FREE Soapbox Car Clinic – Dunsmuir, CA

Prepare your Soapbox Car to enter the 1st Dunsmuir Soapbox Derby in conjunction with Dunsmuir’s Dogwood Daze, May 26th.  To participate in the Derby contact the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce, (530)235-2177.

To participate in the Soapbox Car Clinic, show up at the Dunsmuir Community Building (parking lot) Saturdays, May 12th and May 19th, from 9am-12pm.

Dunsmuir Soapbox Car Clinic led by “Big Dave”

Dunsmuir Derby Daze (check out the video)

Big Dave held his first Soapbox Car Clinic in the parking lot of the Dunsmuir Community Building Saturday, April 28th.  There was a turnout resulting in an initial 39 youngsters picking up their soapbox car starter kit.

Parents gathered to sign waivers and inquired about the Dunsmuir Soapbox Derby coming up at Dogwood Daze, May 26th.

The next Soapbox Car Clinic will be Saturday, May 5th from 9am-12pm; the clinic will include prepping and assembling their soapbox car.

The final Soapbox Car Clinic will be Saturday, May 12th from 9am012pm; the clinic will include installing the wheels and axle and testing the brake.  Contestants may take their soapbox car home to further decorate it and to enter the Soapbox Car Derby.

Pets are no longer allowed  in the Visitor’s Center

The City of Dunsmuir notified the Dunsmuir Chamber of their new policy regarding the ban of non certified assistance pets in all City of Dunsmuir owned buildings.  This new ban includes the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center office as it is a City owned building.  To comply with the City’s efforts, pets will not be allowed in the Chamber/Visitor’s Center.

The Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center is happy to assist those with traveling companions (pets).  The Chamber staff & volunteers are happy to refill your pets water dish and/or even bring information out to you while you relax in the shade with your pet.  Enjoy your visit in the beautiful town of Dunsmuir.

2012 New Dogwood Daze Events

New events and old are scheduled for Dunsmuir’s third annual Dogwood Daze May 26, 2012.  Highlighting the day will be the ever popular Pie Social in the AmTrak Depot put on by the Railroad Depot Society.  Dozens of delicious homemade pies will be sold by the slice, ala mode, or whole to take home, from 10am until sold out.  Proceeds go for the maintenance of the historic Railroad depot and Dunsmuir museum.

New events will include the Dunsmuir Chamber’s Soapbox Derby with categories for children and adults scheduled at 1pm Saturday on Sacramento Avenue.  Art studios of Fred Gordon, Candace Miller, Belinda Hanson, and Jayne Bruck-Fryer will be open to the public.  In addition, the Boxcar Gallery on Sacramento Avenue will host a reception for local artists featuring well known Dunsmuir scenes.  Also new this year will be a tri-tip lunch and yard sale at the Dunsmuir Resource Center, and Story Time at the library from 10-1pm.  The library will also offer seed planting and drawing and coloring for children.  New shop Avenue Books will hold a book and bookbag sale and a raffle from 10-3pm.  Bags of paperbacks will be $3.00 and hardback books $1.00 each.  Proceeds will go to support the Dunsmuir library.

Popular north state musician Gerry Smida will return as a strolling minstrel all day Saturday in the historic district.  “Dunsmuir is home to many talented artists and musicians and we hope to highlight some of them through the studio tours and storefront art,” said Cafe Maddalena owner Nancy LaMott.  The band Raven will play in the Pine Street Park.

Evening entertainment has been expanded also.  The Dunsmuir Brewery Works will offer live music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, with patio dining available.  3 on a Match will play Friday night, Paula Reynolds and Friends Saturday night, more.  Dunsmuir’s own Village Harpist, Patty Hill, will play Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm.  There is no cover charge and space is limited.

Other returning events include the Garden Club Plant sale and Botanical Gardens Tour in the Dunsmuir Park, as well as the Growers Market.  Plants, produce, arts and crafts will be for sale on Sacramento Avenue beginning at 10:00am.  The Botanical Gardens tour will be given every half hour from 1 to 3pm.

