CHAMOIS — Chamois Day committee members Dawna Keilholz and Becca Mehmert declared last Saturday’s 24th annual event a fantastic success. “We were fortunate that the rain held off for the parade and most of the events,” Keilholz said. “Even when it did rain lightly, it cleared up just in time for everyone to help with the cleanup.”

This year’s theme, “One Town, Many Friends” lived up to expectations.  “Chamois Day was wonderfully exhausting,” said Mehmert. “There is a ton of planning that occurs all year long, and to see it come to fruition each year is incredibly rewarding. It really is a great event for our small town. I saw lots of smiles and laughter among friends, so it seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves.”

The second annual pulled pork contest featured three contestants: Backman Transportation, Checkerboard Café and Bakehouse, and Clark’s Smokin’ and Grillin’ Meats. The Judges’ Choice Award went to Checkerboard Café and Bakehouse. Clark’s Grillin’ and Smokin’ Meats won the People’s Choice Award for the second time.

This year’s PTO parade theme, “Chamois Businesses, Past and Present,” was well received.

“The class floats did a great job representing the community with businesses, past and present,” said Chamois R-1 PTO President Amber Riley.

Glenda Ferguson of Paoli, Ind., who grew up in Chamois and has stayed at the Old School on the Hill Bed and Breakfast for the festivities over the past four years, said that she thought the floats were wonderful, and she enjoyed the reminder of what Chamois used to be like.

Linn’s VFW Color Guard and the Chamois Pirate Pride Marching Band led the parade behind Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham.

In the Pre-K-2 float category, first place went to kindergarten for Barb’s Beauty Bar, second place went to second grade for the Chamois Depot and Railroad, third place went to first grade for Jerry’s Stop & Go, and fourth place went to preschool for Deer Creek Trucking. In the grade 3-5 category, first place went to fourth grade for Heritage Community Bank, second to fifth grade for Chamois Jail, and third to third grade for Mary’s Ice Cream Parlor. In the middle school category, first place went to sixth grade for Checkerboard Café and Bakehouse, second to eighth grade for Movie Theater, and third to seventh grade for Bug’s Ink. In the high school category, the freshman class took first place with the Boys from Chamois, seniors claimed second with A&G Small Engines, sophomores took third for Power Plant, and juniors earned fourth for Arcade/Game Room.

Kids’ competition events — egg toss, water balloon toss, and three-legged race — near the main stage were a hit, and emcee Sean Hackmann kept everyone laughing throughout. Cali and Wyatt Starke took first place in all three events. Royce and Charlotte Mebruer took second in both the water balloon toss and three-legged race and Ella Wieberg and Avery Fisher took third in the three-legged race.

Children also enjoyed a bubble machine and carnival games with prizes near the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church Hall. “The families I spoke with loved the idea of free games,” said Keilholz, “and the bubble machine was a big hit – especially for the 95-year-old who had a great time playing in the bubbles.”

This year’s event also featured a bingo scavenger hunt, with prizes for everyone who competed. Washer and cornhole tournaments were held by C-Town Storage.

The Broken Arrow Band provided entertainment on the main stage for the second straight year.

Visitors toured the Townley House Museum, taking advantage of a honey ice cream social and the opportunity to hear Steve Rost & the Rost Family Singers perform.

Chamois Day Committee members also thanked Chamois R-1 PTO, Heritage Community Bank, Sean Hackmann, RTE Morrison and Linn Sydenstricker, Bug’s Ink, Mark Mehmert, Dale Hackmann, DJ Keilholz, Rube Cramer, and everyone who volunteered their time to make it a great day.

“The small but mighty band sounded incredible, and it was wonderful to see kids enjoying classic games like the egg toss, water balloon toss, and three-legged race,” Keilholz said. “The day was filled with moments of people reconnecting and celebrating.”