Plans have been made for the Tractor Cruise scheduled as part of the activities for the Independence Day celebration next month in Princeton. Rhonda Watkins reported to the Princeton Chamber of Commerce that the group will leave Princeton at 1 o‘clock on Wednesday, July 4th and go to Lineville, before returning to eat at the Mercer County Courthouse.

The courthouse is observing its 100th anniversary this year. Tractors will be displayed around the square, and then later some will be at the school.

There will be political speakers and local talent at the Princeton School starting that evening at 7 o’clock, and free watermelon will be given out by the chamber. The Stacy Center will have a fund-raiser BBQ with donations accepted. The Chamber will provide Fire works at dusk with Glenn Kirby providing his services as a pyro-techicnican.

Plans also continue to be made for Calamity Jane Days in September. Purchasing new Flags was discussed but because of the cost it was decided to use Princeton Housing Authority’s flags for the parade. Another tractor cruise will be leaving that Friday morning from the fairgrounds at Princeton. The group plans to stop at the Zion Church for lunch. On the Friday night before Calamity Jane Day, as the Tractor cruise returns to Princeton, there will be a Chamber-hosted supper held at the Senior Center. It will be eat and pay what you want. Music will be provided and those attending are invited to watch homemade ice cream made in a 50 gallon barrel with a tractor. There will be an ice cream social with donations accepted.

Discussion was held at a future Princeton Chamber of Commerce meeting regarding a stage in front of the bandstand. This year, Chamber President Donna Herdrich said a trailer can be placed in that location, and bleachers could be moved closer for the baby show. For liability purposes the chamber feels the baby show should be at the bandstand, stating that the Cow Palace is too congested and would provide safety concerns.

A variety of Calamity Jane Days entertainment is planned at the bandstand.

Rhonda Watkins is working to secure an emcee for the Calamity Jane parade. Past queens of Calamity Jane Days will be honored after the event.

Among other community events in Princeton, there will be a benefit July 21st for the Wounded E-O-D Warriors. It will take place on the Princeton square and is named Operation Panda in honor of Adam DeMoss who received severe injuries in Afghanistan. All monies raised will go to other E-O-D soldiers who have been injured. There will be a pie and regular auction, music, and a BBQ. If anyone would like to donate a pie, contact Debi Nordyke at (660) 748-3183 or Donna Herdrich.

Earlier in the day (on July 21st), there will be a poker run with vehicles returning at 5 o’clock.

August 4th is the next Community Garage Sale at Princeton, planned during the morning hours, with the Calamity Jane Queen Tea in the afternoon. That evening will feature the pageant itself to crown the 2012-2013 tMiss Calmity Jane. All past queens are encouraged to attend. Anyone wanting to set up a booth on the square on August 4th can do so without charge. Persons who want their August 4th garage sale to be included on a map or in advertising, are to contact Donna Herdrich. Five dollars has been requested but not required.

Another meeting of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce will be held this Thursday at 12 noon at the Mercer County Senior Center to further discuss the 2012 Calamity Jane Days celebration in Princeton.