Chamber planning Moonlight Madness, Christmas events

At the October Chamber of Commerce meeting via Zoom, the board passed on its third and final reading their new bylaws.

Chamber director Meri Ann Rush reported about their recent banquet saying it was good and they had a lot of great comments. They received a thank you note from Senator Barrasso. Rush said it was awesome that both Governor Gordon and Senator Barrasso came.

They started to do a recap of finances from the banquet, but do not have them ready yet and they do not yet know their profit. They should have the financial breakdown report at the next meeting. Rush added that the decorating for the banquet was done on that day, and it was quick.

Regarding the coming Moonlight Madness, the flyers are done. Dr. Vernon and Rachel Miller will sponsor the costume contest.

They are also collecting goodie bags for the event. In the past, they had about 200 bags and they are putting them together. They ask that during the judging with young children on the stage that parents in front adhere to social distancing and that other people attending also do social distancing even further back.

They also plan on doing a photo booth, tacos with the Masons and pinata bashing. Rush said things are moving forward and they are watching orders from the state in regard to COVID regulations. Rush expressed optimism and said people are interested in the event.

For Christmas events, the lighted Christmas parade is Friday, December 4 at 6 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Santa’s Workshop”.

The chamber is also planning on doing a lighted pole contest down Arapahoe and Fifth Streets to let people decorate since the chamber decorates Broadway.

The Hometown Holiday, Shop Small Saturday is November 28. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will attend the lighted Christmas parade but will not do pictures with the kids due to COVID regulations. There will also be the Merry Christmas Market on December 14, 4-8 p.m. They will do the bingo cards.

The chamber will decorate Bicentennial Park as well. They will decide soon as to when they will do it, and they have money set aside for decorations. They will have more banners and more garlands for light poles.

They will also do a Christmas movie on December 20 at 3:30 p.m. at the Ritz.

In new business, Rush presented the chamber’s new vision statement: “The Thermopolis Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is devoted to making our community a great place to live, work, play and discover.” The chamber voted and passed to accept the vision statement.

For Main Street Thermopolis Howie Samelson reported that along with the Chamber they participated at the Wyoming Working Together conference. The conference was held in Thermopolis both in-person and virtually so more people could come. Linda Klink, the Program Manager for Wyoming Main Street and Amy Quick, the Regional Director for Big Horn Basin, Wyoming Business Council presented at Town Council and acknowledging their support of Main Street and as an affiliated community. Rush said it was a nice conference and great to connect with people in the Basin.

Rush ended the meeting describing chamber board training in their member packets. Here were the various responsibilities of different events and functions and nominating committees. This training is to help members clearly understand what the chamber does and their responsibilities when they serve on different committees.

Business After Hours will be on October 22 at Wyoming Whiskey beginning at 5:30 p.m.