GIRARD — With Burnett Crane Service as breakfast sponsor, Girard Chamber of Commerce members met on August 10 at the Girard Community Center, President Jeanette Earley, John Earley, Deb Burnett, Sara Millward, Temperance Burnett, Linda Worlow, Ethel Sanders, Debbie Turvey, Bill and Peggy Giles, Nicole Bauser, and Janice Smith attending.
Following previous minutes’ approval, treasurer Millward presented the month’s financials including a Festival Days report. In the absence of a carnival during this year’s event, hometown rides would make a return. It would appear to be a success, with plans from the Chamber to possibly continue that feature. Figures did reflect a loss because of the carnival’s absence. Olivia Thoroman captured this year’s Miss Girard title, with 2021 Queen Sophia McWard in
preparation for college in the fall.

Girard Pumpkin Fest is set for October 8
The Pumpkin Fest will be on October 8 in Girard city square park. President Earley gave a reminder that the event is manned by Chamber members, with membership volunteers needed to make the event a success. Planning discussion included: food served will include brats, hot dogs, and pork burgers with the Fire Department donating the cost of pork burgers. The Boy Scouts will again sponsor hometown rides. There will be a chili cookoff, and booth space will be available for the event. Updates will be made to the Festival Days booklet and the Chamber website.
Membership exploration, donation, Assisted Living Week
Peggy Giles spoke concerning membership exploration; Nicole Bauser, representing Courtyard Estates, discussed an upcoming ceremony to mark the donation of recent proceeds to the Girard Fire Department benefitting the Randy Gray Scholarship Fund. Bauser would also announce the observance of Assisted Living Week in September, there will be an upcoming food truck cookout and a Senior Prom.
Community input forms
Linda Worlow distributed community input forms looking for feedback for the Virden Parks Committee. Worlow presented the Virden Chamber report. It would include information on the Virden Parks Initiative, Back 2 Mac school supplies distribution on August 13, and the Route 66 mural grant. A new mural addition to the north exterior wall of The Sly Fox Book Store is in progress. In addition, the VACC senior appreciation lunch will be on October 10.
Fire department report
John Earley reported for the Fire Department, stating the department awaits the arrival of a new fire truck from Appleton, Wisc. in September or later. Prairieland Ambulance is finalizing the closing on the new building and preparing for the move. The facility can house one or two ambulances for 24-7, 365 services.
Next Girard Chamber meeting
The next Chamber meeting will be on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Community Center, with Janice Smith as breakfast sponsor.
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