October is flying by and the best is yet to come. We are one day away from our annual Chamber Banquet, scheduled for 6:30 p.m.Thursday evening at the school cafeteria. Everyone is invited to attend this great annual event

We will have the always-fun silent auction and introduction of the 2009 Historic Fort Gibson Christmas Ornament, which will be available for purchase. The official program will consist of a welcome, opening prayer and singing of the national anthem. Dinner will then be served, consisting of your choice of chicken or brisket, and all the trimmings.

Following dinner, we will enjoy entertainment from the Fort Gibson School Music and Drama Group, with selections from their presentation of “Foot Loose.” We will also be favored by the acoustic guitar wizardry of Jonah Corn. Following the entertainment, we will hear from Dwayne Briley, CEO and president of Armstrong Bank. Closing out the evening will be the presentation of “Teacher of the Year” awards. It will be a fun-filled and educational evening for everyone. The cost of the evening is $20 per person and is payable at the door. We invite all to attend.

Shortly after the Annual Banquet, will be the all-new “Smokin’ the Fort-BBQ and Bluegrass Festival”, scheduled for Oct. 30-31. This new and very exciting event will kickoff on Friday evening with a special cook’s party and country music from Heartland at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Gibson, beginning at 8 p.m., and continue until midnight. Meeting the certified barbecue cooks, from the Kansas City Barbecue Society, along with music and dancing will fill the night. Barbecue sandwiches will also be available for sale to the public. The main event will continue on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., and will feature an entire day of fun, food and frolic for the entire family. Featured will be a “Homemade Schooner” race, a pie eating contest, and “Halloween costume contest for the entire family and pets. Also featured will be great bluegrass music, from SpringStreet, the Park Family, and the Rockin’ Acoustic Circus. The public will be able to purchase taster kits to sample and vote for their favorite barbecue specialties from local cooks vying for the People’s Choice award. Also available will be arts and crafts vendors, a Kids Corner with giant inflatables, face-painting, games, and many other surprises. Additional food vendors will round out the taste treats available for this special day of excitement for the entire family. Don’t miss it.

With October also being renewal time for 2010 chamber membership, I want to thank all those that have responded to those mailings, thus far. We have received 2010 membership investments from: Armstrong Bank, Terry Miller/Miller-Edwards Motor Co., Charlie’s Chicken, Steve Clinkenbeard-Century 21 Agency, Red Rooster Sales, Frank Feldman, Simple Simon’s Pizza, James Hodge Ford, Fort Gibson State Bank, Edward Jones Investment, Harp’s Food Store, Renfro Electric, Perry Financial Services, Dandy Dog Grooming, Precision Eye Care, Advantage Controls, BRB-Briggs Rainbow Buildings, Muskogee Marble, BCI, Pecan Valley Golf Course and Fort Quick Stop.

Also, Cherokee Nation Entertainment, Old Fort Women’s Club, Fort Gibson Nursing Home, Whitlock Packaging Corp., Fort Gibson Tire and Wheel, Muskogee Phoenix/Fort Gibson Times, Keane Construction, Gil Miller Roofing, Walker Family Dentistry, Indian Capital Technology, Subway of Fort Gibson, Q.B. Boydstun Public Library, Action Imprints, Lone Oak Ventures, Brad and Linda Clinkenbeard and the Fort Gibson Public Schools.

We appreciate the quick response of these chamber members. Without the support of these individuals and businesses, the chamber would not be able to carry out its function of economic growth for the community and presentation of events to bring recognition to our town. Again, thank you for your quick response. We continue to receive membership renewals daily, of which we are very appreciative. If you would like to be part of the chamber, or have any questions regarding membership, please give me a call at 478-4780 or 577-2069. Thanks.