The California Area Chamber of Commerce met last week to discuss a number of upcoming events, including this weekend's Ozark Ham & Turkey "Celebration."
The day of community events, set for this Saturday, will replace the traditional Ham & Turkey Festival that takes place in the area around California's downtown square. Instead, the Chamber encouraged area businesses to host their own individual events and promotions during the day as more of a community-focused version of the yearly event.
Some of the festival's usual events will still be present in some form or another - Oak Street Farmers Market is sponsoring a 5K and Fun Run, Burgher Haus and Sakelaris Ford are sponsoring a car show at Village Green Shopping Center, the Rural Fire Protection District will host a Figure 8 and other events on the Moniteau County Fairgrounds, and the California Eagles will host the traditional ham breakfast at their new building. The customary parade will also take place to kick off the day.
Elsewhere, various businesses and organizations have planned promotions, meals and will play host to vendors throughout the day Saturday. A full list, gathered by the Chamber, is included in this week's edition of the Democrat.
At last Thursday's meeting, the Chamber decided to amend its prizes for winners in the parade's five award categories. The best band/drill team, best car, best tractor, best float and best float/rider will each receive $30 in Chamber bucks.
The group also discussed ongoing planning for other events slated for later this year. The Chamber's second Christmas in Proctor Park will not be short on displays - eight of last year's participants and five new ones, plus a handful of Chamber members who chimed in at the meeting with interest in participating again, are all on the shortlist to decorate the park. The event committee is set to select a theme for this year's edition soon.
The Chamber also continues preliminary planning for its annual meeting and dinner, with plans to check with caterers and venues next. The Chamber will send bids to members including the Eagles and Sweet Chipotle Catering and Events Center.
In other business, the group discussed a number of agenda items based around the Chamber's bank accounts and finances.
Firstly, the group agreed to change to e-statements for its general fund account through Central Bank - the bank revamped its business accounts in January, which has led to some small service charges for some of the Chamber's recent statements.
The group also discussed a pair of Certificate of Deposit accounts that are renewable this month. The group approved renewing both accounts, one for Ham & Turkey Festival funds totaling $3,763.98 and the other for scholarship funding totaling $5,399.02. Both accounts will mature in 2022.
All of the recipients of the Chamber's fall semester scholarship of $250 - 11 of the 12 that were extended the award and chose to attend a four-year university - have received their award money.
Finally, the Chamber agreed to continue promoting the California Elementary School PTO's events in its communications and on the Chamber website.
The Chamber's next regular monthly meeting is set at 8 a.m. Oct. 15.