An event is slated for this Friday to spruce up Fort Scott’s downtown area and donated tools are still appreciated.
“The Downtown Clean-Up Event is scheduled for Friday, August 13 from 3-6 p.m.,” Bailey Lyons, chairman of the Downtown Committee of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, said.
There is a need for paintbrushes and rollers, hand clippers, loppers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, ladders, rakes, and shovels. These can be dropped off, with label and phone number on them, at Lyons Realty Group Office at 8 E. Wall.
Volunteers are asked to gather on August 13 at 2:45 p.m. at Lyons Realty Group at 8 E Wall, where materials, supplies, instructions will be distributed.
The committee has planned and reworked the event twice now because of inclement weather, Lyons said. “We are hopeful that the third time’s the charm and we can get this done for the community!”
The committee is expecting 350-375 volunteers, she said.
Because of the large number of volunteers, several other public areas in town will be worked on.
“Due to the overwhelming pledge of volunteers, we will also complete various projects in the areas of Buck Run, and Gunn Park shelter houses and trails,” Lyons said.
Lyons said they are “extremely grateful to everyone helping, and everyone on the committee is humbled and blown away by the response.”
The Downtown Committee is eager to partner with Fort Scott Community College, which Lyons said is sending FSCC Student-Athletes to help with the cause.
In addition to FSCC, volunteers are expected from The City of Fort Scott, Kiwanis, Rotary, FFA, Good Neighbor Action Team, numerous local businesses, a group of local contractors, and many individuals and families.
“The committee has worked diligently to organize all logistics, materials, and volunteers, and can’t wait to see it all play out,” Lyons said. “Our projects are spread throughout the historic downtown area and will include re-striping parking spaces and crosswalks, mulching and planting various beds, painting light posts and signposts, painting curbs, and painting the Chamber & Visitor Center sign, among other things. In addition, there are groups of local artists that will be painting two wall murals downtown throughout the day.”
“An event of this scale does not happen without the time, effort, and donations from a ton of individuals and organizations,” Lyons said, “The majority of the event costs were offset by a grant from our local Fort Scott Elks Lodge, which the committee was thrilled to receive. Many of the materials not covered by the grant were provided by The City of Fort Scott, who has been wonderful to collaborate with.”
A free meal will be provided to the volunteers from area businesses.
“All volunteers will be fed dinner upon completion of the work, courtesy of E3, with contributions from Bids & Dibs, and Lyons Realty Group, ” Lyons said. “Each volunteer will also receive a free t-shirt, compliments of MyOneStop.”
“We wish to extend a sincere thank you to every person that has supported these efforts,” Lyons said on behalf of the committee. “This grew into a much larger event than originally planned, and the community pride has been undeniable. We hope that the impact is positive and quite noticeable. It’s amazing what can happen when people join together!”
“MyOneStop, a local marketing, and printing company is sending over their videographer and photographer to document the event,” Rachel French, a clean-up committee member said. “They will be creating a video to share with the City of Fort Scott to use as they see fit. MyOneStop is happy to donate its time and services to such an awesome event.”
Members of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee, include Lyons (who is the chairwoman, Lyons Realty Group), John Crain (Crain Insurance Agency), French (WK Holdings) and Angela Simon (Bids & Dibs/ Angie Dawn’s), supported by Chamber President/CEO Lindsay Madison.
