Judy Kramer
County Reporter
Chambers of Commerce in Benton County not only help businesses become successful, but they provide entertaining events for residents and visitors. Warsaw’s new Chamber Director, Kimberly Pearcy is particularly excited about her new job and reports that she loves everything about it.
“Since starting off, I have learned a lot and had to process all kinds of things that I didn’t know how to do,” said Pearcy. “But I figured them out and asked for help too. I was ready to grow everything. When I took the position, I thought that the most exciting part would be planning events. However, now I am very excited about helping new businesses and getting them involved in social media. We are so busy. I sometimes have two people in the office and three waiting outside.”
Pearcy said that the chamber is really growing and has added 47 businesses since the beginning of the year. Some are new and others established. When asked what her biggest challenges were, Pearce said trying to be in two places at once. However, the chamber has partnered with Benton County Tourism and chamber assistant, Holly Helms, (who was working part-time) is now secretary to both organizations. This provides an ability for someone to be in the office full time.
Pearcy provided a schedule of Chamber events coming up for the rest of the year. On May 4, at 6:30 PM, there will be the Academic Excellence Banquet in the Warsaw High School gym. The top 15 High School Seniors will receive a scholarship, while the top 15 underclassmen will receive gift cards. Awards are made possible because of local businesses and community members' generous donations.
On May 12 and 13, the Outdoor Fun & Adventure Show at Drake Harbor will take place from 5-9 P.M. on Friday, and from 10 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. on Saturday. There will be vendors, RV's & Boats, demonstrations and classes, a Friday night concert and Saturday Singing competition. There will be a Beer and Wine Garden, Yoga, Pickle Ball, Corn Hole, Kayak Race, Self Defense, and even a Helicopter!
The Arts Fest on Main Street and in the Harbor Room will take place on June 3. Join us for our Art Competition, Artisan Market, Make and Take projects, Street performers, Open Mic, Chalk Walk, something for everyone.
Looking toward Fall, there will be a Junk Fest on Sept 9, from 8 AM. – 4 P.M. Check out Main Street to find lots of vintage treasures from our vendors! Stop by for a tasty treat from our food vendors as well!
Heritage Days takes place October 21 and 22. Enjoy craft and food vendors at the Harbor, as well as explore a unique Pioneer experience with vendors and hands-on demonstrations at the Overlook.
On December 9, experience the magic of Christmas all day at Warsaw's Hallmark Christmas. There will be Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Live Nativity Scene, Carolers, Downtown Holiday Market, craft, and food vendors, and more!
Not on the Chamber’s event calendar are Jubilee Days, scheduled this year on June 9-10 in downtown Warsaw. It will include a carnival, live music, contests, turtle races, car show, craft tents, a parade, 5K Run and more. Don’t forget to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks to be held on July 1 at Drake Harbor.
Lyndsey Decker with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce reports several events in May including a City-Wide Garage Sale May 5 and 6. On May 6 there is a Donkey Day Celebration at 24507 Kelly Lane that includes a Meet and Greet with over 250 donkeys. Attendees can learn about donkeys and why they are being rescued. Admission for adults is $10, Teens $7, and Children over three $5. During July 1 – 4, there will be a cornhole tournament,
beer garden and live music. The City Parade is scheduled for July 3 followed on July 4 by fireworks.
Cole Camp’s online calendar lists a UMC Fish Fry Dinner on May 20, from 5 to 7 P.M. at Cole Camp United Methodist Church, 107 N. Booneville Road. It is a dine in, carry out or drive through. The menu includes fried fish, hush puppies, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, dessert, and a drink for a free-will offering.
On May 21, Cole Camp’s Picnic & Pickin in the Park will take place at Ezekial Williams Park. There will be live music.
A City-Wide Garage Sale will take place in the city on June 2-3, and An Antique & Classic Car Cruise Night in downtown Cole Camp will take place from 5 to 8 P.M. on June 3. On June 24 there will be a Booze N Bluegrass in the Gardens from 6 to 10 P.M. at Cole Camp Jaycee Gardens.
St. Paul’s Ice Cream Social will be held June 25, from 6 to 8 P.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and the Annual Zucchini Races are scheduled for July 15, from 5 to 8 P.M. on North Maple Street. The Benton County Enterprise was unable to contact Cole Camp’s Chamber of Commerce regarding the City’s plans for July 4.
https://welcometowarsaw.com/tourism/festivals is a good place to check for events in the county.
