Nora Conner, Outreach Coordinator with the Sweet Medical Center (SMC), earlier said she was hoping for good weather and a large crowd for the Patient Appreciation/Business After Hours event held last week. It's the third year SMC and Chinook Dental have teamed up to welcome guests and show their appreciation for community support. Last year an end of the event rain shower put a damper on things. Conner was all smiles this year with the warm and pleasant evening. Caterer Val Frank said she served 181 traveling tacos, a portable treat that hit the spot on a summer evening.

As diners munched tacos the Stonebroke String Band entertained with their varied and upbeat repertoire of music. Each guest received a ticket for a drawing and could deposit their ticket for a chance at four prizes. Prizes and winners were: Timothy Gallus, an orange bicycle; Christopher Junger, a green bicycle and the two Fitbits (wearable activity trackers) were won by Robert Barfett and J.J. Colby, who donated the Fitbit he won to his sister, Aspyn.

Guests took advantage of opportunities to visit at the dinner tables and catch up on news with friends and neighbors. Organizers said they thought the event went very well and appreciated the good turnout by locals.

What's coming up next?

Sarah Pratt, Chinook Area Chamber President, said next quarter's Business After Hours will be hosted by Loaves and Fishes, the summer feeding program for children in Chinook. The event will be held on the evening of Thursday, August 9. The August After Hours is typically held just after the summer feeding program is finished for the summer season. Location will be announced closer to the date of the event.

SMC Outreach Coordinator Conner has been working with the Chamber to organize an evening farmers' market in Chinook. A kick off date for the farmers' market has been set for Thursday, August 16 from 6-8pm. Conner said there will be no charge to have a table at the market but sellers need to bring their own set up, including tables and chairs.

Regarding the farmers' market, Nora Conner said, "I think the market is something that will work in Chinook. If it does prove successful I can foresee future markets on a regular basis." There is no need to preregister but interested sellers may check for space or ask other questions by calling Conner at the Sweet Medical Center, 357-2294.