Category Archives: Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Set for Nov. 12 at Big Sugar Lumber

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, November 12th at 8am hosted by Big Sugar Lumber, 1005 S. Clark St. in Fort Scott. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to enter a door prize drawing.

Big Sugar Lumber storefront

Big Sugar Lumber is a locally operated lumber and hardware store offering building materials, tools, hardware, and supplies for home improvement projects. The business has recently expanded its services to include paint mixing, providing Fort Scott and surrounding communities with a new local destination for paint, stains, and painting supplies.

Following the closure of the Fort Scott Sherwin-Williams location, Big Sugar Lumber has stepped up to help meet the community’s painting needs. Customers can now shop a selection of quality paint brands, including Valspar and Best Look. Best Look paint is manufactured by Sherwin-Williams, with select products backed by a lifetime warranty. The store also carries painting tools and supplies to help customers complete projects of all sizes.

The Chamber encourages members and guests to attend, learn more about Big Sugar Lumber’s products and services, and show their support for this local business.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click here for the Big Sugar Lumber Facebook Page

TOMORROW: FSHS Students Showcase 17 Businesses at YEC

REMINDER: TOMORROW

Come shop and support our student entrepreneurs!

Join the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott High School, and NetWork Kansas for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Tradeshow.

Tuesday, November 10
6 to 8 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym

Fort Scott High School YEC Tradeshow and Competition flyer

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Shop 17 student businesses featuring baked goods, candles, Christmas items, home décor, and more.
• Meet the students and learn about their business ideas.
• Vote for the Community Choice Award.
• Stay for awards at the conclusion of the tradeshow.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Dani Cummings, the new FSHS business teacher, every participating business has developed a physical product to sell. Bring a little spending money and get a start on your holiday shopping!

Just browsing is welcome, too! Asking questions and encouraging the students is a great way to support their hard work.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FACEBOOK EVENT!

Invite a friend and help us give these young entrepreneurs a great turnout!

The overall local winner will advance to the state championship in Manhattan, with competition on April 21, 2027. The statewide YEC Series is coordinated by NetWork Kansas in partnership with K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

Questions? Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or information@fortscott.com.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Kiwanis Pioneers Host 38th Annual Chili Feed Nov. 10

Chili Feed Fundraiser

Tuesday, November 10th
11:00am-1:30pm & 4:00-6:00pm

First United Methodist Church
301 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, Kansas

Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis 38th Annual Chili Feed flyer

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser

With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 38th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 10th at the First United Methodist Church located at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $10.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Mary Wyatt.

“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Wyatt. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

Visit the Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis Facebook Page!

Chamber’s Holiday Open House Set for Nov. 12

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to kick off the holiday shopping season during the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event on Thursday, November 12, from 5 to 8 p.m., at participating businesses throughout Fort Scott.

The evening will feature holiday shopping, refreshments, drawings, special deals and more! Shopping continues Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, with hours varying by participating business.

This year’s event features 20 participating businesses, offering shoppers a great opportunity to find unique gifts, discover local favorites and support the Fort Scott business community. Shoppers can also register at participating locations for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks!

Holiday Open House flyer

Participating locations flyer

The Chamber encourages the community to get out and support local businesses during the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event. It’s a great opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping while supporting the businesses that make Fort Scott special.

For more details, including participating locations and event information, visit www.fortscott.com or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Make Spirits Bright. Shop Local!

FSHS Students to Showcase 17 Businesses at YEC Tradeshow

Come shop and support our student entrepreneurs!

Join the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott High School, and NetWork Kansas for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Tradeshow.

Tuesday, November 10
6 to 8 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym

Fort Scott High School YEC Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tradeshow and Competition flyer

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Shop 17 student businesses featuring baked goods, candles, Christmas items, home décor, and more.
• Meet the students and learn about their business ideas.
• Vote for the Community Choice Award.
• Stay for awards at the conclusion of the tradeshow.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Dani Cummings, the new FSHS business teacher, every participating business has developed a physical product to sell. Bring a little spending money and get a start on your holiday shopping!

Just browsing is welcome, too! Asking questions and encouraging the students is a great way to support their hard work.

Click here for the Facebook event!

Invite a friend and help us give these young entrepreneurs a great turnout!

The overall local winner will advance to the state championship in Manhattan, with competition on April 21, 2027. The statewide YEC Series is coordinated by NetWork Kansas in partnership with K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

Questions? Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or information@fortscott.com.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

Chamber After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting at Kale Nelson State Farm

HAPPENING TODAY! Join Us for a Chamber After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting

Celebrating Kale Nelson State Farm’s NEW Downtown Location!

Thursday, November 5, 2026

$2 Admission — Enters you into the 50/50 drawing

5:15-6:30pm
Ribbon Cutting & Remarks @ 5:30pm

Kale Nelson – State Farm Office
113 S. National Ave.

Chamber After-Hours and Ribbon Cutting flyer for Kale Nelson State Farm

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to celebrate the new downtown location of Kale Nelson State Farm!

