CHAMOIS  — Chamois Day committee members Becca Mehmert, Dawna Keilholz, Mike Edwards, and Amanda Carter deemed Saturday’s 23rd annual event a huge success.

“I think the day went well, and seeing old friends and family was enjoyable,” said Carter. “The weather, food, and entertainment were perfect.”

Mehmert agreed, noting Chamois Day had a great turnout and a wonderful day. “The heavy rain held off, and the few sprinkles we got kept it from getting too hot,” she said. “When I made my rounds to thank the vendors, they all said they were doing well.”

The first annual pulled pork contest was a success, with Backman Transportation LLC (Eli Backman) taking home the Judge’s Choice and Clark’s Grillin’ and Smokin’ Meats (Jim and Kira Clark) winning the People’s Choice in an incredibly close race. Mehmert thanked Backman Transportation, Clark’s Grillin’ and Smokin’ Meats, Bug’s Ink, and Martellaro Marble and Granite for participating. “We look forward to bringing this competition back next year,” Mehmert added. “All of the entries were delicious, and I heard a lot of people say they had a hard time picking a winner.”

“Several people enjoyed tasting the pulled pork and having to pick a winner,” Keilholz added. “We also received compliments from the vendors, and community members were very positive!”

A large number of people gathered for the parade and morning festivities. “The Chamois PTO picked a great theme this year, and the kids did an amazing job decorating the floats,” said Keilholz of “Story Books.”

Linn’s VFW Color Guard and the Chamois Pirate Pride Marching Band led the parade, with the latter playing the National Anthem. “The band looked very sharp in the new uniforms they showcased for the first time at Chamois Day,” said Mehmert.

With a “Country Roads Take Me Home” theme, Chamois Day featured a scavenger hunt and prizes for everyone who competed. Carnival games for kids and a bubble machine made the day special, as each child received a bottle of bubbles with refill stations on hand.

“The kids enjoyed the bubbles for sure,” said Keilholz. “It was pretty cool watching their faces light up.”

The Sedan vs. Wyoming and The Broken Arrow Band provided excellent entertainment, and main-stage activities drew several competitors.

Winners in the Chamois Day Little Mr/Miss Baby/Toddler Contest were Kacey Cole (pre-k boys), Emberlee Mumm and Kyleigh Riley (pre-k girls), Leo Gerloff (toddler boys winner), Myles and Dax Owens and Taryn Cole (toddler boys runners-up), Kentley Smith and Cora Ames (toddler girls - tie), and Willard Cole and Michael Rowinski (infant boys - tie). There were no entries for infant girls.

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

Keilholz thanked Sheriff Mike Bonham and his deputies for being in the parade and having a presence throughout the day, Osage Ambulance, Chamois & Morrison Fire, volunteers, Osage County Little Mr/Miss, vendors, and everyone else that took time out of their busy day to make the day successful.

“Several community members came up to me and thanked all of us for our hard work to make this day come together and for providing a good day for families to enjoy,” said Keilholz. “We have received lots of feedback from the community on what they would like to see for next year and how we can make this more of a family-friendly event.”

Mehmert added, “It’s a wonderfully exhausting day that we plan pretty much year-round, and there’s always the fear that something will go catastrophically wrong, but every year it ends up being a great day. We had a few hiccups with our bubble machine being contrary and a few other small things, but I saw lots of smiles, laughs, hugs, and long conversations between old friends — that’s what it’s all about. We give everyone with roots in Chamois a day to come home and catch up with each other. As our theme says this year, ‘Country roads take me home to the place I belong.’”

Carter is stepping down from the committee this year to spend more time with family and friends next year. “I wish to thank Dawna, Becca, and Mike for all their hard work and ideas, as well as the vendors, local business owners, parents, students, teachers, the Chamois Lions Club, Chamois PTO, community members, volunteers, and raffle donors for making it a great day for so many,” she said. “They will all continue to do great things for our community!”

Keilholz said she “thoroughly enjoyed making this day happen with Amanda, Becca, and Michael. Be sure to mark your calendar for the third weekend in September next year for a fun-filled day.”