dads and kids can gather at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., for food catered by The Pink House and a copy of Mom’s Wishlist. Participating stores will be open for shoppers during that time.

“In addition to ensuring she gets something she’ll love, we’re also giving Mom an evening home alone,” Jackson said. “We will hold Wishlists through the May 17 for anyone who is not able to attend the Wishlist Party.”

At the Party, Dads can also choose to pick up a Dad’s Wishlist to fill out that night in preparation for Father’s Day.

“We want to be clear that this event is for all families,” Jackson said. “We use the terms ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad,’ but Mom’s Wishlist is for everyone! I expect to see young kids, adult children, sisters, brothers, spouses, partners, friends and all others at the Wishlist Party. If you want to make someone feel special for Mother’s Day, this is your event.”

Participating businesses are Art Nest Boutique & Studio, The Burlap Closet, Centsible Spending, Coleman Antiques, The Cozy Cottage, The District on Main, The Haberdashery, LoliPop A Sweet Boutique, Outwest Home Décor, Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, Sailor Antiques & Collectibles, Second Impressions, Thrift Harbor and the Willow Tree Mall.

“We designed this event to be a win-win-win,” Jackson said. “Mom gets the perfect gift, Dad doesn’t have to stress and local businesses are supported. Everybody wins.”

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.

Foodies and food lovers rejoice! Sip, Savor & Shop: Taste of Claremore, a three-hour, self-guided food experience, starts at 6 p.m. April 28.

The event includes more than 20 stops spanning three blocks of downtown along Will Rogers Boulevard, three local musicians providing street entertainment, a live auction and a way to support local elementary schools.

“This may be our best Sip, Savor & Shop yet,” said Jessica Jackson, executive director of Claremore Main Street. “We have 18 local eateries and five wineries scheduled, plus great music and a silent auction full of goodies.”

Tickets will be on sale on Saturday at The Cozy Cottage, The Cranberry Merchant and Boarding House Books for $15. If any tickets remain by 5 p.m., tickets also will be sold at the Main Street/Chamber of Commerce office at 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

In addition to the food and shopping, the evening will feature a variety of sidewalk entertainment by talented local musicians. Performing that night are Heartland Xpress, the Smith Brothers and Ben Neikirk.

The silent auction, which will take place at the Main Street/Chamber office, has more than 15 baskets and items donated by local businesses. Guests can bid on items throughout the night, but the auction will close just after 8 p.m.

“We have a little something for everyone. From a mid-sized grill donated by Lowe’s to a Pioneer Woman basket donated by RCB Bank to a private station tour by the Claremore Fire Department, the auction has it all,” Jackson said. “We are thankful for all our local businesses who donated items!”

Additionally, guests can vote on their favorite of 12 flags, designed and created by fourth-grade students in Claremore, as part of the Union Pacific Flag Art Project. Classes made the flags to depict train safety or history in Claremore. The winning class will receive a cash donation.

Participating eateries and wineries are: Arri’bin Hills Winery, Blue Coyote Winery, Boom-a-rang Diner, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carl’s Coney Island, Charlie’s Chicken, Chick-fil-A Claremore, Dirty Dozen Donuts, El Azteca, El Maguey, Front Porch Bakery, Frosted Artisan Cake Studio, J. Farley’s, Main Street Tavern, McDonald’s, Northeast Tech Culinary Arts, Oke Ozark Winery, Pecan Creek Winery, Rib Crib, She Brews Coffee House, Stable Ridge Winery, The Pink House and Walke Brothers Meats.

Participating stores are: Art Nest Boutique & Studio, Bike-About Bicycles, Boarding House Books, Burlap Closet, Centsible Spending, Coleman Antiques, Cozy Cottage, Cranberry Merchant, Crystal Pistol Boutique/Mom & Pop Ceramic Shoppe, District on Main, The Farmhaus, The Haberdashery, Homeward Bound, LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique, Outwest Home Décor, Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, Sailor Antiques, Thrift Harbor, Waterfront Frame and Willow Tree Mall.

Sip, Savor & Shop: Taste of Claremore is hosted by Claremore Main Street and the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce, both of which are non-profit organizations in town. Proceeds of the event go to support the organization’s individual missions.

For more information, visit downtownclaremore.org or call Claremore Main Street at 918-341-5881.

