The Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, Trina Starker, introduced herself at last week’s Starbuck Chamber of Commerce meeting and opened a discussion on ways that the two chambers could share ideas and promote each other’s activities.  The two chambers are in favor of exchanging memberships. 

The discussion then switched to Heritage Days. The schedule of events was reviewed with Depot Society President Blaine Pederson present so there was clarity on which events happen on depot grounds. The depot will need help setting up tents on Friday afternoon and volunteers are always welcome to help with the many activities that take place there over the weekend.

The fate of the Fly-in Pancake Breakfast at the Starbuck Airport was discussed at length. The chamber board is running the event because the flying group that was running it for several years is in the process of dissolution. Their numbers have diminished, and they no longer have the people to sponsor the event. 

“Because the event is so popular, the chamber took on the event, however the board is spread thin during Heritage Days with many activities happening at the same time, so volunteers are needed to keep the breakfast alive,” said Tom Beuckens.

The board hires a company called Chris Cakes to do the serving of the pancakes, so volunteers will not be responsible for that. Volunteers that cannot make the Wednesday meeting are still welcome to help on Saturday. Beuckens said “It’s a very fun and fast-paced event with about 1,200 people visiting and sharing a meal and typically 50-80 airplanes are taxiing right by the tables so there is plenty to see and experience.”

“Our other events and activities are ready to go,” said Beuckens. The Kiddie Parade is moved up to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday with the Dairy Queen as sponsor. Entered kids will receive certificates for freebies at DQ. 

The Fun Run and Bike Rodeo are set to take place on Friday morning with Find the Nutcracker clues beginning at noon on Thursday. The Firemen are hosting their supper at the fire hall on Friday evening followed by a street dance behind the hall. Other events on the list are the Color Run, a bake sale, a pedal pull, train rides and added this year is the Hemker’s Zoo demonstration. There will be exotic animals available for viewing during the demo.

Traditional events will continue with sidewalk painting at Holly Ridge, the car show on 5th, the golf tournament, the Grand Parade at 5:00 p.m. followed by coronation in the park and fireworks at dusk. Fron Church will have a picnic lunch following the community church service on Sunday morning.

Food will be plentiful as there are food trucks by the craft fair, tacos and bbqs at Minnewaska Lutheran Home, tacos at the VFW and local bars and restaurants will be open. 

The board discussed the formation of a Heritage Days committee and how to attract new members. The WCI welcoming grant, the recent first dollar presentations and the storm damage to the chamber’s enclosed trailer were also subjects that were covered.