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Perry Chamber reports surge in Cherokee Strip attendance, launches new foundation
Summary
Katie Cares of the Perry Chamber of Commerce reported a busy Q3: a 29% rise in Cherokee Strip celebration attendance (over 4,000 visitors), vendor participation up 11%, formation of the Perry Chamber Foundation (a 501(c)(3)), and a $50,000 Mall on Family-affiliated grant that funded the carnival.
Katie Cares, director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, briefed the council on third-quarter activity and upcoming programs.
Cares said the Cherokee Strip celebration produced a 29% attendance increase this year, attracting more than 4,000 visitors and nearly doubling downtown dwell time. Vendor participation increased by about 11% and roughly 40% of attendees came from outside Perry, she said. The Chamber distributed approximately 560 free wristbands through a partnership with Perry Public Schools so more children could participate regardless of family income. The carnival was funded in part by a $50,000 Mall on Family-affiliated grant that the city helped secure.
The Chamber has added new members — Prestige Electrical Services, Lolly and Pops, and Frank’s Food Shacks — and has formed the Perry Chamber Foundation as a 501(c)(3) to pursue grant opportunities to support local businesses. Cares also described new collaborations with the Stillwater Chamber and quarterly leadership meetings and previewed holiday marketing efforts (Purchase in Perry; Shop Merry) and the 2026 Chamber banquet planning.
Cares invited council feedback for next-year improvements and said she will provide the executive summary included in the quarterly report for council files.
Next steps: The Chamber will proceed with planned marketing and banquet work and coordinate with city staff on shared events and grant opportunities.