Registration for Nation-Wide Walk is Free With Donation

On Saturday, April 21, Safenet Services will host its 8th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event in conjunction with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“In an effort to get more people involved, we have decided to waive the traditional $25 registration fee and instead offer registration free with a donation,” said Alexandra Seifried, Development Specialist.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is an award winning, nation-wide walk-a-thon in which participants are encouraged to literally walk one mile in women’s shoes. It is a playful opportunity to raise awareness in the community about the serious causes and effects of violence against women. Participants are encouraged to wear red and teal to help raise awareness of Sexual Assault.

The one mile walk will begin at 10 a.m. at Gazebo Park following a brief ceremony. The event focuses on bringing men into the conversation but is open to everyone, including dogs.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault are not just women’s issues,” said Donna Grabow, Safenet’s executive director. “One in four women is a victim. That means someone you know, someone you care about, has been or may become the victim of sexual violence.”

The first 150 to preregister online will receive a free walk t-shirt. Following the walk, all participants will be invited to celebrate with a free meal – hotdogs, chips, and drink – and music.

“We will also have our Pet Parade and Red Shoe Runway Competition back this year with awards given to ‘Best Dressed,’ ‘Team That Raised the Most Money,’ ‘Team With The Most Walkers,’ and ‘College/High School Group With Most Walkers,’” Grabow said.

For more information on creating a team, please email . To register online, visit Safenet Service’s Facebook page for directions.

To find out more about the nationwide Walk a Mile in her Shoes initiative, visit www.walkamileinhershoes.org.

Claremore can sip, savor and shop throughout downtown Claremore later this month as part of the town’s tastiest event – Sip, Savor & Shop: Taste of Claremore.

Clearly tasty, Taste of Claremore begins at 6 p.m. on April 28, offering guests a three-hour, self-guide food experience that spans the three blocks of downtown along Will Rogers Boulevard.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 on the day-of while children five years and younger who are eating off an adult’s plate are free. Tickets are on sale now at participating stores as well as the Chamber of Commerce/Main Street offices.

“We really encourage those interested in going to get their tickets early. They are limited, and we usually sell out,” said Dell Davis, President and CEO of the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce. “More than 20 restaurants and wineries will be set up inside downtown stores for the event, so we guarantee you’ll get your money’s worth.”

In addition to the food and shopping, the evening will feature a variety of sidewalk entertainment by talented local musicians. Performing that night are Heartland Xpress, the Smith Brothers and Ben Neikirk.

“The event has it all! Plus, it’s all about Claremore – our local restaurants, our locally-owned downtown stores and our very own musicians,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Director. “It’s a treat for your stomach and your ears!”

The event also will feature a silent auction at the Main Street/Chamber office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Guests can bid on items throughout the night, but the auction will close just after 8 p.m.

Additionally, guests will get to vote on their favorite flag featuring train safety created by fourth-graders in Claremore. The flag art is made possible by Union Pacific Railroad. The winning class will receive a cash donation.

Participating eateries and wineries are: Arri’bin Hills Winery, Blue Coyote Winery, Boom-a-rang Diner, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carl’s Coney Island, Charlie’s Chicken, Chick-fil-A Claremore, Dirty Dozen Donuts, El Azteca, El Maguey, Front Porch Bakery, Frosted Artisan Cake Studio, J. Farley’s, Main Street Tavern, McDonald’s, Pecan Creek Winery, Rib Crib, She Brews Coffee House, Stable Ridge Winery, The Pink House and Walke Brothers Meats.

Participating stores are: Bike-About Bicycles, Boarding House Books, Burlap Closet, Centsible Spending, Cozy Cottage, Cranberry Merchant, Crystal Pistol Boutique/Mom & Pop Ceramic Shoppe, District on Main, The Farmhaus, The Haberdashery, Homeward Bound, LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique, Outwest Home Décor, Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, Sailor Antiques, Thrift Harbor, Waterfront Frame and Willow Tree Mall.

Sip, Savor & Shop: Taste of Claremore is hosted by Claremore Main Street and the Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce, both of which are non-profit organizations in town. Proceeds of the event go to support the organization’s individual missions.

For more information, visit downtownclaremore.org or call Claremore Main Street at 918-341-5881.

With two plaques, 11 paving stones and one national designation, downtown Claremore will be unveiling what they’ve dubbed the “Historic Walk” this Saturday, April 7, at 2 p.m. downtown.

The unveiling ceremony and ribbon cutting will take place at the corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue. Celebration cake will be provided for attendees. Following the ceremony, Claremore Main Street is offering a free walking tour of downtown’s history.

“We are thrilled to be officially unveiling our Historic Walk and recognizing the National Historic District,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “The historic paving stones and the National Historic District plaques have been projects designed to showcase downtown’s rich history.”

