Main Street Claremore walking tour now available on your phone

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BY KAYLEIGH J.T. HARRISON

Main Street Claremore and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum have partnered to produce a Main Street Claremore Walking Tour that people can take with just their phones.

On your phone’s web browser visit www.willrogers.com and select the “Enhanced Tours” Button.

Tours are available for the Memorial Museum, Birthplace Ranch, the states and countries Will Rogers visited, and now, the Claremore Main Street Walking Tour.

The tour currently offers information on the Belvidere Mansion, the Claremore Museum of History, the Claremore Daily Progress, the Twin Oaks Motel, the Northblock Commons Mural and the Will Rogers Hotel.

Each includes some text a short audio clip to introduce tourists and home-owners to new information about downtown Claremore’s iconic landmarks.

Tad Jones, executive director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums, said, “It’s something we can expand, grow, and eventually put video on there.”

“We hope we can use that system to encourage people to go and look around Claremore,” Jones said.

Downtown Claremore Unveils New Mural

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By: More Claremore
May 27, 2020

We locals have watched for months as the new Spectrum Paint flagship store got a new look, recreating the vibe of the building in its heyday. The neon sign on the corner of the building, located at 500 W. Will Rogers, was the icing on the cake. And now, the building has a cherry on top, in the form of an interactive street mural by artist Kelsey Montague.

Kelsey lives in Colorado; she attended Colorado University in Boulder, before studying abroad for two years. She studied art in Florence, and graduated from Richmond University in London with a degree in Art, Design & Media before moving to New York City.

For the past six years, she’s been creating street murals. Her sister Courtney (who also studied abroad) is the Operations Director for Kelsey Montague Art. As the girls put it, they basically live out of a suitcase. With Kelsey’s murals on six different continents, many countries, and a slew of U.S. states, that’s an easy statement to believe.

Spectrum Paint, the largest independently-owned paint dealer in the country, approached Kelsey about providing the perfect finishing touch for their new store. Kelsey worked with Spectrum’s owners, John Detter, Travis Detter, and Roddy Russo, as well as Gentry Detter Stafford, Vice President of Marketing, to come up with the design.

Pictured: Kelsey Montague, Courtney Montague, Claire Detter Hawkins, and Gentry Detter Stafford

Kelsey is excited about what the tree represents. “It’s an organic family tree, growing and expanding just like the town is,” said Kelsey. Upon closer inspection, visitors to the mural can find hidden objects in the trunk of the tree, including a zebra, Will Rogers’ hat and rope, a paint can, and a fox, both of which have meaning to the Detter family. Sitting atop the tree is an eagle, which also has lucky connotations for the Detters.

Kelsey said, “I love to create interactive art, where people can step in and become part of the art. I always have an idea on how people will pose with it, and then they come up with so many other creative ideas! People take ownership of the art, and I love that. It really becomes something special to the community.”

This is Kelsey’s second art commission since the beginning of the pandemic, which is unusual since she’s usually in two to three cities per week. It’s also her first trip to Oklahoma, and Claremore is honored to have the first piece gracing the downtown district.

Thank you to Spectrum Paint and Kelsey Montague for making this happen!

A Sign Of Respect

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BY CYDNEY BARON

Nineteen banners are flying proudly along Claremore Main Street in honor of local veterans.

Main Street Executive Director Jacob Garrison said he presented the idea to the community in February, offering people the opportunity to purchase a banner to honor their loved ones. The banners would be mounted on the 19 light poles that line Claremore Main Street.

“We had kind of a general template but we were able to customize it any way they wanted with the military branch, their rank, the years they served. Additionally there were a few people that requested things like purple hearts, killed in action, where they served, things like that,” Garrison said. “We wanted to make it customizable because we know how important it is for those who want to recognize a loved one.”

The vibrant banners were met with enthusiasm and support in the community and make an impact to passers-by, but Garrison took it one step further.

“I asked all the people that purchased a banner to send me a little write-up about their loved one. Once all the banners are up we will post photos of the banners and share the story from the family so we can individually honor each person that has a banner in their honor,” he said.

Garrison described the experience as humbling— “What we’ve done is so, so insignificant compared to what these people have done for our country. People are telling us thank you but really we’re the ones that are beyond grateful.”

He said the banners will remain on display through the July 4 season.

“When they’re taken down they will be given to the family as a keepsake,” he said, adding that he’s grateful to be able to share these stories.

He said when the project was announced, the community jumped on board and scooped up all 19 locations very quickly.

“We were overwhelmed with the reception,” he said. “Judging from the response we immediately knew this is something the community wanted to see and we want to do it again next year and keep sharing stories year after year.”

