LVCC plans Fall, Winter events, seeks candidates for open seats

The Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce met for their regular monthly meeting Thursday, Sept. 12 to discuss several upcoming events, fundraising needs and the future of the organization.

The Chamber has been able to help promote and financially support several events in the community each year, including the Brewery Follies performance, the Community Benefit, Light up Lincoln and Skijoring. They are also responsible for the annual Fireworks Show, which is partially funded by donation jars spread around town each summer.

First up on the events list this fall is the Brewery Follies performance scheduled for 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12. at the Lincoln Community Hall. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the Blackfoot Valley Dispatch, the Lincoln Pit Stop, the Wheel Inn, Coyote Coffee and Lincoln Telephone. Bid letters for rooms for the cast and for the bar went out to member restaurants, bars and motels last week. One of the perks to being an LVCC member is the invitation to submit bids for community events run by the Chamber. In addition to the bar, popcorn and candy will be also be available for sale during the performance.

In November, the LVCC and the Lincoln Community Players will put on the 45th Annual Lincoln Community Benefit.

The Players are slated to perform “Gunsmoke, A Fractured Fairy Tale.” The LVCC welcomes back Kevin Ertl of Helmville, who will once again emcee the event, which also includes silent and live auctions featuring art from local artists and baskets from community businesses. Money raised by the event funds future events in Lincoln, and gives lucky participant the opportunity to win a $5000 first prize or a $1000 second place prize.

Tickets are $60 per person and will be available at the Blackfoot Valley Dispatch beginning Oct.3. Only 200 tickets are available, so those interested in attending should purchase tickets early. The Lincoln High School sophomore class will be serving food, bussing tables and doing dishes at the benefit to raise money for their class. If you are interested in donating a basket for the silent auction, please contact Chamber President Laurie Richards at 406-459-1925. Volunteers are also needed for set up, to help during the event, and for break down and clean up afterwards.

Light up Lincoln is once again planned in December. Both residents and businesses are invited to participate in the Christmas lighting and decoration contest. It’s free to enter and three independent judges from the community will decide who wins. Businesses can win $200 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third. Residents can win a $100 first prize, $75 second prize and $50 for third. Look for more information on the LVCC website, Facebook page, and in the BVD as December gets closer.

The LVCC is planning to host the Skijoring event again in January. The LVCC feels this event is important to the community because it gives local businesses a “little bump” financially during winter, which is typically part of Lincoln’s slow time. Those interested in getting involved with the Skijoring event, or learning more about it, should contact the LVCC. As always, volunteer assistance will be needed and is crucial in helping these events happen.

In addition to upcoming events, the Chamber also discussed their partnership with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, the organization responsible for helping Lincoln become a CDT Gateway Community, and the possible addition of a kiosk with maps and trail information. The kiosk would be free through a Coalition grant and would provide more information for hikers, bikers and other visitors to Lincoln interested in exploring the local trail system.

The last and possibly most important item on the LVCC meeting agenda was a call for new board members and for community involvement. As of Thursday’s meeting five board positions are expected to be open. Erin Dey, Susie Gehring, and Laurie Richards are nearing the end of their terms and there are two currently vacant positions.

Tammy Jordan and Emilee Rivera stepped onto the board through the end of the year and are considering running for two of the open seats in January. One other candidate who is interested in running for a seat, but that still leaves at least two expected vacancies on the board. Without a complete board, the LVCC will have a difficult time providing the community with events and opportunities for businesses. “We’ve worked really hard to bring opportunities to Lincoln and I would hate to see that go away,” said Richards.

If you’re interested in serving on the board, or would like to be more involved with Chamber events, they invite you to attend their meetings, held the second Thursday of each month at 5:30pm at the Lincoln Library or to contact them directly at 406-362-4949.