Our Final Food Truck Thursday is right around the corner, and it is going to be BIG! Sponsored by Fortna CPA, we will have music, food trucks, rock climbing wall, Main Street Tavern Claremore, games, and the always popular Kids Zone hosted by Cedar Point Church!
But wait, there is more! First Baptist Church will be holding their annual Truck or Treat along Will Rogers Blvd. Join them for a family- friendly night of candy, games and prizes! Destiny Life Church will be taking over the Lynn Riggs Park at the Claremore Museum of History with games, bouncy houses, soccer darts, hungry hippos, live music and hot coco.
Will Rogers Blvd will be closed from Route 66 all the way to Chickasaw. 5 BLOCKS of family fun! Don’t miss it!
The next Cash Mob will be on November 12th. Participating shoppers should meet at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., by 5:30 p.m. This year’s Mobs are sponsored by Pelco Structural.
Historically, shoppers gathered during Cash Mob and a business was selected at random to “mob.” All shoppers then traveled, en masse, to the store to spend at least $20. Stores boomed with $500-$1,000 in sales in just an hour. Stores will be chosen in advance but shoppers still won’t know until they arrive at the Cash Mob. Stores will provide snacks and goodies, and store owners will share a brief summary of their business’ story before shopping begins.
The first 75 shoppers at Cash Mob this year will receive a free re-usable tote bag for their merchandise.
To get the latest updates about Cash Mob all year long, email us at .
The community is celebrating the arrival of a baby boutique on Main Street—saying this is exactly what downtown needs.
“I had a former employee that was having a baby, and another employee having a baby and there was nowhere in Claremore to buy a baby gift,” said Cari Bohannan, owner of The District on Main, and now The District Baby.
“So, we had ordered some stuff at for The District and started a small baby section. The response was overwhelming so we decided to go for it.”
She said the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“And that former employee, Kayla Dossett, is going to manage the store,” she added.
The District Baby will stock a little bit of everything: Clothing, newborn to 4-T, shoes, diaper bags, toys, bath products, book, unique gifts and so much more.
The shop will even offer registries, she said.
When it comes to selecting merchandise to carry in the store from the overflowing baby market, Bohannan said, “I’m being very picky on quality and price. I want everything pretty moderately priced.”
She said she’s excited to bring a unique shopping experience to Main Street.
“I just wanted to open something additional to offer something to Claremore that we don’t have, to keep people shopping local,” Bohannan said. “Just to be able to support the local community.
The shop opens at 418 W. Will Rogers Blvd., today, Monday, Aug. 12, but for The District Baby is also on Facebook and Instagram.
To anyone looking for someone with passion and love for Claremore, or looking place to share their ideas or get answers, Claremore Main Street’s new executive director Jacob Garrison says— “I’m your guy.”
Just one day after being told he got the job—Garrison’s enthusiasm was contagious.
Garrison, along with his wife Laura and their son, moved to Claremore two years ago and instantly fell in love.
“My wife and I have been a part of committees and different events in town. We’ve fallen in love with some of the things that Claremore does, events we’ve taken our son to or that we’ve been involved with us,” he said. “As we’ve gotten to know more people, through events and organizations, we were made aware of this position coming open. I started looking into it and fell in love with the opportunity.”
He said he loves the growth, the involvement and the committees he’s found in Claremore.
“I grew up in a small town, very similar in size to Claremore. We had a four year university and a downtown. You could never go downtown without seeing a splash of the town, like storefronts decorating their windows for homecoming week. I see a lot of those opportunities here,” Garrison said.
“As we’ve gotten to know some people at the university, I feel that’s one thing we can expand on—bringing the university downtown.”
Garrison said he’s got passion and creativity and he plans on channeling both into both the university and Route 66 collaborations.
“Before I ever moved to Claremore, my little brother and I took three straight spring breaks do Route 66. I use that a lot to pull from both in coming to this position but also in explaining my vision for it. I wasn’t a Claremore person, I was an outsider who moved in and fell I love.”
Garrison said he thinks Claremore is uniquely positioned on Route 66.
Some small towns, he said, showcase their spot on Route 66 as the only facet of their identity.
Large cities have more personality and attractions and don’t always feel the need make the Mother Road their claim to fame.
Claremore is comfortably in the middle.
“There are so many things here. As a tourist coming in you can easily spend four, five or six hours, or even longer, to see all the attractions,” he said. “But Claremore is proud of their place on Route 66 and are really capitalizing on that.”
Garrison said he wants to foster ideas and partnerships.
“I want not just downtown Claremore, but all of Claremore to succeed. It might not be a Main Street Claremore event but it could be something we contribute to with our energy, passion and our talents,” he said. “There are so many great resources and ideas in this community. I honestly cannot tell you how excited I am.”
Smiling ear to ear, Garrison said what he’s most excited about is forming relationships as the face of Claremore Main Street.
“I’m a huge relationship person,” he said. “I am going to meet people, engage with them and create those relationships. As these relationships grow, whether people have questions, concerns or ideas I hope they know I’m their guy…I honestly can’t wait to get out there.”
