Claremore Main Street’s Façade Grant Program will be helping improve the look of downtown one building at a time.

The program, which the nonprofit announced in April, has quarterly deadlines so building owners in the downtown district are able to apply when it is most convenient for them. The next deadline is Sept. 30.

“We’ve been really happy with the projects we’ve received so far in the program,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “It looks like there’s a lot of great ideas out there, and we’re excited to continue to be a part of the revitalization downtown.”

The program, which matches the investment made on the exterior of downtown properties dollar-for-dollar, consists of $1,000 matching grants.

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. Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified by mid-October.

“The grants are designed to help a downtown property owner enhance their building and increase the property value while preserving the building’s historic character,” Jackson said. “The grant provides a financial incentive for rehabilitation.”

Eligible improvements include masonry work, window and door repair or replacement, some exterior painting and repair of some awnings, exterior lighting and signage and removal of non-historic materials.

Applications will be given priority if they prove high visual impact, historic or architectural integrity, lasting improvements and are on an active street front.

Projects must be completed within six months of the award notification. Applicants must be in the current Claremore Main Street boundaries.

Previous grantees include Carol Thibodeau at Rhapsody Boutique & Spa, who will be adding an awning to her building at 318 W. Will Rogers Blvd. The Main Street Façade Squad and the Thibodeau family removed the non-historic awning from the property in 2016.

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 .

Download the application.

One downtown Claremore business will get a fresh coat of paint thanks to Claremore Main Street volunteers and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful’s Fresh Paint Days grant.

Volunteers will gather on Tuesday (Sept. 19) evening to paint part of the interior of The Cranberry Merchant, 417 W. Will Rogers Blvd. The building is more than 100 years old.

“I’m really excited The Cranberry Merchant was chosen for Fresh Paint Days,” said Chelsea Mize, owner of the antique store. “The supplies and the volunteers will help us spruce up our building.”

The “Paint Party” will begin at 4 p.m. and will go through 9 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.

“I’m excited to get right down to the nitty gritty and help one of our businesses make this improvement,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “We hope to see a lot of volunteers come out and show their support of downtown with a little sweat equity.”

The volunteer painters will be replacing green and maroon paint inside 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 the Cranberry Merchant are among 47 participating groups working on the 66 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 proud to have participated for the past 10 years in the Fresh Paint Days in Oklahoma initiative, and we are eager to see the transformations for 2017,” said Joe Cox, founder and CEO of H-I-S Paint. “We know that each gallon of paint that we donate helps to Keep Oklahoma Beautiful by transforming communities one building at a time.”

Natalie Evans, the projects coordinator for KOB, works with potential participants throughout the application process.

“I am consistently amazed by the vision these groups have for brighter, more beautiful communities,” Evans said. “These participants were chosen because of that vision, and we are excited to support them as they endeavor to revitalize their communities. Fresh Paint Days truly is a great opportunity for these groups to reinstate community pride.”

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 .

Chelsea Mize (left), owner of Cranberry Merchant, and Sheila Giannelli, owner of Vintique Charm pose with their checks that were mailed to the Wagoner Switch District last month.

A group of more than 50 people gathered last month to participate in a special Cash Mob that went to two downtown Claremore stores and donated money to disaster relief at the Wagoner Switch District.

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, voted on by the attendees. In August, however, in the wake of the terrible fire that decimated much of the downtown of another Main Street community – the Wagoner Switch District – store owners decided to donate instead to downtown Wagoner.

“As a fourth generation Claremore resident and owner of a historic downtown building, I know how much my building means to me, my vendors and my community,” said Chelsea Mize, owner of Cranberry Merchant, one of the stores ‘mobbed.’ “I can only try to imagine the extent of the devastation from the fire in Wagoner.”

“I hope that the little funding we were able to send to Wagoner will help ease the pain ever so slightly,” she added.

The Oklahoma Main Street Center was in Claremore that week for a statewide conference of about 50 people and many conference attendees joined the mob to show support of downtown Claremore businesses and downtown Wagoner relief.

Because there were so many ‘mobbers,’ two stores were chosen. Attendees were either sent to the Cranberry Merchant, 417 W. Will Rogers Blvd., or Vintique Charm, 512 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Many shopped at both stores.

A total of $1,700 was spent downtown in an hour and a half. A portion of that was donated to Wagoner.

“We are thankful to be chosen for Cash Mob,” said Sheila Giannelli, owner of Vintique Charm. “It is a great opportunity to expose more people to our businesses downtown while donating to someone in need.”

The next Cash Mob is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. To participate in Cash Mob in the future, please email Main Street at .

There’s a change coming for two of downtown Claremore’s dining establishments that will prove to protect a historic building while continuing to serve up delicious lunch to the citizens of Rogers County.

​Claremore’s landmark restaurant The Pink House is moving into the first-floor dining rooms of the historic Belvidere Mansion, combining the exceptional dining experience that Claremore has come to expect from The Pink House restaurant while enjoying the vintage charm of the beautiful Belvidere Mansion. . The Pink House will open in its new location at 121 N. Chickasaw on Oct. 2.

