OSAGE COUNTY — CHAMOIS — Water flew across Main Street Saturday afternoon as members of the Chamois and Morrison fire departments faced off during the Fire Station Showdown, one of the highlights of this year’s Chamois Day celebration.

The Sept. 19 event drew visitors from Chamois and surrounding communities for a day of activities, food, contests, vendors, entertainment, and local history. This year’s celebration was organized by the Chamois Day Committee, chaired by Rhonda Mitchem, with volunteers helping coordinate activities throughout town.

The day began with opening ceremonies and the Osage County R-1 PTO parade, which followed a board-game theme. School classes transformed trailers into floats depicting games ranging from Chutes & Ladders and Hi-Ho Cherry-O to Chess, Operation, and Candy Land. Fire trucks, horses and riders, classic vehicles, the VFW color guard, and other entries also joined the parade.

Kindergarten’s “Hi-Ho Cherry-O” took first in the PK-2 float division, followed by second grade’s “Ants in the Pants,” prekindergarten’s “Chutes & Ladders,” and first grade’s “Mouse Trap.”

Fifth grade’s “Checkers” won the grades 3-5 division, followed by fourth grade’s “Let’s Go Fishin’” and third grade’s “Twister.” Sixth grade’s “Chess” took first among grades 6-8, followed by eighth grade’s “Battleship” and seventh grade’s “Monopoly.”

In grades 9-12, the junior class won with “I Spy,” followed by the sophomores’ “Operation,” seniors’ “Candy Land,” and freshmen’s “Whac-a-Mole.”

Activities continued throughout the day at locations around Chamois. Inflatables and a cake walk were held at Riverside Park, while competitions included a scavenger hunt, cornhole, and washers. Hayrides carried visitors between stops, and a classic car show was held at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

August and Harper Scheulen, children of Autumn Baker Scheulen and Andy Scheulen, were crowned Little Mister and Miss Chamois Day on Saturday.

The Town Museum and Historic Townley House were also open to visitors. The Rost Family Singers provided music, and local authors offered books for sale. Honey ice cream and a patriotic flag display were among the other attractions.

Food was available throughout the celebration, with several local businesses and Osage County R-1 classes participating. The senior class sold pulled pork sandwiches and nachos, while the junior class served fried pickles, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and water.

Sweet Bee’s offered shaved ice and lemonade, while Bad Habit Sips served dirty sodas, charged sips, and flavored drinks. Other offerings throughout town included brats, hot dogs, chili, kettle corn, burgers, pizza, fish and chips, Polish sausage, and other festival fare.

At Fire Station No. 1, the Chamois Fire Protection District and Chamois Lions Club operated the Smoke Shack fundraiser, serving smoked pork tenderloin, chicken wings, pig wings, and pork rinds to raise money toward a rescue truck for the department. Heberle Meats donated the meat, which was smoked by Duane and Daniel Cramer of Beach Buggy BBQ. Dizzy’s Bar & Grill donated pork rinds, Jerry’s Stop & Go donated water, and Blues Hog donated sauces. The fundraiser sold out of food during the celebration.

The fire station became the center of attention during the afternoon Fire Station Showdown. Chamois and Morrison firefighters used streams from their hoses to drive suspended barrels toward the opposing team as spectators lined Main Street. Children joined in the water afterward as firefighters sprayed them with the hoses.

Strategic Sounds provided main-stage music during the day, with parade awards and the Chamois Day raffle drawing held later in the afternoon.

“Considering it was SO hot we still had an awesome day,” said Mitchem. “Everything went smoothly thanks to all my great volunteers. Crowd was a little down after the parade but vendors all said they had a good day. See everyone next year, third Saturday in September!”