Dear Chamber Supporters,
It was so refreshing to take a break from the daily grind and visit some of the best nature spots the United States offers. Last Friday, we started at the entrance to the Grand Canyon at approximately 6am; three or so hours later, we made our way down to the Colorado River at the base of the canyon, about eight miles down (pictures here). After sticking our feet in the chilly river and eating lunch, we made our way back up in what ended up being the heat of the day. Believe it or not, much more challenging to climb out of a canyon than walk down into one! It took us five or so hours but we made our way out with some tired legs and sore feet (pictures here). The views throughout the process made it more than worth it. What an incredible experience that will live long in the memory.
We followed up the Grand Canyon with time spent in the City of Page, Arizona and Zion National Park in Utah. Three states, six days of hiking, 40 miles in total. Some other highlights included hiking in a cave (picture here), up chains at Angels Landing (pictures here), through the beautiful Upper Antelope Canyon (pictures here), and getting to spend quality time with family (pictures here). No matter how fun a trip is, it always feels nice to get back home―even if that means coming home to a 60% increase in humidity.
Celebrating Independence
Happy 4th of July from all of us here at the Chamber! Makayla and I were able to grill out with her side of the family for lunch, play some games, and shoot off some parachutes with the nieces and nephews yesterday (picture here). I wish I had captured a photo of them running away from the launch site after lighting the fuse; I was too busy getting a chuckle as they ran in a panic to get away as fast as possible before looking up to chase the parachute (if they didn’t end up in a tree).
I hope your 4th of July was equally pleasurable, even though we haven’t truly celebrated as a community yet. We’re so thankful for all the committed individuals who have put so much effort into ensuring Ottawa’s fireworks show will take place, even if it's just a day late. The possibility of rain on the evening of the 4th did not delay the fireworks shoot, but rather, all the precipitation we’ve received over the last week or so resulted in a rather full Marias De Cygnes River. The shoot has historically taken place at the corner of Willow Street and the Flint Hills Trail (or just north in the flat grassy area). Though the mortar tubes were set up in this location for our shoot yesterday, we quickly discovered this would not be viable with the wetness in the area. As a result, all of these mortar racks had to be moved, eventually ending up in the northwest corner of Orlis Cox Sports Complex across 68 HWY (picture here). After finishing setting up the second time, early Thursday afternoon, it was obvious that there was not enough time to be fully prepared without rushing the process. The executive decision to postpone the shoot a day was a safe move, and I look forward to taking it all in tonight at dusk!
Along with the show, the Food Truck Party in the Park has also been moved to today from 4-9:30pm Unfortunately, the City Band had to cancel their performance in the park and will not be playing this evening. Though there have been slight changes for this year’s Chautauqua Festival Fireworks Show, Forest Park, and Orlis Cox are still two great places to view the celebration. Hope to see you there!
Extended Opportunity - LFC
Deadline extension for Leadership Franklin County applications! The LFC Board of Trustees has pushed this deadline back to July 10th for any businesses that may have missed the original cutoff to admit a participant for the 24/25 class (you can find that application here). This is a fantastic opportunity, and I highly encourage you to take a look or pass it on to someone who might benefit. This simple application can be turned in over the next five days, so don’t wait!
Primary Candidates Forum on July 10th
With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday week, I wanted to make sure that you didn’t forget about our upcoming Primary Candidates Forum this coming Wednesday (July 10, 7pm). This will occur in the County Commission Chambers (1418 S Main St. Ottawa) and stream online via Facebook Live. If you do come in person, there will be a question table where you can submit inquiries. We hope you take this opportunity to interact with those on your upcoming Primary Election ballot on August 6th. A couple of other key dates include July 16th being the deadline to register to vote if you haven’t already. Then, the 17th will be the first day of early voting. We always make sure these forums take place before early voting opens, hence the date being nearly a month in advance of the actual election. Our Legislative Action Committee is excited to bring this opportunity to the public.
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Though I have never been a massive fan of shooting off fireworks myself at home, the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays each year. A big reason is that we always spend a full day around this time at my uncle's property in central Missouri. This entails some of the best food, company, and time spent in the water at his pond. Two or three dozen of us blow up floaties and sit in the water following the massive potluck lunch, and I can’t think of too many better places to be. When we’re not floating, we’re playing cornhole, horseshoes, and other yard games. The hour-and-a-half-drive one-way is always worth it! I hope you continue to have a safe and relaxing holiday and I look forward to seeing you next week once we’re back to some normalcy.
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
