Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce News

Thank you for sponsoring our Legislative Breakfast!

Jeremiah Smith — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:28:13 GMT

A big thank you to our generous sponsors, Judge Jason Reese, LIFENET, and Payne County Bank, for supporting the Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast! Your commitment to our community and dedication to making events like this possible help bring people together and encourage meaningful conversations with our local leaders. We truly appreciate all you do to support Perkins and its continued growth!

Golf Tournament Planning!

Jeremiah Smith — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 02:14:27 GMT

We are excited to begin planning for our Annual Golf Tournament, and we will be holding our first committee meeting on:

Date: March 11

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: D’Mario’s Pizza

This meeting will be an opportunity for us to start organizing the event, discuss ideas, and assign planning tasks as we work together to make the tournament a success.

If you are interested in helping with the planning or serving on the committee, we would love to have you join us.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!

2026 Board of Directors

Jeremiah Smith — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

We are excited to officially welcome our 2026 Board of Directors! This new board brings together a group of dedicated leaders who are passionate about our mission and committed to guiding our organization into the year ahead.

Each board member offers valuable experience, fresh ideas, and a shared desire to serve with integrity and purpose. Together, they will help strengthen our vision, support strategic growth, and ensure we continue making a meaningful impact in our community.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are confident that this board’s leadership, collaboration, and enthusiasm will play a vital role in shaping a strong and successful future. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and for the time and energy they dedicate to our organization.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our 2026 Board of Directors. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Nominations Now Open – Perkins Chamber Annual Awards

Jeremiah Smith — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:57:05 GMT

The Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that nominations are now open for our 2025 Community Awards! This is your chance to recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations that make Perkins such a great place to live and work.

Award Categories:

Sheri Gordon Community Service Award – Honors a community member who contributes to the betterment of our community.
Delmar Niles Community Service Award – Recognizes a chamber member for years of dedication and service.
Best NEW Business Award – Celebrates a business (opened within the past year) making a strong, positive impact.
Best EXISTING Business Award – Recognizes a long-standing business that continues to better our community.
Best Organization Award – Honors a local organization (church group, civic group, non-profit, school group, etc.) that made a significant difference this past year.
Citizen of the Year – Recognizes a community member for an outstanding commitment or contribution to Perkins.

Nominations are due by December 3rd, 2025.

Download the form in PDF format or use the ONLINE FORM

Help us celebrate and honor those who make a difference—submit your nominations today!

Candy Land Parade & Festival a Sweet Success in Perkins!

Jeremiah Smith — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:00:00 GMT

The 2025 Old Settlers’ Day Candy Land Parade & Festival was a colorful, candy-coated celebration that brought joy, laughter, and community spirit to Downtown Perkins!

From the eye-catching floats and candy-filled parade to the fun-filled vendor booths, games, bounce houses, and food trucks, this year’s event was truly one for the books. Many lined the streets to take in the sweet sights, support local businesses, and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun.

Highlights included:

A whimsical parade led by our Parade Marshall, King Kandy himself—Maverick Holt!
Dozens of local vendors and food trucks serving treats and treasures
Bounce houses and creative games sponsored by local organizations
A community coming together in true small-town spirit

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parade participants, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and visitors who made this magical day possible. Your energy, effort, and enthusiasm helped create unforgettable memories for all ages.

Thank you, Perkins, for showing up and making Candy Land a dream come true!

The Golf Tournament a Resounding Success

Jeremiah Smith — Fri, 02 May 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce is proud to share that this year’s Fundraiser Golf Tournament was one for the books — not only was it an incredible day of fun and fellowship, but we also reached an exciting milestone: 100% participation!

A Community United on the Green

From start to finish, the tournament was filled with enthusiasm, camaraderie, and plenty of great swings. The turnout and spirit exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support shown by our community.

