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.

A group of Claremore shoppers spent nearly $1,200 in a matter of 45 minutes at Claremore Main Street’s final Cash Mob of the 2016-17 season and will help improve the quality of education in a community as a result.

The bimonthly shopping ‘mob’ rushed into the District on Main last month, quickly finding goodies for themselves and others. Each shopper voted on a nonprofit to donate 10 percent of the night’s proceeds to and the Claremore Public Schools Foundation was the resounding winner.

“Thank you to Claremore Main Street, The District on Main and the community for supporting our schools and teachers,” said Amy Evans, the foundation’s executive director. “This donation will allow the Claremore Public Schools Foundation to continue making a difference in the classrooms and pursue our mission to ‘enrich the quality of education in the Claremore Public Schools.’”

​Regularly partnering with the foundation, District on Main owner Cari Bohannan agreed to donate the whole day’s proceeds to the cause. She said she appreciates all Cash Mob does for Claremore.

“I love Cash Mob because it’s shopping that is a contribution to a local store as well as a local charity,” Bohannan said.
District on Main, 406 W. Will Rogers Blvd., will host another shopping day to benefit the Claremore Public Schools Foundation in August.

Before the mob began, attendees came to a VIP gathering at the Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., enjoying snacks purchased locally downtown. The Cash Mob was sponsored by Will Rogers Downs Casino.

Cash Mob is every other month on the first Tuesday of the month. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Register online here. The next Cash Mob is scheduled for Aug. 1. The selected store will be drawn promptly at 5:30 p.m. at the Main Street office.

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.

City of Claremore personnel will take turns in the dunk tank from 7-9 p.m. Five dollars gives a contestant three shots at the person in the tank. Mayor Bill Flanagan, Fire Chief Sean Douglas, Deputy City Manager Jeri Koehler and City Councilors Jeff Godwin and Justin Michael will each take a seat in the tank. A full schedule is available here.

Two hula hoop contests will give all ages a chance to show off their skills. The contests will begin at 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. in the 500 block near the band.

Food trucks include Alpha Grill Food Truck, ​BackWatters BBQ, The Bacon Food Truck, ​Breezie’s Pretzels, Curbside Comfort, ​C&J Concessions, For the Love of Fries, Jen’s Java, ​Kona Ice, La Hermosa Taco Truck, ​Maw & Paw Kettle Corn, MooChewSooey BBQ, Not Your Grandma’s Cupcakes, ​Pot Lickers, Ropin Flamingo Italian Ice, Taqueria El Jarocho and ​Tiger Bite.

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 a bounce house, fishing for toddlers, free juice and popsicles, flamingo ring toss and temporary tattoos. But the biggest draw may be Moana!

“We have so much packed into just three blocks — and three hours — this month for Food Truck Thursday, it’s a don’t-miss event for sure,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “We’re excited to have everyone out having a great time in downtown Claremore.”

Food Truck Thursday will run monthly on the final Thursday of the month. Upcoming dates are July 27, 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 .

Join the Facebook event!

Time to dust off those boots and bring ‘em downtown for the first Food Truck Thursday of the season with Boots on the Boulevard from 6-9 p.m. May 25.

Partnering with the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo, the evening will feature two stages, late shopping, delicious food truck fare, pony rides, a free Kids Zone by Cedar Point Church and a heehawing good time.

The Stampede Rodeo Stage on Missouri Street will feature Back Road Story and Shinyribs and will host an “after party” that extends through 11 p.m.

The Main Street Stage on Will Rogers will have three hours of Zumba or other fitness activities by the Claremore Rec Center. It’s open for free to all fitness levels as guests can do as much or as little as they want.

“This season is promising to be even bigger and better than in the years past,” said Kathy Glover, president of the Merchant’s Group and owner of the Cozy Cottage, 514 W. Will Rogers Blvd. “We are grateful to partner with the Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo to bring Rogers County ‘Boots on the Boulevard’ as our kick off.”
​Food trucks include Dorothy’s Wiches, C&J Concessions, Kona Ice, Taqueria El Jarocho, MooChewSooey BBQ, Wild Al’s, BackWatters BBQ, La Hermosa, Jen’s Java, Curbside Comfort, Not Your Grandma’s Cupcakes, The Bacon Food Truck and Papos Latin/American Cafe and Rusty Nails Italian Ice.

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 a bounce house, ‘gold’ mining and ‘calf’ roping in addition to the pony rides.

“Food Truck Thursday is such a fun event that brings the whole community together,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “We have a great committee working on fun themes and booking the food trucks, entertainment and additional shopping options. It’s going to be a great year in downtown Claremore!”

Food Truck Thursday will run monthly on the final Thursday of the month. Upcoming dates are June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28 and October 26.

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.

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 .

Join the Facebook event for updates!

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Main Street Tavern was recognized as the first-place winner for Best Façade Rehabilitation Over $10,000 at the 28th annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet last week in Oklahoma City.

Further, Dr. Ray Brown, Claremore Main Street treasurer, was recognized as Board Member of the Year for the program.

Claremore Main Street’s Crowning Achievement was being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sixteen representatives from Claremore made the trip to Oklahoma City for the banquet. Melton Sales of Claremore provided a vehicle for many of the attendees to carpool together.

Thirty-four Main Street programs across the state submitted nominations that totaled more than 200 in separate categories to be considered for the awards.

Also recognized in the Top 3 from Claremore were Food Truck Thursday, Best Premier Event; Barron Law Firm, Best Façade Rehabilitation Under $10,000; and Main Street Tavern, Best Adaptive Reuse.
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The Main Street Tavern (MST Claremore), 116 N. Missouri Ave., opened in downtown Claremore last fall and immediately became one of the local favorite restaurants.

Owner Jason Scarpa and business partner Mike Kennedy put nearly a half a million dollars into the façade rehabilitation and exterior alone. White Design Group was responsible for the architectural design services for the project.

“We are honored to even be nominated, let alone selected, for our rehabilitation of Main Street Tavern,” Scarpa said. “We love being a part of Claremore and look forward to the future of downtown.”

In addition to the façade work by Scarpa and crew, the City of Claremore replaced the parking lot and purchased street lights to illuminate the street after dark.

The revitalization fits with Claremore Main Street’s recent expansion a block north and south of Will Rogers Boulevard. Two other buildings on north Missouri have been nominated statewide for façade improvements.

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.