Bangers & Mash Lunch Postponed

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Bangers & Mash Lunch

Tuesday’s Bangers & Mash Lunch has been postponed. We look forward to making up these postponed festivities in the near future. While the event is postponed, that does not mean you have to miss out on your Bangers & Mash, head to J Farley’s and order yours tomorrow on St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Paddy’s Party turns Claremore GREEN

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CLAREMORE – 5 local establishments will be teaming up for the biggest St. Paddy’s Party Claremore has ever seen this year. The annual St. Paddy’s Party is a city-wide event with two locations simultaneously hosting the all-day affair.

“With 5 establishments, great sponsors, and great fun and music, this year’s Party will be bigger than ever.” Said Jacob Garrison, Executive Director of Claremore Main Street. “

Beginning at noon and continuing through 10 p.m. on March 14th, the Party will be at J. Farley’s Pub, 609 S. Brady St., and Downtown Claremore. Downtown businesses Doe’s Eat Place, Tap on the Tracks, Main Street Tavern, and Smoke & Tonic will all be partnering with Claremore Main Street for the downtown festivities.

 The Party is presented by Pixley Lumber. Admission is free and open to the public of all ages. ID is required to purchase and consume alcohol, however.

To get from one pub to the next, a free Party Bus sponsored by Russell Logistics and Capital Roofing will leave from J. Farley’s every hour on the hour and the Main Street Tavern on the half hour.

In between, the Party Bus will stop at Ne-Mar Center, where free parking is available. The Party Bus will run from 5:00pm until 10:00pm. Trips from the Ne-Mar Center will run at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.

At either party stop, grab a free St. Paddy’s Party Passport sponsored by Certified Source Staffing Professionals. Collect all five stamps by visiting all 5 establishments and ordering specialty drinks. A full passport is good for a half-off appetizer at either J Farley’s or Main Street Tavern.

Join us downtown for a wide array of fun and festivities. The Paddy Pavilion, sponsored by Melton Sales, will be full of fun for all ages. Blue Starr Liquor and Grant Gingerich- State Farm Agent are sponsoring our stage and bands for hours of live entertainment.

We have a packed game zone, sponsored by Right Choice Roofing and RCB Bank. Be sure to pick up one of your souvenir St. Paddy’s Party mugs for drink specials at all 5 establishments. These mugs can be purchased now for only $10.

If all of that was not enough, there is more! Auction baskets, provided by each establishment, along with Claremore Main Street, are ready for bids at each location in the weeks leading up to the event. These are packed full of amazing items. All baskets winner will be announced on Saturday night at 8:00pm, except for the Claremore Main Street basket, which will be announced on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, during the 12th annual Bangers & Mash lunch, held in Downtown Claremore from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on at the Claremore Daily Progress parking lot, 315 W. Will Rogers Blvd. For more details on the lunch, visit downtownclaremore.org.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at either of the events should contact Garrison at  or 918-341-5881.

Claremore Main Street is a 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.

 

Q & A with Main Street’s New Business: 1st Position Apparel

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Tessa Hill opened First Position Apparel on January 4th, 2020 at 108 S Cherokee Ave. in Downtown Claremore.

Q: First off, tell us a little bit about yourself, and your family:

A: I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, but I’m married to a Claremore native, and I’ve lived in the Claremore area for about 11 years. My husband and I graduated from RSU, and we have three children (a boy and two girls). Both of my daughters dance, and as a dance mom, I saw the need for a dance store closer to home.

Q: What is First Position Apparel?

A: 1st Position Apparel is a dancewear shop that carries shoes, apparel, gifts, accessories, and bags for dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders. In addition to our storefront, customers can order from our website and pick up their purchases in the store. We also take the store to the dance studio with our pop-up shops.

Q: How have your first few months downtown been?

A: Our first few months have been rewarding. I run the shop solo, so I’ve had to close the storefront quite a few days in order to take care of sick kiddos, but the support I’ve received from the community and Main Street have been very encouraging. I’m looking forward to the fun events coming up, like A Taste of Claremore and Food Truck Thursdays!

Q: What about Downtown Claremore made you want to open your business here?

A: Downtown Claremore has a lot to offer with the community events and activities throughout the year. I also wanted a convenient location for dancers and their families, which Downtown Claremore has provided as we’re just down the road from both of Claremore’s dance schools.

Q: What else would you like for the community to know about 1st Position Apparel?

A: We’re just starting out, so bear with us – we may not have every item in every size, but we are happy to order anything you might need (or want). We want to serve our community by offering affordable items without the long drive to Tulsa. We’re excited to grow in Downtown Claremore!

Kicking off St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish meal

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Kicking off St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish meal

CLAREMORE – For the 12th year in a row, downtown Claremore will be serving up delicious dishes of a classic Irish feast to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Bangers & Mash Lunch.

The annual lunch has become one of Claremore’s favorite ways to enjoy lunchtime each spring. It takes place on March 17th in the Claremore Daily Progress parking lot, 315 W. Will Rogers Blvd.

