Chamber Chat
Celebrate 70 Years of Pioneer Days!
Labor Day weekend is coming up, and Englewood is getting ready to celebrate one of our community’s most treasured traditions, Pioneer Days! This year’s celebration is extra special as we mark the 70th anniversary of the Pioneer Days Parade, making “The 70’s”” the perfect theme for this year’s festivities.
And there’s still time to be part of the parade. The deadline to enter is today so if you’ve been thinking about putting together a float, decorating a vehicle, joining a group or showcasing your business, now is the time. We would especially love to see some classic cars from the 1970s rolling down Dearborn Street to help bring our 70-year celebration to life. Dig out those bell bottoms, platform shoes and retro vibes and let’s make this parade one to remember! The parade application can be found on our website. There is no fee to enter.
But the parade is just the beginning. Saturday morning brings the always-entertaining Cardboard Boat Races, where creativity, engineering and a little bit of good-natured competition come together on Lemon Bay. A special thank you to the Englewood Sailing Association and Lasbury Tracy Realty for keeping this tradition alive. Then on Sunday, it’s time for one of the sweetest Pioneer Days traditions—the adorable Diaper Derby! Watching our littlest competitors crawl, scoot and race toward the finish line is guaranteed to bring plenty of smiles and laughs. Be a part of the fun Sunday at the Lemon Bay Women’s Club beginning at 1pm.
There’s also something new to celebrate in our community. On Tuesday, we’ll officially celebrate the new home of Kids Needs with a ribbon cutting from 4:30–6 p.m. The public is invited to join us as we welcome this wonderful organization into its new home in Tiffany Square and celebrate the important work they do for local children and families. Come out, show your support and help us make this ribbon cutting a memorable one!
Our next Brew Crew will be hosted by Paradise Exclusive on Wednesday, September 2nd from 8-9am at their office located at 2 S. Indiana Avenue. That night we will find out who will serve as “Mayor 4 a Day” at 6pm at the Grove City Bar & Grill. We are also honored to recognize longtime Pioneer Days supporter, Linda Stevens as this year’s Grand Marshal.
While Labor Day weekend may steal the spotlight, September is filled with opportunities to get connected, support local businesses and enjoy everything our community has to offer. Including my personal favorite event…Let’s Eat, Englewood! The restaurant campaign kicks off September 10th, giving locals and visitors another great reason to get out, dine locally and discover some of the delicious restaurants that make our community special. All the participating restaurants and their specialty menus can be found on our website.
Kim Parks-Membership Coordinator
Richard Jean says on July 25, 2022 at 7:55am:
Englewood Chamber is nothing short of outstanding. Events are awsome. I have written business with over 15 local businesses and continue to do so.
Mary Smedley says on November 14, 2022 at 4:50pm:
You are all amazing and what you do for this community- you are hero’s to so many. Thank you!❤️
Maria cummings- Suncoast Central Realty says on November 29, 2022 at 12:22pm:
I have nothing less than gratitude and respect for the Englewood chamber of Commerce staff and members. They welcomed us with open arms when we moved here and opened our small business. We have since then expanded our business to business communications, vendors, clientele, community involvement and friendships. Who does that? The Englewood Chamber of Commerce does that! Thank you.
Jerri-Ellen DuBois says on December 5, 2022 at 10:08am:
You have done so much for this community! With you, Kim, Doug & leading members, the Chamber
has become so much more than it ever was.
Joanne Cumiskey says on January 30, 2023 at 10:58pm:
Thanks for providing the reminder of your continuing efforts and impact for disaster relief. Many are “back to normal”, more or less, but the Chamber continues to work tirelessly for all. So proud to be a member of the Chamber. You are amazing community leaders.
Mary Jones-WENG says on April 17, 2023 at 12:13pm:
I’ve lived in many towns up North and involved in many Chambers, but Englewood’s Chamber outdoes them all! The support for the community overall, fun events, and responsiveness to needs and challenges…unparalleled!
Karen Tyree says on June 5, 2023 at 8:58am:
Thank you for all you do for our community businesses. It is truly appreciated. Proud to be a member of Englewood Chamber!
Darla Mapes says on July 10, 2023 at 12:11pm:
Fabulous job our Englewood Chamber does for our community. Proud to be a Chamber member & Chamber buddy!
Julie Beatty says on August 21, 2023 at 8:11pm:
Those employment numbers are really interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Sonette Opperman says on June 17, 2024 at 12:06pm:
Looking forward to the 4th of July in Englewood. The Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary is doing a great job in making this possible with businesses around Englewood.
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Abbie Banks says on January 7, 2025 at 9:42am:
The Chamber of Commerce and the wonderful people behind the doors have made a wonderful positive impact on our little community. Keep up the good work! You are all appreciated.
Alfred Current says on February 12, 2025 at 2:43pm:
The Englewood Chamber is a voice of reason for all in our awesome community.
Judy Murdoch says on March 24, 2025 at 8:04am:
I very welcoming organization!
Cyndi Calk says on September 8, 2025 at 11:08am:
Thank you for all the amazing exposure for the chamber members and fun events
Bubba Peek says on March 19, 2026 at 9:36am:
This is a great breakdown of the real value behind Chamber membership—especially the trust it builds within the local community. In a place like Englewood, where so many people are new to the area, that credibility really matters. We’ve seen the same on the land side here in Florida—people want to work with businesses they feel confident in. Appreciate you highlighting how much that local connection still counts: https://bubba-land.com/