Why It Matters

Every dollar raised during the tournament directly supports the Chamber’s mission to host and co-host free, family-friendly events throughout the year. These include:

The Old Settlers Day Parade (celebrating its 102nd year!)
Old Fashioned Country Christmas
Teacher Appreciation Day
Monster Mash Halloween
Scholarships for local students
And many more enriching and entertaining community activities

Thanks to your support, we’re able to keep these traditions alive and growing for generations to come.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

We’re incredibly thankful to our members, sponsors, and participants who make this all possible. If you’re interested in sponsoring future events, participating in the next tournament, or learning more about the Chamber’s work, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Email us at perkinschamber@gmail.com

Thank you again for helping us achieve 100% participation and for making this year’s Golf Tournament an unforgettable celebration of community.

The 2024 Awards Banquet

Jeremiah Smith — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 02:28:38 GMT

The 2024 Perkins Awards Banquet was a huge success, bringing together our community for a memorable evening of celebration and appreciation. It was truly wonderful to share the night with Perkins residents, honoring the individuals who make our small town such a special place. From heartfelt speeches to well-deserved recognitions, the event was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and neighborly spirit that define our town.

The banquet was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of pride as we reflected on the contributions of those who go above and beyond for Perkins. Whether it was recognizing outstanding volunteers, dedicated public servants, or community leaders, each award highlighted the deep commitment of our residents to making Perkins a better place.

Beyond the awards, the evening was a time to connect, reminisce, and look forward to the future of our town. The energy in the room was inspiring, and the event served as a beautiful reminder of why Perkins is such a close-knit and remarkable community. Here’s to another year of growth, generosity, and the wonderful people who make Perkins shine!

August Chamber Member of the Month!

Jeremiah Smith — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:00:00 GMT

Thank you, Candy and Kenneth Deckard of Daylight Donuts, for 18 years of service in our wonderful community!

Taking Applications for 2024 Scholarship

Jeremiah Smith — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 04:01:20 GMT

The Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce is taking applications for our 2024 Scholarship! The deadline is April 24th so apply now!

Scholarship Application

The 2024 Board!

Jeremiah Smith — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:08:32 GMT

President - Kyle Brandon, Rustic Wraps
1st Vice President - Cassie Wilson, Realtor & Partners in Education
2nd Vice President - Carissa Weitman, Owner/Operator at Wandering Brew
Secretary - Laura Shepard, Community Health Director at Perkins Family Clinic
Treasurer - Leah Smith, Payne County Bank
Economic Development - Britney Rains, Accountant at Rains Diesel Repair LLC
Tourism - Aleisha Rains, Manager at Oak Park Retreat Center
Historic Preservation - David Sassar, Publisher at The Perkins Journal
Ex Officio - Mark Wilson, EQ World USA

2023 PCCC PTHS Senior Scholars

Jeremiah Smith — Thu, 18 May 2023 01:22:15 GMT

Each year, the Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce is proud to award Perkins-Tryon High School Seniors scholarship in pursuit of higher education. Thanks to our Members, we were able to award two recipients from the 2023 graduating class $500 each. Applicants were asked to complete a form and submit an essay detailing their accomplishments and post-secondary education plans. PCCC President, Terrill Story, presented the scholarships to Rachel Burns and Mason Stone at the Annual PTHS Senior Scholar banquet on behalf of our entire Membership. Thank you to our Members for supporting our students and for making this opportunity possible.

Trash Talk: If You Don't Do It, Who Will?

Jeremiah Smith — Tue, 02 May 2023 16:23:32 GMT

TRASH-OFF is a statewide all-day event on April 15, and the Great American Cleanup is open to all communities and volunteers through May 31. (https://oklahoma.gov/odot/citizen/newsroom/2023/start-the-spring-cleaning-by-entering-the-2023-trash-off.html)

March 25, 2023 approximately 30 volunteers collected around 200 bags of trash across roughly 11 linear miles of the Perkins-Tryon community.