Running from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the lunch cost $7 for a traditional Bangers & Mash – or otherwise known as sausage and mashed potatoes, provided by J Farley’s. Attendees can opt for some of J. Farley’s famous Guinness gravy as a free addition. The meal also consists of a cookie and drink. Tickets are on sale downtown at Sailor’s Antiques and Collectibles, The Haberdashery, and the Claremore Main Street offices.

“This event is always a great time to enjoy good food and entertainment in our downtown.” said Jacob Garrison, Executive Director of Claremore Main Street, the event’s host. “Our community really enjoys the opportunity to come together and celebrate this event”.

During the lunch, prizes will be drawn for guests as well as the Pot-O-Gold Giveaway.

The Pot-O-Gold Giveaway offers a chance to win “Green Bucks,” shopping dollars to spend downtown. To enter the giveaway, simply visit any of the participating stores between now and noon on March 16 to enter.

Each store can be visited daily to enter, but you must be 18 or older to win. There’s no purchase necessary although some stores may provide additionally entries for purchases to increase the costumer’s chances.

The winner will be announced at 1 p.m. March 17th during the lunch but does not need to be present to win.

Two smaller giveaways worth $25 and $50 will be drawn during the lunch as well, and guests will need to be present to win those prizes.

Following the lunch, a Not-A-Parade Irish Stroll will take participants through downtown sidewalks.

In the weeks leading up to the event, auction baskets made by J Farley’s, Tap on the Tracks, Doe’s Eat Place and Smoke & Tonic will be displayed at their businesses. You can bid on these items in these stores, as well as the March 14th St. Paddy’s Party in downtown. All basket winners, excluding the Main Street basket, will be announced during the St. Paddy’s Party at 8:00pm. The two Main Street basket winners will be announced during the Bangers & Mash Lunch as an additional fundraiser for the nonprofit organization.

The Bangers & Mash Lunch is sponsored by J Farley’s and The Claremore Daily Progress.

The St. Paddy’s Day Party is held in downtown and J. Farley’s from noon to 10 p.m. on March 14th. For more details on the party, visit downtownclaremore.org.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering at either of the events should contact Garrison at  or 918-341-5881.

Claremore Main Street is a 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.

 

 

Main Street’s 2020 Vision: Engagement, Enhancement

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BY: Cydney Baron – Claremore Daily Progress

January 22nd, 2020

Claremore Main Street Executive Director, Jacob Garrison

Engagement and enhancement are the name of the game for Claremore Main Street in 2020.

Main Street Director Jacob Garrison said Main Street, and Claremore as a whole, has a lot to celebrate looking back at 2019. He said there are big things in the works— some he’s not ready to make an announcement on just yet.

‘Our big vision is to continue to work towards making downtown a destination, where you’re not coming for just one shop or one place to eat, you’re coming for the entire experience,’ said Garrison.

He said Main Street saw new signs, lights, sound systems and facade upgrades over the past year and 2020 will have even more enhancements.

‘There are two things I talked about during the hiring process for this position, Rogers State University engagement and Route 66 enhancement,’ he said. ‘And those are still my priorities.’

He said relationships developed with the school are growing and manifesting in some collaborations between the two.

‘I want to continue to make Claremore a town that a kid wants to stay in after they graduate. RSU is the single greatest asset. Right there we have future business owners, educators, couples that will make this their home,’ he said. ‘We need to capitalize on that and do what we can to make them want to stay.’

Claremore Main Street has a full roster of events scheduled this year— with returning favorites and some brand new additions.

‘We just wrapped up a successful Souper Saturday event,’ Garrison said. ‘Looking ahead, Feb. 1 is a big day.’

He said Claremore Cars & Coffee event is scheduled for Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The anniversary celebration of the Will Rogers Hotel is from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

‘So people can check out some cool cars, then cruise main street up to the hotel.’ Garrison said.

Rogers State University homecoming week festivities include a Main Street event.

‘We are excited to be part of the homecoming fun with our Paint the Town event. Spectrum Paint is sponsoring this one and will provide the paint to businesses. Twenty-one businesses will be partnered with student organizations to show their Hillcat spirit by decorating their windows,’ he said, adding that the displays will remain up for a week and will be critiqued by some special guest judges.

Garrison said The St. Paddy’s Day party and music festival is March 14, followed by the Bangers and Mash Luncheon on March. 17.

Taste of Claremore is April 25 and May kicks off Food Truck Thursday events.

Food Truck Thursday events fall on May 21, June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 31.

Details are still under wraps but a special city-wide event is being planned and will kick off during one of the Food Truck events.

‘Towards the end of the year we will celebrate the 25th Dickens on the Boulevard,’ Garrison said, hinting that some special additions are in the works for this event as well.

More information on each of these events will appear in the Progress as the date approaches.