After completing a busy 2019 schedule, the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has its sights set on 2020.
“We’re as strong as ever right now,” said Chamber director Angie Quinlan. “We’re stable and we keep moving forward.”
Quinlan said much of the 2019 schedule has been formulated, but there are still gaps that will be filled in as the year progresses.
Planned events and activities:
•March
The chamber’s annual banquet is set for Saturday, March 7, in the community building at the chamber’s fairgrounds. This year’s theme is “Gone With The Wind,” and attendees are encouraged to dress for the theme.
2020 annual banquet flyer
During the event, several people will be recognized for various contributions to the community, numerous items will be available in both a live auction and a silent auction, and a catered dinner will be served. Activities will include a trivia contest, with the top three tables earning prizes.
Tickets are $20 apiece and anyone is welcome to attend. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
•April
On Saturday, April 18, a car and tractor show will be held in the parking lot at the old Town and Country Supermarket location on U.S. 63 in Houston. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with registration at 8 a.m.) and vendors will likely be included.
•May
On Saturday, May 16, Houston’s American Legion Post 41 will host the second annual Armed Forces Day celebration at the fairgrounds. The chamber will again assist.
•June
Thursday through Saturday, June 11-13, a city-wide yard sale will be held in conjunction with a similar event in Cabool.
People can also rent tables for $10 to sell items in the community building or set up outside the building – swap meet style – for the same price.
Houston Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Angie Quinlan has held the position since August 2016.
On Saturday, June 27, the chamber’s third annual Independence Day parade will take place at 6 p.m. in downtown Houston, followed by the annual fireworks show at the fairgrounds at dark.
•July
The 110th annual Old Settlers Reunion is set for Wednesday, July 29, through Saturday, Aug. 1, at the chamber fairgrounds. It will take place alongside the 70th annual Texas County Fair and its primarily animal-oriented activities.
A gospel night music event will take place Wednesday evening in the arena, and a two-night demolition derby will be staged on Friday and Saturday. Quinlan said another attraction will be announced later for Thursday night in the arena.
Also scheduled are a “Little Mr. and Ms. Old Settlers Reunion” contest on Wednesday, and a dog show and a talent show on Thursday.
A carnival will be up and running all four nights.
•August
The chamber will host a golf tournament at Oakwood Golf Club at a date to be determined.
•September
Quinlan and the chamber board are exploring options.
•October
An indoor yard sale is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, in the community building.
The Carson & Barnes Circus will return to Houston for two shows on Thursday, Oct. 15 (4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).
•November
The annual Taste of Christmas food competition will take place Saturday, Nov. 28.
•December
The annual Holiday Bazaar will be on Saturday, Dec. 5, inside the community building.
The annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12. It will again be a night event, with a 6 p.m. start time.
For more information, call Quinlan at 417-967-2220 or email information@houstonmochamber.com.
•March 7: Annual banquet
•April 18: Car and tractor show
•May 16: Armed Forces Day event
•June 11-13: City-wide yard sale
•June 27: Independence Day parade, fireworks show
•July 29 – Aug. 1: 110th annual Old Settlers Reunion
•Aug. ?: Golf tournament (date TBA)
•Oct. 3: Indoor yard sale
•Oct. 15: Carson & Barnes Circus
•Nov. 28: The Taste of Christmas
•Dec. 5: Holiday bazaar
•Dec. 12: Christmas parade
*Schedule is subject to change
•Corporate business: $600 (mention in all chamber ads).
•Standard business: $125 (or $62.50 for new members).
•Non-profit organizations: $100
•Individual: $50