rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Canton Chamber of Commerce discussed upcoming Halloween events at the Oct. 1 meeting in the basement of First Citizens Community Bank.
Those present included: Frank Watson of Watson Diesel, Leon English of the Village Improvement Association and Garden Club, Misty Machmer of First Citizens Bank, Kim Bailey of Chemung Canal, Mary Beth Schoonover of the Rialto Theatre and Rockgirt Bed & Breakfast, Rachel Heitzenrater of the Canton Sentinel, Amy Seeley of Canton Borough, Jennifer Jones of Tri County Parish, Robin Cummings of the Bradford County Tourism and Promotion Agency, Eric Schoonover of Schoonover Plumbing & Heating and guest Cain Chamberlain of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region.
Halloween
Halloween was the main topic of discussion at the chamber meeting. The main concern for Halloween night is COVID and social distancing. Chamber discussed the idea to either hold Halloween in one designated spot, or still consider the parade.
Chamber voted to continue with the parade this year for Halloween. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. with social distancing and mask wearing encouraged. The route will be changed and more information will be forthcoming.
Trick-or-treating will be voted on at the next Canton Borough Council meeting on Oct. 12, so it is unclear on whether or not that will take place currently.
Robyn Cummings spoke of the upcoming deadline for the Room Tax Grant, which has about $98,000 available funds. The deadline for the application is Friday, Oct. 16.
She also spoke about the annual guide, which still needs events for next year. Events are free to submit, but need to be to the agency by Oct. 30.
The Bradford County Tourism and Promotion Agency is looking for input on the train car they plan to restore. They are looking for ideas that represent Bradford County. The project is partially funded by Bradford County Regional Arts.
Cummings brought guest Cain Chamberlain of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, which deals with outdoor recreation.
Rialto Theatre
Mary Beth reported a recent meeting by the Rialto board in which they have decided to open up the Rialto auditorium for public use for a donation.
She also took the time to thank those involved in fundraising for the project repair fund, which needs $6,000 to help pay for a new projector. $700 was raised from the weekly chalk drawing contest held at the pool during the summer. Popcorn sales have contributed toward the fund as well. So far, the theatre has $4,550 raised towards that goal.
Other news
Frank Watson discussed his upcoming event of the Fall Foliage Tour of the Mountains, which will take place on Oct. 10. Signup will be in front of the Canton Fire Department behind Baldwin’s.
Any street legal motorcycle is encouraged to attend. The cost is $20 to sign up. Route and street maps with GPS downloads will be provided.
For more information on the event or register for the event, go to www.cantonlionsmcshow.com or call 570-250-0174.
The Lions Club will be working with the Canton Fire Department, who is also the recipient of the funds raised.
Chamber briefly discussed and voted on the idea of putting up new banners throughout town, one for each season. The cost will be $3,600, depending on the amount of banners needed.
The topic of Light Night and Small Business Saturday have been tabled until the next chamber meeting.
The next Canton Chamber of Commerce meeting will be at noon on Nov. 5 at the Canton Independent Sentinel.