Garrison can be reached via email at or simply catch him downtown.
For the 11th 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 15 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. New this year, 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.
“We love this event,” said Nancy Fitts, interim director of Claremore Main Street, the event’s host. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come together for lunch and celebrate.”
“Given that it’s scheduled for a Friday during Lent, a meatless option will be available,” Fitts said.
During the lunch, the ever-popular Timothy O’Brian’s Celtic Cheer will play to entertain the crowds and prizes will be drawn for guests as well as the Pot-O-Gold Giveaway worth $400.
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 18 participating stores between now and noon on March 14 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.
Green Bucks can be used at any of the participating stores like cash. Participating stores are: Lolipop A Sweet Boutique, Back in the Day, Bike About Bicycles, Boarding House Books, The Haberdashery, Thrift Harbor, Boom a Rang Diner, The District on Main, Outwest Home Décor, Art Nest Boutique & Studio, The Belvidere Mansion/RCHS, Coleman Antiques, The Turquoise Couch, The Cozy Cottage (Main Street Mercantile), Sailor’s Antiques & Collectibles, Frosted Cake Studio, A Place ‘n Time and Femme Forte.
The winner will be announced at 1 p.m. March 15 during the lunch but does not need to be present to win.
Two smaller giveaways worth $25 each and one $50 giveaway 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.
T-shirts, trinkets and raffle tickets will be on sale during the event as an additional fundraiser for the nonprofit organization.
The Bangers & Mash Lunch is sponsored by Boom-a-rang Diner, Walke Brothers Meats, The Daily Progress, Claremore Fire Department, McDonald’s of Claremore, Froman Propane, What-A-Burger and Cedar Point Church.
The organization also hosts the St. Paddy’s Day Party, this year at Main Street Tavern and J. Farley’s from noon to 10 p.m. on March 17. For more details on the party, visit downtownclaremore.org.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering at either of the events should contact Fitts 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.
After a brief hiatus, Claremore Main Street is bringing Cash Mob back to downtown with a few key changes to improve the shopper experience as well as the impact on the local community.
The first Cash Mob will be on March 12. Participating shoppers should meet at the Claremore Main Street office, 419 W. Will Rogers Blvd., by 5:30 p.m. This year’s Mobs are sponsored by Pelco Structural.
Historically, shoppers gathered during Cash Mob and a business was selected at random to “mob.” All shoppers then traveled, en masse, to the store to spend at least $20. Stores boomed with $500-$1,000 in sales in just an hour. One local nonprofit was chosen each time to receive 10 percent of that night’s proceeds.
This year, stores will be chosen in advance but shoppers still won’t know until they arrive at the Cash Mob. Stores will provide snacks and goodies, and store owners will share a brief summary of their business’ story before shopping begins.
“We wanted Cash Mob to be more about the interaction between the merchant and the shopper,” said Nancy Fitts, interim director of Claremore Main Street. “It’s about supporting local, nabbing great finds and fostering community togetherness.”
The nonprofit Pay It Forward aspect of Cash Mob is changing as well. Instead of a little bit based on sales going to a local nonprofit, one nonprofit will receive a larger donation at the end of the year after collections have been gathered all year long.
“This allows us to make a larger impact to one nonprofit,” Fitts said. “Shoppers will still get a chance to vote for the winning nonprofit all year long and will receive one vote per $10 spent on Mob nights.”
The first 75 shoppers at Cash Mob this year will receive a free re-usable tote bag for their merchandise. Shoppers who attend five of the six Cash Mob’s for the year will be entered into a drawing to receive a prize worth $300.
“We are fortunate to have Pelco Structural sponsoring Cash Mob in 2019,” Fitts said. “Their support of this community event has been unwavering since it began years ago.”
To get the latest updates about Cash Mob all year long, email us at .
With outstanding growth and success within Claremore Main Street in recent years, changes are fast approaching at the helm of the nonprofit organization.
After more than three years with Claremore Main Street, executive director Jessica Jackson is leaving. She made the public announcement on Monday night at the City Council meeting, but the Board of Directors already have the transition in the works and will begin the search for her replacement immediately.
Jessica Jackson has been named the Executive Director of Kendall Whittier Main Street in Tulsa. She will begin her post March 1.
“It’s truly bittersweet,” Jackson said. “Claremore has been my home, and I’ve loved playing a part – however small – in its progress. I look forward to taking some of the great things we’re doing here and presenting it to a new market Tulsa.”
Jackson joined Claremore Main Street in July of 2015. Since that time, downtown Claremore has seen a massive increase in reinvestment, nearly doubling the total reinvestment dollars from $10.9 million to nearly $21 million.
“We are sad to lose Jessica Jackson,” said Lou Flanagan, Board President. “She has been a tremendous asset to our Main Street organization and has taken us to a new level with her energy, creativity and ability to manage new projects benefiting downtown merchants, business owners and the city.”
In the last three and half years, there’s been a net increase in the number of businesses downtown and more than 100 new jobs have been created.