Unbelievable, right?!

Appalling is likely more accurate. WHERE is our sense of pride and ownership in our community? Even the compliments we received felt less-than-encouraging when followed by phrases that express sentiments like, "It really needed to be done," and "It was looking really bad."

Trusting that these comments truly ARE made with the best of intentions, it poses an interesting question... If you knew it was getting out of hand, why didn't YOU do anything to help? It is no personal attack, rather food for thought. As Chamber Vice President Mark Wilson often says, "It's the S.T.P. You always get the 'same ten people' showing up to make a difference."

BIG change starts with small, consistent action. I challenge each of you to choose ONE area that you can focus on being more actionable in Our Community. One thing that you can do consistently to be an example and make a difference.

To the volunteers who showed up, trudged through the cold and did what many saw needed to be done - but few took action to do: THANK YOU. You are the real MVPs.

Moving forward, the PCCC Board of Directors will be working more closely with the City of Perkins to clarify ownership roles for our local TRASH-OFF, City-Wide Garage Sale & City-Wide Cleanup Events. We will also be reaching out to local student organizations to partner with us throughout the year in various city cleanup activities, as necessary. It is our hope that by increasing awareness and involving the next great generation of local leaders, sustainable long-term solutions for Perkins will start now, with US!

2022 Annual Awards Banquet

Jeremiah Smith — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 02:47:59 GMT

Our membership is composed of individuals committed to supporting our local business community. At a minimum, these individuals attend monthly meetings and special events throughout the year. Some join special committees and even fewer lead these committees or our members, serving as Officers on our Board of Directors. Each year, we honor the service of members who, out of the goodness of their heart and their love of our community, do so much more.

Please join us in honoring the achievements of two long-time chamber members and officers:

Virginia Sasser of Sasser & Co. Antiques and

Dustin Bledsoe of Payne County Bank

Thank you both on behalf of the chamber, our local business industry and our community.

They say that when you experience success, it is your responsibility to send the elevator back down for others. Because of the example and mentorship of members like Virginia and Dustin, we have a team of new leadership eager to continue their good work in our community.

With that, I introduce to you, your new 2023 Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

President - Terrill Story, Hey Sister Boutique
1st Vice President - Mark Wilson, EQ World USA
2nd Vice President - Kyle Brandon, Rustic Wraps
Secretary - Carissa Weitman, Wandering Brew
Treasurer - Leah Smith, Payne County Bank
Economic Development - Craig Nichols, Stillwater Martial Arts
Tourism - Casey Martin, Farmers Insurance
Historic Preservation - Cassie Wilson, Realtor & Partners in Education
Ex Officio - Chris Petermann, Payne County Bank

We are excited to be joined by many non-chamber members this evening as we honor the nominees and winners of six prestigious community awards. It’s important to note that all nominations come from your neighbors - the chamber members in our community. Someone, somewhere saw the good that you do… and was inspired enough to take the time to nominate you for an award this evening… and you probably had no idea anyone was even watching!

Congratulations to all of our nominees - and thank you for the good that you do, when you think no one is watching.

The Delmar Niles Community Service Award recognizes a chamber member who has shown dedication and commitment through years of community service. The nominees for the 2022 Delmar Niles Community Service Award are:

Cammi Cundiff
Patsy Rains
Virginia Sasser**
Mark Wilson

The Sherri Gordon Community Service Award recognizes a citizen of Perkins who contributes to the betterment of our community. The nominees for the 2022 Sherri Gordon Community Service Award are:

Linda Barta**
Cammi Cundiff
Courtney Harp
Becky Reedy
Virginia Sasser
Terrill Story**

The Best New Business Award recognizes a local business that has significantly impacted and improved our community in a short amount of time (opened within the last calendar year). The nominees for our 2022 Best New Business are:

Oak Park Retreat Center**
Wandering Brew

The Best Existing Business Award recognizes a local business that has contributed to the betterment of our community for many years. The nominees for our 2022 Best New Business award are:

B4 Designs
Daylight Donuts**
Hair Cottage
McDonalds
Payne County Stockyards
Sonic

The Best Organization Award recognizes a local organization that has significantly impacted and improved our community over the past year. The nominees for our 2022 Best Organization award are:

McDonalds
Oak Park Retreat Center**
Our Daily Bread
Partners in Education
Perkins-Tryon Cheerleaders
Perkins Church of Christ

The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a community member who has made an outstanding commitment or contribution to the Perkins community. The nominees for our 2022 Citizen of the Year award are:

Cammi Cundiff
Aleisha Rains
Max & Diann Rudd**
Virginia Sasser

If you are interested in being part of the change you want to see in Perkins, our membership is open to all area businesses, as well as individuals. Your manpower, ideas, and resources are welcome here.

EVENT LOCATIONS IN THE CITY OF PERKINS, OKLAHOMA

Eric Lovelace — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:42:58 GMT

Perkins, OK is home to numerous meeting and event locations that play host to a wide variety of gatherings each year, and are available for rent:

The Lions Den

This facility is owned and operated by the Perkins Lions Club. It has tables, chairs, two restroom facilities and a full kitchen. It is available for a small fee ($50 for a half day (up to 6 hours), and $75 for a full day (anything over 6 hours), on a first come, first serve basis, by calling (405) 547-2184.

Vassar Community Center

This facility is owned and operated by the City of Perkins, and is located on the grounds of the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza. For more information, please visit www.cityofperkins.net and http://www.okterritory.org/. To make a reservation, please call Perkins City Hall at (405) 547-2445.

Old Church Center

Anderson Pavilion

This facility is owned and operated by the City of Perkins, and is located on the grounds of the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza. For more information, please visit www.cityofperkins.net and http://www.okterritory.org/ . To make a reservation, please call Perkins City Hall at (405) 547-2445.

Bartram Pavilion

This facility is owned and operated by the City of Perkins, and is located on the grounds of the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza. For more information, please visit www.cityofperkins.net and http://www.okterritory.org/ . To make a reservation, please call Perkins City Hall at (405) 547-2445.

Vassar Barn

This facility is owned and operated by the City of Perkins, and is located on the grounds of the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza. For more information, please visit www.cityofperkins.net and http://www.okterritory.org/ . To make a reservation, please call Perkins City Hall at (405) 547-2445.

Billy J. Dickson Park Pavilion

This facility is owned and operated by the City of Perkins. For more information, please visit www.cityofperkins.net . To make a reservation, please call Perkins City Hall at (405) 547-2445.

Oak Park Retreat Center

This facility is owned and operated by Lost Creek United Methodist Church.

"With nineteen rooms; a lodge with large and small meeting areas and an industrial kitchen; a conference room for gatherings and events; a playground and basketball court; six RV pads and hookups; a walking path through the beautifully wooded campsite; and a two-bedroom guesthouse; you will find peace, purpose, and renewal in the heart of Payne County, OK. "

"Oak Park Retreat Center is the perfect location for:

Non-profit retreats and events
Birthday, Anniversary, and Wedding celebrations
Family Reunions
Staff retreats
Overnight stays
Overnight and day camps for your organization
Conferences and training events"

For more information, please visit their website at: https://oprc.me/

Congratulations to our 2020 Chamber Award Winners

Eric Lovelace — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:57:23 GMT

2020 Sherri Gordon Community Service Award:

Cassie Wilson

Charles Wall

2020 Delmar Niles Community Service Award:

Dustin Bledsoe

2020 Best New Business Award:

Pistols Coffee House and Ice Cream Parlor

2020 Best Existing Business Award:

Perkins Tag Agency

2020 Best Organization Award:

Perkins Masonic Lodge #92

Lost Creek United Methodist Church

2020 Citizen of the Year

Joe McElory