The Bushnell Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a busy spring, planning a social event, coordinating volunteer coverage for May Play Days, and exploring ways to spruce up the town's appearance.
At its March 10 meeting, the seven-member chamber voted to host a Spring Social on Tuesday, April 14 at the VFW. The event will feature 4 or 5 local businesses — possibly including Schuld, McDonough District Hospital, M & B Furniture, Raritan Bank, Seven Hills Crafts and Creations, Midwest Products, and Napier Roofing — setting up tables to showcase their merchandise and services.
The chamber initially debated whether to charge businesses a booth fee, but voted 4-1 against it. Members worried that the VFW doesn't charge the chamber to meet there, and that local businesses — already struggling economically — shouldn't bear extra costs, especially since many have paid chamber membership dues. Walnut Grove Meats will donate a meat and cheese tray for the event.
'We may give businesses a survey at the end of the social and ask how they feel about paying,' according to meeting minutes.
The chamber is also preparing for May Play Days, set for April 30 through May 2. The chamber will coordinate railroad track coverage during the event. Holly Brint will reach out to the FFA Club and Superintendent Bob Gound to find volunteers, and will check with the McDonough County Auxiliary Police about additional help. The Mothers Club has already committed to covering two sessions.
The chamber will sponsor an all-town yard sale during the festival. Brint will prepare a list of addresses and a map for participants.
Celebrating Local Milestones
The chamber is also recognizing three local businesses marking major anniversaries this year: Promisson Automotive (50 years), M&B Furniture (65 years), and Auto Barn (41 years). The chamber plans to visit each business with cupcakes and post photos on Facebook.
Looking Ahead to Town Beautification Members discussed sponsoring a 'Beautify Bushnell Contest' to encourage homeowners and residents to improve curb appeal. The contest would offer gift certificates from Harts Nursery as prizes. The idea gained traction partly because the town's perennial club — which once maintained flower beds downtown and in the west and east parks, plus the entrance sign on Bushnell's south edge — no longer exists.
'This club does not exist anymore so maybe a Beautify Bushnell contest will encourage residents and organizations to get involved in sprucing up the town,' the minutes note.
The chamber also discussed the deteriorating welcome sign on the south edge of town, which needs repair.
Other business included moving the chamber's checking account to Raritan State Bank for better monitoring, and exploring an embossed seal for 'Bushnell Bucks.' The chamber decided to hold off on sponsoring a mouse race until more members can observe how one operates, though a Quarter Auction remains under consideration for a future event.