Projects completed in the last three years include downtown’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Walk paving stones, a new alley mural and Music on Main.
“We will truly miss Jessica but feel this is an opportunity for her career advancement she was unable to pass up,” Flanagan said. “We wish nothing but the best for her personally and professionally. We have posted her position online already and will seek out the best possible candidate.”
Interested applicants should review the job description here. Resumes will be reviewed until Feb. 28.
“This was certainly a difficult decision to make,” Jackson said. “I feel confident, however, that I’m leaving Main Street with a strong Board and a lot of local support. I know the future of the organization is brighter than ever!”
Claremore Main Street is a local nonprofit 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.
Music is now on main thanks to a year-long effort by a local nonprofit, the City of Claremore and generous donors.
“Claremore Main Street has been working to bring music to downtown Claremore for about a year now,” said Jessica Jackson, Executive Director of the Main Street organization. “We are so excited that it launched on Wednesday, just in time for the last weekend of Christmas shopping!”
Psychological studies have shown that music places to people’s emotions and social instincts. It enhances customer moods and visual pleasure, leading to increased happiness.
“After experiencing it firsthand in another community, it became apparent it was something that would be beneficial to Claremore, a way to develop a sense of place downtown,” Jackson said.
The organization needed to raise funds to make it happen, and at the same time, wanted the whole community to feel ownership over the project.
What came out was a crowdfunding project. More than 100 donors over four months contributed to raising the funds for Music on Main.
“We were beyond grateful for the support of our donors and the community. Every dollar ensured this project was completed. Every little bit helped, and we are thankful for each hard-earned penny donated,” Jackson said.
Corporate sponsors provided matching funds to help individuals double their impact. Corporate sponsors were Claremore MoH, Downtown Claremore Merchant Association, The District on Main, GRDA and RCB Bank.
The music is currently scheduled to play from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
“A new system always takes a little tweaking,” Jackson said. “We will be working with the businesses, residents and customers over the next few weeks to resolve any bugs or issues.”
Shopping local has never been easier this holiday season as shoppers can travel throughout Claremore on a free Holiday Trolley on Saturdays in December.
Claremore’s Holiday Trolley was announced by West Bend Winterland as a way to encourage both shopping local and attending the activities at Winterland.
“We are thrilled to have the Holiday Trolley this year,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “It will just make the whole Christmas experience better in Claremore – where you can shop, dine and enjoy Winterland seamlessly and without the hassle of a car.”
The Trolley will leave from the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center and make continuous loops to several trolley stops, including Ne-Mar Shopping Center and two stops in downtown Claremore – one on Missouri and the other in the Claremore Daily Progress Parking Lot. All trolley stops will have signage to make it easier to spot for pick-ups and drop-offs.
“Shoppers can ride as often as they like, or make several trips back to their vehicle at the Expo Center in case they need to drop off bags,” said Tanya Andrews, director of the Claremore Expo Center. “This is a great way to promote Shop Claremore, Shop Local and encourage residents and visitors to spend money in town. It’s a great service provided by our partners.”
Many of the merchants in historic downtown will remain open until 7 p.m. or later, and folks can always grab a great meal or libations while they are out and about.
“The merchants are excited to participate in West Bend Winterland and are glad to partner in the Holiday Trolley, which will provide shoppers a convenience we have not had in Claremore before,” said Sheila Giannelli, president of the Downtown Claremore Merchant Association.
A full schedule of the Holiday Trolley and West Bend Winterland can be found online here or by calling 918-342-5357.
Downtown Claremore’s second annual Shopper Breakfast will kick off the national Small Business Saturday for Claremore this Saturday, Nov. 24.
Small Business Saturday is the chance for holiday shoppers to make a big impact by shopping at small, locally-owned stores. Falling the day after Black Friday, it fits into the busiest shopping weekend of the year.
“Shopping locally and at small businesses makes such a big impact on our local economy and serves our local families,” said Jessica Jackson, director of Claremore Main Street. “That’s why we’re eager to host a Small Business Saturday breakfast with She Brews again this year.”
For the second year in a row, Claremore Main Street has teamed up with American Express to host Small Business Saturday events and shopping deals in downtown Claremore.
The day will start with the free Shopper Breakfast at She Brews Coffee House’s downtown location, 414 W. Will Rogers Blvd., at 9 a.m. The first 200 guests will receive a free canvas bag with store coupons and deals for the day.
She Brews will be serving coffee and breakfast goodies for free to shoppers, and many stores are opening the doors early for customers to get started right away.
Santa Claus will even be in town! He will be in North Block Common, 115 N. Missouri Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free photos, courtesy of Grant Gingerich State Farm and MoreClaremore.
While out and about, shoppers are encouraged to use the hashtags #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall to join the nationwide conversation.
Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010. It was created to be a day between Black Friday and Cyber Monday to promote small, locally-owned businesses.
Claremore Main Street is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission to enrich downtown Claremore by promoting a healthy downtown economy and advocating for revitalization and historic preservation.
For more information, follow the Small Business Saturday event page on Facebook.
The streets are alive with the sound of music!