Kale has proudly served the Fort Scott community as a State Farm agent for 21 years! He and his wife, Kelly, recently purchased and revitalized the property at 113 S. National Ave., continuing their tradition of bringing new life to previously vacant commercial spaces.

Come celebrate with us!

  • Congratulate Kale, Kelly, and the State Farm team
  • Tour their newly revitalized downtown office
  • Network with Chamber members and guests
  • Enjoy refreshments and hospitality

Help Support the FSCC Food Pantry!

In conjunction with the celebration, Kale and his team will be collecting non-perishable food items and health and beauty supplies for the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to help support FSCC students!

Separately, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its traditional Chamber 50/50 drawing, with a $2 admission collected and administered solely by the Chamber.

All Chamber members and guests are welcome! No RSVP required.

We hope to see you Thursday as we celebrate Kale and Kelly’s continued investment in Fort Scott and support a great cause in our community!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566 | www.fortscott.com

Visit the Kale Nelson State Farm Facebook Page, the Kale Nelson State Farm webpage, or the Facebook Event Page for more details.

Chamber After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting at State Farm Nov. 5

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to celebrate the new downtown location of Kale Nelson State Farm with a Chamber After-Hours and Ribbon Cutting event.

Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting & Remarks at 5:30 p.m.
113 S. National Ave., Downtown Fort Scott

Kale Nelson has proudly served the Fort Scott community as a State Farm agent for 21 years. He and his wife, Kelly, recently purchased and revitalized the property at 113 S. National Ave., continuing their tradition of bringing new life to previously vacant commercial spaces.

Come celebrate by:

  • Congratulating Kale, Kelly, and the State Farm team
  • Touring their newly revitalized downtown office
  • Networking with Chamber members and guests
  • Enjoying refreshments and hospitality

Help Support the FSCC Food Pantry
In conjunction with the celebration, Kale and his team will be collecting non-perishable food items and health and beauty supplies for the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to help support FSCC students.

Separately, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its traditional Chamber 50/50 drawing, with a $2 admission collected and administered solely by the Chamber.

All Chamber members and guests are welcome. No RSVP required.

More details are available on the event’s Facebook page.

State Farm After Hours Ribbon Cutting is November 5

Join Us Thursday for Chamber After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting at Kale Nelson State Farm!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to celebrate the new downtown location of Kale Nelson State Farm!

Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting & Remarks at 5:30 p.m.
113 S. National Ave., Downtown Fort Scott

Kale has proudly served the Fort Scott community as a State Farm agent for 21 years! He and his wife, Kelly, recently purchased and revitalized the property at 113 S. National Ave., continuing their tradition of bringing new life to previously vacant commercial spaces.

Come celebrate with us!

  • Congratulate Kale, Kelly, and the State Farm team
  • Tour their newly revitalized downtown office
  • Network with Chamber members and guests
  • Enjoy refreshments and hospitality

Help Support the FSCC Food Pantry!

In conjunction with the celebration, Kale and his team will be collecting non-perishable food items and health and beauty supplies for the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to help support FSCC students!

Separately, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its traditional Chamber 50/50 drawing, with a $2 admission collected and administered solely by the Chamber.

All Chamber members and guests are welcome! No RSVP required.

We hope to see you Thursday as we celebrate Kale and Kelly’s continued investment in Fort Scott and support a great cause in our community!

Link to Facebook event:  https://www.facebook.com/share/1KAvGVJH4C/

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566 | www.fortscott.com

Chamber Coffee at VFW Post 1165, Nov. 5 at 8am

Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott VFW Post 1165

Thursday, November 5th, 8am
@ Fort Scott VFW Post 1165
1745 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, November 5th at 8am hosted by the VFW Post 1165, 1745 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing for a 3×5” American flag.

The VFW is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces. VFW is the largest and oldest war veterans’ service organization, and it has a long and proven history of providing vital assistance and support to America’s servicemen and women worldwide.

Fort Scott VFW Post 1165 Special Events the VFW Has Planned for Veterans Day

Special events the VFW has planned for Veterans Day include:

  • Kicking off at 7 am will be the posting of the Avenue of Flags along East National Avenue and through the National Cemetery. Volunteers are welcome. Flags are recovered at 4 pm and stored for the winter.
  • The Veterans Day Service is held at the Rostrum at the National Cemetery beginning at 11am. The featured speaker is veteran and Fort Scott’s own Jim Logan. The Fort Scott Middle School Orchestra will provide patriotic music.
  • Following the service, the VFW Auxiliary will host a free-will donation Chili/Chili dog and cornbread with lots of desserts luncheon at the Post Home (1745 S. National Ave.) from 11:30am -2:00 p.m. All are welcome. Carry-out will be available.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE for the Fort Scott VFW Post 1165 Facebook Page!

Fort Scott Senior Coalition to Host Free Senior Expo Nov. 5

Fort Scott Senior Coalition to Host FREE Senior Expo!

Senior Expo flyer

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share an upcoming community event focused on connecting seniors, families, and caregivers with valuable resources and services available right here in our area!

The Fort Scott Senior Coalition invites the community to attend the Senior Expo on Thursday, November 5th, at Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott.

