July 30, 2026

Submitted by:
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO, [email protected]
Leslie Godden, Communications & Events Coordinator, [email protected]

Shop Fort Scott Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Returns August 7–8

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an opportunity for shoppers to save money while supporting local businesses. Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th, select retailers will participate in the Shop Fort Scott Sales Tax Holiday Weekend by offering shoppers a 9.65% discount while continuing to collect and remit all applicable sales tax.

Participating merchants include 110 South Main Mercantile, Barbed Wire & Roses, Be The Light Boutique, Better In Bourbon, Blissful Meadows Boutique, Eternal Grace Boutique, Hedgehog Books, Laree + Co., Midwest Runway, Papa Don’s Pizza, Ruddick’s Furniture, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and The Market at 23 Main. Special considerations include that the discount at Ruddick’s Furniture applies to the first $500 of a purchase, while the discount at The Market at 23 Main applies to apparel only.

Shoppers may also enter to win $50 in Chamber Bucks. To qualify, shoppers must spend at least $5 at three participating businesses and have their event rack card marked at each location. Completed cards should be turned in at the third participating business visited to be entered into the drawing.

Participating businesses offer a wide variety of merchandise, including apparel, home décor, new and repurposed furniture, school supplies, pizza, and much more. With most participating businesses located in Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District, shoppers can enjoy a convenient weekend of shopping while supporting local businesses throughout the community.

Save money. Shop local. Shop Fort Scott.

The Shop Fort Scott Sales Tax Holiday Weekend is organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members, guests, and the community to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bam Bam Brewing!

Friday, July 24th
5:15 – 6:30 p.m.

Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
5:30 p.m.

ὌD Bam Bam Brewing Company
120 East Wall St.

Event Admission: $2/person
(This enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing & Bam Bam’s door prize drawing!)

Doors remain open until 10 p.m.!

Grand Opening Special
$3 off all beer flights!

Opening weekend continues
Saturday, July 25, 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members, guests, and the community to attend a Chamber After-Hours, Grand Opening Celebration, and Ribbon Cutting for Bam Bam Brewing on Friday, July 24, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at 120 E. Wall St. in the Downtown Historic District.

The celebration will feature remarks and a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. welcoming owners John and Kristine Gemsky to the Fort Scott business community. The Chamber will collect a $2 event admission, which enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing and Bam Bam Brewing’s door prize drawing.

John and Kristine fell in love with Fort Scott after visiting family in the area. Kristine’s brother and sister-in-law, Trent and Kate Freeman, own The Artificers Gallery & Studio in downtown Fort Scott, and her parents also call nearby Bronson home. After spending time in the community, the Gemskys chose to invest in a historic downtown building and relocate their microbrewery to Fort Scott.

Bam Bam Brewing will offer a welcoming atmosphere featuring a variety of locally brewed craft beers, wine, and cocktails. As a Grand Opening special, guests can enjoy $3 off a beer flight throughout the evening.

On Friday, July 24, the Chamber celebration will take place from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., after which Bam Bam Brewing will remain open to the public until 10:00 p.m. Opening weekend continues on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Following the Grand Opening weekend, Bam Bam Brewing’s regular hours will be Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.

In addition to serving customers at their new downtown location, Bam Bam Brewing’s locally brewed beers can also be found at other establishments in Fort Scott and throughout the region.

“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us along the way,” said the Gemskys. “We’re excited to officially open our doors, become part of the Fort Scott community, and share our passion for craft brewing with both residents and visitors.”

The Chamber encourages members, guests, and the community to attend the celebration, meet John and Kristine, tour the new business, and help welcome Bam Bam Brewing as one of Fort Scott’s newest downtown businesses. Supporting new small businesses strengthens the local economy and continues the positive momentum in Downtown Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

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

Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes as Bam Bam Brewing gets ready to welcome the community!

Visit Bam Bam Brewing on Facebook!

Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by City State Bank

Thursday, July 23rd
8 a.m.
@ City State Bank – South Branch location
1012 Highway 69
(Just south of Walmart’s entrance)

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by City State Bank on Thursday, July 23, at 8 a.m. The event will take place at the bank’s South Branch, located at 1012 Highway 69 in Fort Scott. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served, along with a door prize drawing.

City State Bank has proudly served the community since 1920 and is celebrating 106 years of trusted hometown banking. The bank operates two convenient full-service locations: its Downtown Branch at 202 Scott Ave. and South Branch at 1012 Highway 69.

City State Bank provides personalized financial services while supporting the individuals, families and businesses that make the community strong. The bank also offers the modern conveniences customers rely on each day, including mobile and online banking, free ATM and debit cards, and experienced local loan officers dedicated to helping customers reach their financial goals.

Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend, learn more about City State Bank and make connections with fellow attendees.

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.

City State Bank Facebook Page
City State Bank Website