Judy Martens, the chamber’s executive vice president, previewed the fall and holiday events Thursday. The schedule includes the following:
•Bassnanza – Oct. 3
•Womens’ Expo – Oct. 21
•Veterans Day Ceremony
•Nov. 11
•Sallisaw Merchants Christmas Open House – Nov. 15
•Christmas Lighting – Nov. 19
•Shop Sallisaw Campaign – Beginning Nov. 23
•Shop Sallisaw winners announced – Dec. 12
•Sallisaw Christmas Parade – Dec. 12
Bassnanza
The annual Bassnanza fishing tournament on Kerr Lake will offer over $10,000 in prize money, Martens said. First place will receive $5,000, and the Big Bass contest will reward the winner with $500.
Martens said about 40 participants are expected, and the entry fee is $150 per boat. The Big Bass entry fee is $25 per boat. The participants will also get a free meal at a cookout planned at Applegate Cove Park, south of Sallisaw, on Kerr Lake at about 3:30 p.m. The participants will also weigh in their fish at Applegate Cove.
The $5,000 first-place money is guaranteed by People Inc. Additional sponsors are the Cherokee Casino in Sallisaw, the Sequoyah County Times, Blue Ribbon Auto Group of Sallisaw, PRADO Fishing of Fort Smith, Casey’s Motor Sports of Sallisaw, Armstrong Bank, Sonic Drive-In of Sallisaw, Cox Exterminators, Calming Connections of Sallisaw, Sallee Plumbing and T & M Sand & Gravel Inc.
For more information call (918) 775-2558, visit basszone.com, and e-mail sallisawchamber@yahoo.com or gotbass@windstream.net.
Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo, sponsored by Women in Business, Your TIMES and the chamber, will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Blue Ribbon Downs Clubhouse.
The event includes free information, gifts and lunch, along with a style show and guest speaker. More information will be published in the future.
Veterans Day Ceremony
The annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 in front of Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw.
Martens said, “This is a meaningful time for all our veterans. We encourage people to come out and honor them.”
The local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts assist with the ceremony and provide a 21-gun salute. Music is provided by Sallisaw High School students, and a guest speaker will honor veterans. A wreath will be laid on the veterans’ memorial in front of the library.
Sallisaw Merchants Christmas Open House
Co-sponsored by Your TIMES, the Sallisaw Merchants Christmas Open House is a highlight of the beginning of the Christmas season, Martens said.
She explained the chamber will again sponsor a gift basket give away, with gifts provided by chamber members. During the open house many Sallisaw merchants highlight their wares and provide refreshments throughout the day.
“This is a fun time for everyone,” Martens said.
Sallisaw Christmas Lighting
The annual Sallisaw Christmas Lighting has become a family tradition and will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 in front of the library.
The event includes the turning on of Sallisaw’s Christmas lights, caroling by members of Sallisaw Schools’ choruses, free hot chocolate and cookies served by members of the Professional Home Hospice Threads of Love group, and a visit from Santa Claus who will visit with each child to hear their Christmas wishes.
Shop Sallisaw
The Shop Sallisaw campaign begins Nov. 23, and encourages residents to shop in Sallisaw. The encouragement includes more than a $5,000 prize, which will be given away on Dec. 12 in front of the library.
“Shoppers get tickets from chamber merchants to participate in the give-away,” Martens said. “We want to encourage everyone to shop at home. They will save gas and help increase sales tax revenue in our community.”
The participating merchants will be announced closer to the start of the campaign, Martens said.
Christmas Parade
Sallisaw’s annual Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 12.
Martens said, “The theme this year is ‘Christmas at the Movies,’ and that includes themes from ‘The Nativity’ all the way up to ‘A Christmas Story,’ and anything in between.
“We are going to be very strict on the theme this year because we are giving away more money to the winners than we have in the past.”
Martens said judges will be choosing the award winners.
Also expected to participate are the bands from Sallisaw Schools.
For more information on any chamber activities contact the chamber at 9918) 775-2558.