Thursday, November 5, 2026
10am – 2pm
Buck Run Community Center
735 Scott Ave., Fort Scott, KS
FREE and open to the public!

This FREE event is a wonderful opportunity to visit with local organizations, explore helpful programs and services, ask questions, and discover resources available to support seniors throughout our community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a variety of vendors offering information about senior living, healthcare, support services, and other resources.

The Fort Scott Senior Coalition Senior Expo is a collaborative effort involving several Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce members.

Participating Chamber members include:

Credo Senior Living of Fort Scott
Medicalodges, Inc. of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

These organizations are working together as part of the Fort Scott Senior Coalition to bring the Senior Expo to our community!

VENDORS WANTED

Local businesses and organizations are also invited to participate as vendors! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with seniors throughout the community while sharing information about your organization, services, and resources.

Vendor participation is FREE!

Vendor Information:

Setup begins at 9:00 a.m.
Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs.
No meals will be provided for vendors.

Mark Your Calendars

Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, a family member, or simply interested in learning more about available community resources, this event has something valuable to offer! Help spread the word! Share this event with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may benefit from the information and services available.

We hope to see you at the Fort Scott Senior Expo on November 5th!

Senior Expo Vendors Wanted flyer

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Angela Carpenter: 620-215-4942
Cindy Poole: 620-687-3172

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Halloween Fun THIS SATURDAY: Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade

Trick-or-Treat! Downtown Fort Scott Halloween Fun

Costumes, Candy, Face Painting, FREE Pizza & More!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites families to join us THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31ST, for our annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade in Downtown Fort Scott!

Get those costumes ready, grab your candy buckets, and bring the whole family downtown for a morning of Halloween fun!

Saturday, October 31st, 2026
10am – 12pm
In Historic Downtown Fort Scott

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade

10 AM | Pre-Parade Fun!

Come early and enjoy activities near the City Scales building on North Main Street!

  • Face Painting by the FSHS Thespians
  • Halloween Photo Backdrop
  • Fun Music

11 AM | Trick-or-Treat Parade!

It’s time for costumes, candy, and Halloween fun!

The parade will begin at La Hacienda, travel south along Main Street to 2nd Street, cross the street, and return north to Skubitz Plaza.

Children will have the opportunity to trick-or-treat with participating downtown merchants along the parade route!

Don’t forget to bring a bag or bucket for all those treats!

Free Pizza & a Drink for Kids in Costume!

Following the parade, all children in costume will receive a FREE slice of pizza sponsored by Papa Don’s Pizza and a drink!

Keep the Halloween Fun Going Downtown!

While you’re downtown for the Chamber’s Trick-or-Treat Parade, be sure to check out these additional Chamber Member Halloween festivities!

A Renaissance Halloween at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market

8 AM to Noon
Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National Ave.

Enjoy the final Farmers’ Market of the season with Halloween festivities, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and more!

A Renaissance Halloween at the Fort Scott Farmers' Market flyer

Halloween Fun & Games at the Lowell Milken Center

Immediately following the Trick-or-Treat Parade
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main St.

Stop by after the parade for Halloween games, crafts, activities, and prizes!

Halloween Fun and Games at the Lowell Milken Center flyer

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Fort Scott National Historic Site Oct. 29

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the weekly Chamber Coffee on Thursday, October 29, at 8:00 a.m., hosted by Fort Scott National Historic Site, located at 1 Old Fort Blvd. in Fort Scott. The coffee will take place in the West Infantry Barracks, second floor. The building to the left of the Hospital/Visitor Center.

During the Coffee, attendees will have the opportunity to hear updates from Fort Scott National Historic Site, including information about several upcoming events and activities. Coffee and refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

Fort Scott National Historic Site visitor center building

Fort Scott National Historic Site entrance sign

Murder and Mayhem at the Fort, October 31

All tours are currently FULL, and a waiting list has been started. Those interested in being added to the waiting list may call 620-223-0310.

Fort Scott National Historic Site will offer four special candle lantern tours on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as part of its Murder and Mayhem at the Fort program. Tour leaders will share lesser-known stories of tragedy and unusual events from Fort Scott’s 19th-century history, focusing on the 1840s through the 1860s.

Tours begin at 6:30 p.m., with a new tour departing every 30 minutes.

All tours are currently FULL, and a waiting list has been started. Those interested in being added to the waiting list may call 620-223-0310.

45th Annual Candlelight Tour, December 4 & 5

Fort Scott National Historic Site will also host its 45th Annual Candlelight Tour on Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5, 2026.

Tickets for the Candlelight Tour go on sale at 9am November 1, 2026. This popular annual holiday tradition features candlelit tours that bring the fort’s history to life.

Tours will depart every 15 minutes on Friday, December 4, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 8:45 p.m.

Tickets are $8 per person, with children ages 5 and under admitted free.

Tickets are non-refundable and may be purchased online at fofs.ludus.com beginning November 1. The event frequently sells out, so early ticket purchases are encouraged.

Candle lantern tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site

Additional information about Fort Scott National Historic Site events is available at www.nps.gov/fosc.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.