The Belvidere Restaurant & Tea Room will close its doors after lunch on Sept. 9.

​”We thank the many volunteers and staff members who have served at the Belvidere Restaurant & Tea Room with such commitment over the past decade and greatly appreciate their years of service and dedication to the mansion, the historical society, and the Claremore community,” the Rogers County Historical Society said in a statement. “We also appreciate the many loyal friends we have made.  It’s been an honor to serve you.”

RCHS owns the Belvidere Mansion. The Belvidere Mansion and Gift Shop will remain open during business hours, and the third -floor ballroom is available for banquet and party rentals.

Additionally, RCHS will continue to sponsor fundraising events at the Belvidere, including a Mystery Dinner Theater on Oct. 13-14, a haunted house on Oct. 26-28, and Christmas at the Belvidere in November and December.

Area women should mark their calendars for the 12th annual Leading Ladies Expo, formerly called Ladies Lifestyle, slated for the evening of Oct. 12.

Hosted from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Claremore Conference Center at 1400 Country Club Drive, the event features shopping, massages, hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, wine samples, a health seminar by presenting sponsor Hillcrest Hospital, a selfie station and giveaways every half hour.

“It’s such a fun event for local ladies to come out with their friends, sisters and daughters to enjoy a night out,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street, one of the event’s hosts. “The best part, however, is when we get to honor local women with the Leading Ladies Awards.”

The awards honor seven women in the community who go above and beyond the call of duty and are nominated by their peers. All nominations are then sent out of town for judging.
The third annual Leading Ladies Awards will be presented by News on 6’s LeAnne Taylor, a local news anchor and breast cancer survivor.

There are seven categories: Behind the Scenes, Business Leadership, Community Supporter, Leader in Health, Nonprofit Leadership, Rising Star and Leading Lady of the Year.

Nominations are due by Sept. 19. Nomination forms can be found online here or by visiting the Claremore Chamber of Commerce, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

The health seminar will be presented by Utica Park Clinic. More details to come as we get closer to the event.

New this year, the Leading Ladies Expo is selling corporate tables for $250. The tables offer eight seats as a place to enjoy the hors d’oeuvres and watch the awards ceremony. Call the Chamber at 918-341-2818 to book your corporate table.

General admission tickets are $10 and include the health seminar, a chance to win a number of door prizes, shopping opportunities, food and wine samples and standing room for the awards ceremony. Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Chamber office during regular business hours beginning Sept. 15.

The event is still accepting vendor applications, but space is limited. Vendors are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot. Vendor applications can be downloaded online here.

“Our sponsors make this event possible,” Davis said. “We are so appreciative of the support of our presenting sponsor, Hillcrest Hospital, as well as our nine major sponsors.”

Major sponsors of this year’s event are A&B Bail Bonds, Autumn Wood, BancFirst, Carol’s Place Hair & Nail Salon, Northeast Tech, The Pink House, RCB Bank, Tulsa Federal Credit Union and Wallace for Life.

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.

Several downtown Claremore businesses have teamed up and are hosting a school supply drive to help ease the transition back to school for many.

Shoppers can donate school supplies to Claremore, Sequoyah or Verdigris schools at any of the 11 participating downtown stores through Aug. 31 – Food Truck Thursday’s School Daze event. Many stores offer discounts in exchange for a donation.

The donations will be taken to the schools to be distributed as necessary, particularly to those families most in need of help.

“This is our way of giving back to the community that supports our local, small businesses,” said Sheila Giannelli, owner of Vintique Charm & Boutique, 512 W. Will Rogers Blvd. “The schools need a little extra right now. Most of us are parents, and we get it. We just want what’s best for the children.”

Giannelli is the president of the Downtown Claremore Merchants Association, an organization of committed downtown business owners who work to improve foot traffic and economic vitality downtown. The association is hosting the drive.

Participating stores are: The Burlap Closet, The Cozy Cottage, The District on Main, Dorothy’s Flowers, Frosted Artisan Cake Studio, The Grapevine, LoliPop: A Sweet Boutique, Outwest Home Décor, Sailor Antiques & Collectibles, Vintique Charm and Willow Tree Mall.

Additionally, Crystal Pistols Boutique/Mom & Pops Ceramic Shoppe & More will be collecting school supplies for Justus-Tiawah Schools all month long.

Rhapsody Boutique & Spa has special discounts depending on the item donated at their store. They are collecting for Claremore’s Claremont Elementary School through Aug. 15. On Saturday during Tax Free Weekend, Rhapsody hosted free back-to-school haircuts.

The final day to donate to the school supply drive will coincide with Food Truck Thursday’s School Daze. The outdoor event features live music, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church, late shopping, more than 15 food trucks and a ton of fun. It runs from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 31 in downtown Claremore.

Rolling countryside, a beautiful lake and unique roadside attractions greet riders in northeast Oklahoma’s favorite family-friendly bike ride – Dickens of a Ride.

Now in its 10th year, Dickens of a Ride is the perfect ride for all ages and skills with routes ranging from a seven-mile Lazy Lake Loop up to a 100-mile century. The ride kicks off at 8 a.m. Oct. 7 from Gazebo Park in downtown Claremore.

