May 2025 Newsletter

May 2025

We would like to start by saying thank you to everyone that supported the 3rd Annual Piedmont UFO Fest. This unique event gives us an opportunity to not only celebrate a piece of our history but also entice a very different group of tourists into our community. Giving our businesses a much-needed boost in commerce ahead of lake season. This year's event saw an incredible attendance of people from all across Missouri and a variety of other states as well. A special thank you to the City of Piedmont and our sponsors that make these events possible. Also, local businesses and organizations like Clearwater Liquor, Diamond Jim's Pub, Gooch's, The Mothership/Back Table, The Nature Cottage and the Wayne County Historical Society who made a huge effort through hosting events within the event. These efforts not only help the event grow but also help their businesses maximize the financial impact from the attendees. We are so appreciative of you all!

As we shift gears into the busy summer season we are looking forward to so many exciting things. Be sure to check out the schedule of events below to see all the upcoming plans and mark your calendars for our next Chamber events; the rescheduled Businessperson of the Year Banquet, our BBQ Firework Fundraiser and Piedmont's 4th of July celebration.

This Month:

May 1: Pine Hill Drive-In Day of Prayer

May 3: Tequila's Cinco de Mayo Celebration

May 4: CHS Golf Team Fundraiser Tournament

May 5: Wayne Co Saddle Club Meeting

May 6: Clearwater PTO Meeting

May 8: Chamber Board Meeting

May 10: 3rd Annual Boutique Crawl May 10: Wayne County Saddle Club Barrel Race

May 10: Trinity UMC Mother's Day Brunch

May 10: Gooch's 2nd Saturday Cruise-In

May 11: Mother's Day

May 13: City Council Meeting

May 13: School Board Meeting

May 16: High School Graduation

May 17: Glow for Hope Night Walk

May 17: Bluff View Fish Fry and Bingo Fundraiser

May 23: Genesis Home Care Bingo at Wayne Co Community Center May 26: Memorial Day

Coming Soon:

June 5: Businessperson of the Year Banquet

June 6: Wappapello Lake Kids Fishing Event

June 7: The Standard Barrel Race @ Wayne Co Saddle Club

June 14: Wayne County Saddle Club Horse Show

June 13: Chamber Firework BBQ Fundraiser

June 20-21: Grace Worship Festival

June 21: Wappapello Lake Water Fest

June 27: Wappapello Lake Movie in the Park

June 28: Wappapello Lake Fireworks

July 4: Piedmont Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

Advantage Home Care

Bootheel In Home Care

Clearwater R-1 School District

Eagle Sky of the Ozarks

FCC Behavioral Health

Genesis Home Care

Impact Fisheries

Missouri Highland Healthcare

Piedmont Gas Mart

Saint Francis Healthcare

The Burrito Bench

The Chow Hall

Town & Country

Tractor Supply Co

Walk in Wonders

Z Manufacturing

Tornado Relief Efforts Continue

It has been nearly 7 weeks since tornados ripped through the region and devastated multiple areas surrounding our small community. While we may not be a town of large resources one thing has been proven since March 14th, we are a town of large hearts. The efforts to provide relief to those effected have been vast and they're slated to continue later this month with two great fundraising events. Be sure to make plans to attend the Glow for Hope Night Walk hosted by Jessica McMahan owner of the Nature Cottage and the Fish Fry & Bingo Fundraiser hosted by the volunteers of the Bluff View Community Center.

Glow for Hope Night Walk

A Tornado Relief Fundraiser

Date: Saturday May 17, 2025

Location: Rotary Park, Piedmont

Registration: 7:30 PM (Walk will begin at Dusk, approx. 8:15)

Join us for a family-friendly evening of light, hope, and community support as we come together to raise funds for local tornado relief efforts. Walk, glow, and show your support for those in need!

Event Highlights:

Dress up with your best Glow accessories (Contest for the most creative Glow attire

Inspirational walk under the stars

Music, prizes, and fun activities for all ages

Purchase a luminary to light the path. (In memorial or simply write encouraging words for the community)

After-Walk Dance Party! Keep the energy going with music and dancing after the walk!

All proceeds go directly toward tornado relief efforts.

Cost: $25 per participant

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact:

Jessica McMahan

(573) 444-1004

naturecottage573@gmail.com

Glow for Hope Night Walk | Facebook

The Bluff View Community Center and it's volunteers have led the way for relief efforts in the small lake community since the beginning. As donations and supplies dwindle and continued cleanup is needed, they are currently planning a Fish Fry & Bingo Fundraiser to be held on May 17th at the Wayne County Community Building.

2024 Businessperson and Citizen of the Year Banquet Rescheduled

As previously announced, the Businessperson of the Year Banquet, originally slated for March 27th was rescheduled for Thursday, June 5th. Any tickets already purchased will be honored or the fee returned if you are no longer able to attend. We look forward to celebrating the Umfleet's and Libby soon.

Clearwater PTO Annual Elections

The Clearwater PTO recently announced the nominees for their annual board elections. All PTO Members are eligible to vote in the May 6th election during their monthly meeting. Since forming in 2024 the Clearwater PTO has initiated and revived multiple programs for students and teachers in the Clearwater School District such as the Back to School Supply Drive, CES Halloween Carnival, CES Santa's Workshop, Back to School Chalk the Walk, various CMS dances, campus wide staff appreciation lunches and treats just to name a few. If you're looking for an opportunity to get involved in the community this organization is a worthy candidate.

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New Life of a Longtime Favorite

For many years the Wayne County Saddle Club was one of the premier organizations in the Piedmont area, hosting a variety of large equine events each year. Over the last several years participation and events had drastically dwindled, in large part, due to an aging membership. In 2024 the saddle club found a new life blood with the help of younger generation, many with ties to the founders and memories of the good old days. Their efforts brought 2 great horse shows, a fall roundup and a well establised barrel race known as "The Standard" to town last year. 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger with multiple upcoming events already on the books, including the return of The Standard Barrel Race. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend these great events or join the efforts by becoming a member.

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - Piedmont UFO Fest Sponsors

A very special thanks to all of our sponsors of the 3rd Annual Piedmont UFO Fest. FCC Behavioral Health, Poplar Bluff Realty, Tequila's Mexican Restaurant, Southern Insurance - Stephanie Harbison, Grateful Headz - Piedmont, Heartland Furniture & Appliance, First Midwest Bank, People's Community Bank and Henson Trash Service.

573.223.4046