50^th ANNUAL COTTON FESTIVAL  - October 2, 2010
It’s that time of year again! Time for Corcoran’s Annual Cotton Festival and Parade. It’s the time of year when the weather is beginning to change, farmers are starting to reap the rewards of their cotton harvest and the entire town gets abuzz trying to get their floats and booths ready for the festival. Well, we have 49 years under our belts as far as the Cotton Festival goes, and this year we will keep some of the old traditions going, while adding some new and exciting events to our list. The theme for this year's festival will be released soon! More information will be available as the event gets closer. Please contact Lisa Shaw with any questions.

Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon - April 23, 2010
This annual event was originally organized in 1952 as "National Secretaries Week" by the National Secretaries Association (now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals) in conjunction with public relations executive Harry Klemfuss and a consortium of office product manufacturers. It was established in an effort to recognize secretaries for their contributions in the workplace, and to attract people to secretarial/administrative careers. In the year 2000, IAAP announced a name change for Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day. The names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today's administrative workforce. Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars, and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff with gifts of appreciation. Each year, the Chamber accepts nominations throughout Corcoran for Administrative Professional of the Year. For nominations, click on the link below.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Lisa Shaw at the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce office: 559-992-4514.

Community Christmas Tree Celebration & Parade - December 2
In 1921, Corcoran harvested its first Christmas Tree and brought it back to life with colorful lights and decorations. Today, Corcoran is among one of the few cities in the nation that has continuously harvested and decorated a tree to kick off the holiday season.

In the early days, right after World War I, Gerald Thomas Post 144, American Legion, members of the Corcoran Volunteer Fire Department and old San Joaquin Power Company, all banded together and trekked to the high Sierras to harvest a beautiful large silver tip pine Christmas Tree, which was brought back to town and erected in the intersection of Whitley and Chittenden Avenues.

The city streets of Corcoran
Night Photo,  1960's.

The year 2009 was the 89th continuous year this Christmas tradition has been followed. The harvest crew consisted of five men and several women and children who left Corcoran in ten vehicles early in the morning to make their trip up to 7,000 foot elevation. The 85 foot tall silver tip pine tree was promptly selected, harvested, loaded on special cradles and then placed on the bed of a large flatbed hauling truck. A picnic lunch was then enjoyed by all. The tree was erected and decorated the next week, ready for Santa's arrival at the Christmas Parade. After the holiday celebration, the Christmas tree was taken down, cut into pieces and recycled for next year's Christmas in the Park for firewood.

Corcoran's
Christmas Tree
before cutting.

Corcoran's Christmas Tree,
making the final cuts.

The tree was then decorated and became the centerpiece of the Corcoran Community Christmas Celebration and Parade. The celebration always included Santa Claus coming to town to see the children, who always had a special treat for them. In the peak years, an estimated 3,500 children met Santa under the tree.

Traditionally, the tree trip is made the weekend before Thanksgiving; the tree is erected and decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving; the Christmas Parade when Santa greets the children is on a Thursday early in December and the tree is displayed for seven weeks and retired on the weekend after News Year's Day.

A community event,
getting children of all ages invlolved.

Adding the final touches
to the Christmas Tree.

Calendar of Events
Every year, the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce hosts several events. These events allow for great networking opportunities for Chamber Members, as well as loads of fun for the community and its businesses.

Membership

News & Events

Annual Banquet-January 27, 2010
To kick off the new year, the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce will hold its 90th Annual Banquet with awards recognizing the Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year, Organization of the Year and a special Commercial Improvement Award.

Ready for the traditional
lighting of the tree.

TABLE DECORATING CONTEST FORM

PARADE ENTRY FORM

VENDOR REGISTRATION

VENDOR RULES AND REGULATIONS

KING AND QUEEN ENTRY FORM

KINGS COUNTY HEALTH TEMPORARY FOOD APP.

VENDOR REGISTRATION

KING AND QUEEN ENTRY FORM

KINGS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

RESIDENTIAL DECORATING

COMMERCIAL DECORATING

KING AND QUEEN REQUIREMENTS

Corcoran Chamber hosts Stix, Flicks and Sidewalk Pics-June 18, July 16, August 20
The Corcoran Chamber of Commerce has added something new to its Stix and Flicks! A sidewalk chalk art contest. Bring your entire family for a fun-filled nite of music, art and movie presentation. Each participant in the art contest will be provided with a sidewalk square and chalk to create their work of art! Prizes will be awarded for each age group (6 and under, 7-12, 12 and up). The July Stix and Flicks will feature an Ice Cream Contest! Join us at Christmas Tree Park beginning at 6:30 P.M.

KINGS COUNTY HEALTH RULES AND REGULATIONS

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL NOMINATION FORM

Salsa Cook-Off-May 1, 2010
Businesses and organizations have the opportunity to participate in an effort to build the largest burrito! The Chamber will sponsor a Salsa and Guacamole Cook-Off where entrants can show off their spicy side! For more information, please contact Lisa Shaw at the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce office: 559-992-4514

Christmas at the Park - December 16
The Corcoran Chamber of Commerce and the Corcoran Christmas Tree Committee offer an old-fashioned night of Christmas Caroling through the streets on a hayride. A free hot dog and marshmallow roast and free hot chocolate is sure to warm the hearts of all Corcoran residents. For more information, please contact Lisa Shaw at the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce office: 559-992-4514

2011 Events
Annual Banquet-January 26, 2011

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