SALINA, OK — The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce held the August meeting in new offices. A surprise announcement came at the end of the meeting. Cyndi Johnston, chamber president, announced she would step down, citing her work responsibilities in Tulsa. Johnston said it is difficult to get to the meetings on time, as she now works in Tulsa.

Members heard committee updates. The Car Show and Burnout will coincide with Carl Belew Day Music Tribute on Sept 1. The car show will take place in the American Legion parking lot on Ferry Street. The Carl Belew tribute will take place in the parking lot of city hall next door. Carl Belew was a musician and composer of country songs from Salina. The car show is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The burnout begins at 2 p.m. The Belew music tribute begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m.

Other discussions included the first pow wow to be held in the high school gymnasium on Sept. 21 and 22. The pow wow will host a hog fry.

The forthcoming Chouteau Day celebration and parade, scheduled for Oct, 6, was discussed. Chouteau Day activities include an archery competition, a shotgun shoot, horse shoe toss, children’s games and hot air balloon rides. Stephanie Cox recommended having a hot air balloon. The chamber approved her recommendation to rent a hot air balloon for $800. The rides will be $10 per person to go up in the balloon.

The chamber discussed Christmas light displays.

The chamber voted to order carpet for the new chamber office.

The chamber voted to purchase concession items for the car show, not to exceed $250.

The chamber approved making the front room of the Salina Area Chamber office a welcome center for visitors to the town. The chamber approved the purchase of shirts for volunteers for the front office when it is converted to a welcome center.

The chamber scheduled a future executive meeting to discuss the bylaws.   

The chamber approved hosting a scarecrow judging contest Sept 28. The winner will be given a one-year membership in the Salina Chamber.

Under new business, the chamber approved $100 for the new sign in the window of the chamber office on Ferry Street.

The chamber accepted the resignation of Cyndi Johnston as president and approved Morice Farr, who was serving as vice president, as the president.