Chamber gives the nod

BREWSTER – It’s true! The circus is coming to Brewster, or rather, returning to Brewster next June. That was one of many topics addressed by the Brewster Chamber of Commerce at its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday, Nov. 14. The time and location of the performances is still being determined but dates hover around the first week of June at this writing.

The Culpepper & Merriweather Circus visits some 200 communities in 17 states during its 32-week annual circuit, according to the company’s website, www.cmcircus.com. The Brewster stop will feature two half-hour shows at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Chamber president Anna Marie Dalbey she was contacted by circus officials who were scheduled to send a representative to Brewster this week to finalize the date and location for when and where the group will set up and other details. A principle concern is to schedule the circus, so it will not conflict with the early June graduation ceremonies.

“They will send an advance clown a week before the event who will visit the to the schools,” Dalbey said.

The Chamber has agreed to the $290 deposit and is asked to select the location, obtain the necessary permit and provide two ticket-takers for the performances. The Chamber will receive 50 percent of advance ticket sales and gets its deposit back once a specified ticket sales threshold is reached.

In other business member discussed the city Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 24, and designated the big pine tree in the Legion Park as this season’s Christmas tree. The lighting ceremony will coordinate with Shop Downtown at local businesses.

Members voted to join the Washington Association of Visitor Information Centers for a $50 annual fee.

“I have found out that the Brewster Chamber is entitled to money from ‘Beds and Heads’ tax and that money can be utilized for marketing of our town,” Dalbey said.

Beds and Heads refers to the lodging or hotel-motel tax added to lodging charges paid by consumers on hotels, motels, RV parks, campgrounds and like facilities for less than 30 days duration. Dalbey said she was going to attend the Brewster City Council meeting later that evening to request the portion allotted to the Chamber.

The Chamber also announced the official call for 2019 officers and directors. At this writing nominees include: President: Anna Marie Dalbey; Vice-President: Mike Mauk; Secretary: Kathy Lowry; Treasurer: Lainie Hammond; Board Directors: Emmanuel (Manny) Hurtado, Julio Talavera
Nominations can be submitted by email to brewsterwachamber@gmail.com through Nov. 30. Votes will be tallied and the new officers named at the Chamber’s next regular meeting on Dec. 5.