The cake will be provided by downtown’s Frosted Artisan Cake Studio and will be a mockup of the plaques themselves. Shortly after the ceremony, Tim Wantland will guide attendees through an amusing and informative historic walking tour of downtown, much like Afternoon Historic Walk hosted in November.

The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce will be doing a ribbon cutting during the unveiling ceremony as well.

The historic paving stones sit in front of 11 downtown buildings and feature a line drawing of the building and a bit of history. A 12th stone is the Union Pacific Railroad logo, a nod to railroad as a thank you for a grant given to support the project.

The two historic district plaques highlight downtown Claremore’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior, a designation received in the fall of 2016.

The plaques are located on the southeast corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue and on the northwest corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Muskogee Avenue. Each side features a different historic photo of downtown Claremore, strategically placed to contrast to the same angle of the street the viewer sees in present day.

The plaques were provided by the City of Claremore. City employees installed the plaques and paving stones.

“Together, the plaques and pavers provide a self-guided historic tour, or Historic Walk, through our downtown for visitors and citizens alike,” Jackson said. “We are thankful to have partners in this process. The City of Claremore’s support has been outstanding, and UP Railroad’s grant helped make this possible.”

In September 2016, downtown Claremore was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic District due to its significant role in commerce in Claremore from 1890 to 1955. This area has been the center of commercial development in Claremore from shortly after its founding in the 1880s to the present.

Claremore Main Street is a 501(c)3 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.

A few more donations are needed to ensure downtown will be alive with music by Christmastime.

Hearing the request from business owners and customers alike, Claremore Main Street launched a crowdfunding campaign called Music on Main to raise money for speakers downtown to play music during regular business hours.

That project is now in its final days and seeking the last few donations to make it possible. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online at here, at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or in donation jars are nine downtown businesses.

“We have been thrilled with the outpour of support from the community, local businesses and corporate sponsors,” said Jessica Jackson, Main Street Director. “I’m excited to watch the last few donations come in. This is the time for everyone to come together to do something small to improve downtown.”

Main Street is asking for donations of $25 from 100 people by the end of the St. Paddy’s Day Party on March 16. With RCB Bank doubling donations in the final week, that will be enough to reach the goal. Of course, donations of any size – small or large – are encouraged.

“If we can reach our goal by the deadline, we can get the speakers ordered and in place to play Christmas music during the holidays,” Jackson said. “We hope to have them in even sooner so guests can hear the bands up and down the streets during Food Truck Thursday this season.”

Along with RCB, corporate sponsors include the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association, The District on Main, Claremore MoH and GRDA.

“We wanted to get the whole community involved in this project so that each Claremore citizen could feel ownership of the improvement. A sort of, ‘I helped make this happen,’ type thing,” Jackson said. “Essentially, a $25 donation supports a week of music.”

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 other popular genres. Music also can be themed during the holidays or during Claremore events.

Claremore Main Street is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization 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 is hosting an Alley Clean Up Day this weekend as a way to get the alleyways in tip-top shape leading into spring activities.

Volunteers will meet at the Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. Trash bags, brooms and gloves will be provided along with snacks and beverages.

“During the course of the year, the alleys can get a little dirty with glass, trash and gunk,” said Jessica Jackson, Main Street Director. “We try to plan a day for volunteers to come out annually and help us shine it up a bit.”

Each volunteer will receive a color-changing St. Paddy’s Day Party cup, a $5 value, that can be used at the Party on March 16 for a dollar off beer all night long.

“We appreciate all the help we receive on days like this. Last time we did this, several children showed up to clean, which was really heartwarming,” Jackson said. “If you’re in need of service hours or just love to help the community, this is a great opportunity.”

Main Street is a nonprofit organization, which qualifies it for most service hour requirements.

Business and property owners have been invited to submit projects for volunteers to work on as well in an effort to improve the look of the alleys in general.

“In the future, we’re exploring some ideas for programming in the alleys, whether it is an alley art show, an alley sidewalk sale or even public art for the alleys,” Jackson said. “For any of that, we need to start with great looking, clean alleyways.”

The alleys will be used on March 16 following the Bangers & Mash Lunch as part of the “Not-A-Parade” stroll through downtown. This year, the path will include both alleys and sidewalks of the historic district.

While a limited number of brooms and trash gloves will be provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves, brooms and other equipment to extend the usage.

For planning purposes, RSVP is appreciated but not required. RSVP by calling or texting 918-341-5881 or by emailing .

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.