“Hundreds of people from multiple states come out each year to ride the scenic countryside surrounding our beautiful community, and it’s a joy to watch them discover the views and interesting attractions that await them,” said Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street Executive Director.

There are a total of seven distances to choose from. The Lazy Lake Loop is perfect for families. Other distances include 18, 30, 50, 62, 76 and 100-mile routes. Last year was the first year to host the 18- and 76-miler, and both were exceedingly popular.

Registration is now open for all distances for $25 before Sept. 1. Prices increase to $30 after that date. Registration is available online here, by downloading and mailing a registration form or in person at Bike-About Bicycles or the Claremore Main Street office.

Long-sleeved T-shirts should be purchased separately for $20. The deadline to order a shirt is Sept. 1.

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

“Between our knowledgeable SAG support team and our homemade goodies at the rest stops, this low-pressure ride is an instant favorite for riders,” Jackson said. “We keep things light and not too serious, so it’s both a great foot in the door into the cycling community and a fun ride for more experienced cyclists.”

The available routes, depending on the distance chosen by the bike rider, will take you through the scenic country side west of Claremore, through Oologah, then to the Claremore Lake area.

The longer routes will continue east of Claremore through rolling hillsides then back into Claremore from the East, ending the ride back at the start, downtown Claremore’s Gazebo Park.

The Finish Line is sponsored by RCB Bank. Kevin Fortna, CPA, is a supporting sponsor of the ride.

“Without our community partners, this event would not be possible,” Jackson said. “The vision for this fun ride came from Janice and Tracy Whittaker of Bike-About Bicycles, and they’ve been part of the team to make this ride wonderful year in and year out.”

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, tap here.

Food, live music, shopping, face painting and carnival games are the best way to tackle the summer heat this month with the Downtown Carnival as part of the Food Truck Thursday event series on July 27.

The evening event will run from 6-9 p.m. and will feature the band The Aviators playing classic rock all evening long in the 500 block, more than 15 food trucks, late shopping, carnival games for kids and adults, a “Pie Your Pastor” fundraiser and a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church.

Food Truck Thursday is always free and open to the public, but food and some activities do cost extra.

“Food Truck Thursday is a fun event series that is simply an opportunity for Rogers County residents to come out and enjoy a night in downtown Claremore,” said Jessica Jackson, executive director of Claremore Main Street. “Each month has its own theme and is somewhat different, which keeps things fresh.”

​The “Pie Your Pastor” fundraiser will help raise money for local churches as well as for downtown Claremore. Each participating church will have a donation jar at the event. The church that raises the most money between 6-8 p.m. will get to see their pastor “pied” in the face at 8:15 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from each church – not just the “winning” church – will be donated back to the church.

For a full list of participating churches, visit the Facebook event the week of Food Truck Thursday. If you’re interested in participating as a church, email Jackson at .

For $1, guests can play the game Plinko for a chance to win a grand prize of a food truck or downtown store gift card. Each turn will send the player home with something.

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. There will be free clown noses, cotton candy and popcorn given away. The Kids Zone also will have balloon animals, face painting, carnival games and a fun photo opportunity.

This month, the Kids Zone will move to the 500 block at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard to make room for a record 18 food trucks down the center of the street.

Food trucks include Alpha Grill Food Truck, ​The Bacon Food Truck, ​Breenie’Z Soft Pretzels, Curbside Comfort, ​C&J Concessions, Dorothy’s Wiches, Hoops Philly Truck, ​Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, Maw & Paw Kettle Corn, MooChewSooey BBQ, My Baby Can Cook, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Taqueria El Jarocho and Tiger Bite.

“This is going to be a particularly fun month,” said Kathy Glover, Food Truck Thursday committee chairwoman and owner of the Cozy Cottage, 514 W. Will Rogers Blvd. “We have a ton of food trucks, a classic rock band and a couple of unique activities like ‘Pie Your Pastor’ and Plinko.”

Food Truck Thursday will run monthly on the final Thursday of the month. Upcoming dates are August 31, September 28 and October 26.

The monthly event is hosted by the Downtown Merchants Association 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.

Food vendors interested in participating anytime this season should e-mail Jeannie Smith at while nonfood vendors who would like to set up a booth should email Sheila Giannelli at . Space is extremely limited.

For more information, join the Facebook event.

Rogers County residents can skip the summer trip the beach as Food Truck Thursday brings the vacation to Claremore on June 29 for the Downtown Luau.

The evening event will run from 6-9 p.m. and will feature the band DocFell & Co. playing music in the 500 block, more than 15 food trucks, late shopping, two hula hoop contests, a dunk tank with a chance to dunk the mayor and a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church presenting Moana live in Claremore along with several other activities.

Food Truck Thursday is always free and open to the public, but food and some activities do cost.

“Downtown Luau is going to be a great opportunity for Rogers County to come out and enjoy an evening in downtown Claremore, listening to fun music, shopping, eating and even taking a crack at dunking the mayor!” said Kathy Glover, president of the Merchant’s Association and owner of the Cozy Cottage, 514 W. Will Rogers Blvd.