Each year another organization gets involved and another activity is added to the chamber’s Community Showcase. This year the recreation department will offer four stations of children’s activities in the gym.
Along with karate demonstrations, free ice cream from Zem’s, the Madison County Child ID program, Jean Elaine dancers and a dog demonstration that includes a “make and take” craft from 4-H, there should be enough activities to keep the kids busy.
And while the kids are off getting their faces painted by FBLA students, show goers can take the opportunity to stop at the more than 50 vendor booths and visit with the various businesses, clubs and organizations, or perhaps browse at the artwork exhibited by sixth and seventh grade students.
Greater Sullivan Chamber of Commerce President Pete Hilts said the chamber’s mission is helping the community get to know what the village of Chittenango and the town of Sullivan have to offer.
“There are a lot of people who live here and don’t know what goes on here,” Hilts said. “The chamber’s goal is to support and promote the chamber businesses. In order to promote them the community has to know about them. And this is a good way for the chamber to show the community what we have to offer.”
Hilts said last year about 400 people visited the show. This year he said they’d like that number to double.
Another event added to the showcase is a pie making contest. Judges will sample entries in two categories: two and one-crust pies. After the judging, there will be a People’s Choice Award. Prizes will be given for the top three in points in each category. Ribbons will be given to the top five places. Contestants can view the rules on the chamber’s website and sign up in advance or the day of the show.
The chamber will also give away $100 in a drawing. No purchase necessary.
A show like this needs help and the chamber has solicited corporate sponsors. They include Bear Paw Printing, K&B Cellular, Oneida Savings Bank, Chittenango Family Care, Mazzullo and Sons, Dave’s Quality Homes, Eagle Newspapers, Madison Mutual Insurance Co., Comp-U-Pro, Seven O’s RV, NPG Federal Credit Union, Sorbello’s Produce and DRM Asphalt Sealing.
There is no admission to the show and the parking is free.
For more information, visit greatersullivanchamber.org.
Enterainment
Noon: Karate kids
Noon to 1 p.m.: Pie entries received
1 p.m.: Jean Elaine’s Dance students
1:15 p.m.: Pie judging contest begins
1:30 p.m.: Chittenango police demonstration
2 p.m.: Dog obedience demonstration
2:30 p.m.: Fire department demonstration
2 to 3 p.m.: People’s Choice for pie judging
3 p.m.: Karate kids
3:30 p.m.: Winners of pie contest announced, $100 raffle winner and business raffles announced
Margo Frink
Blood pressure screening was offered during last year’s Community Showcase. The event will be held this year on March 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Chittenango High School gym.