Returning by popular demand will be the Dogwood Daze Doggie Parade which will occur at noon Saturday.  Participants are asked to assemble at 11:45 at the Children’s Park on Dunsmuir Avenue.  Dogs and people of all ages are welcome.  Entrance is free and no pre-registration is required.  Prizes will be given for dogs in costumes in the following categories:  Most Adorable, Most Colorful, Best Combination of Dog and Handler, Best Hair, Best Costume, Best Behaved, and Best Handler Under 14.  All dogs must be on leash.  Please leave aggressive and in season dogs at home.  For information call Kathy at 678-4414 or Missey at the Dunsmuir Chamber, 221-2177.

The annual yard sale will be in full swing and residents may list their sale for only $10.  Various merchant specials will be offered by downtown businesses.  The Boxcar Gallery will offer a 20% discount on red tagged items.

This event began in 2010 with numbers of people stepping up and ordering dogwood trees to plant in memory of loved ones.  The City had adopted the dogwood tree as its official tree in 1985.  Cindy Foreman, former owner of the Brown Trout, wanted to memorialize her parents and her husband’s parents.  Many other people decided they liked that idea and more than 52 dogwood trees have been planted on Sacramento Avenue, Dunsmuir Avenue, the Children’s Park, and Hedge Creek Falls Park.  Rosters listing names and tree numbers are located on Sacramento Avenue and at Hedge Creek Falls Park.

Maps listing all events, dogwood trees, yard and merchant sales, art and studio locations will be available at the Dunsmuir Chamber office between 10 and 3pm and at major event locations.  Most events occur Saturday, May 26.

For information and to enter the Soapbox Derby and list your yard sale, call the Chamber Office at 235-2177.  This event is put on by the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce Dogwood Daze Committee.  It is sponsored by the Dunsmuir Chamber, the City of Dunsmuir, and Pacific Power.

The Dunsmuir Dogwood Daze spring celebration is shaping up nicely for May 26, 2012. The dogwood tree was designated as the official tree of Dunsmuir in 1985. The highlight of the event remains the popular Railroad Depot Society’s Pie Social at the Railroad Depot. Last year 159 pies were sold before 2pm. Other events include a Garden Club Plant Sale and Botanical Garden tour, a Doggie Parade in downtown Dunsmuir, and the Growers Market and Garden Club plant sale on Sacramento Avenue. The Chamber will sponsor a new event, a Soapbox Derby with an adult category and a children’s category. A city wide yard sale will be held and local merchants and restaurants will participate with Memorial Day week-end sales and specials.

The Dunsmuir Library will hold a story-time from 10-1pm and also offer seed planting, drawing and coloring for kids. Newly opened used bookstore, Avenue Books, will sell book bags and books as well as hold a raffle. All proceeds will go to the Dunsmuir Library.

A continuing and enlarged event will feature art by local artists in storefronts.  A project of the Dunsmuir Chamber Revitalization Committee, the goal was to highlight local art and local storefronts available for new business.

“The art is beautiful, varied and interesting, whimsical and available for purchase, “says committee member Barbara Cross. “It makes for very enjoyable strolling downtown on Dunsmuir and Sacramento Avenues, as well as Pine St,” she added. “Six storefronts have been rented that held our first artists last year. We hope some entrepreneur will notice the perfect spot for his or her new business this year also.

Local artists Fred Gordon, Belinda Hansen, Jayne Bruck Fryer and Candace Miller will have their studios open for tours. The Boxcar Gallery will host a reception featuring work of local Dunsmuir residents.  Much of the work highlights Dunsmuir scenes.

The Dunsmuir Community Resource Center will feature tri-tip sandwiches and music, with outdoor tables and game booths and prizes for children.

This event grew out of a desire by Cindy Foreman, former owner of the Brown Trout, to honor her parents and her husband’s parents. In 2009 she planted four dogwood trees in their memory on Sacramento Avenue, and the idea blossomed. More than 52 dogwood trees have been planted on Sacramento Avenue, Dunsmuir Avenue, the Children’s Park, and Hedge Creek Falls Park in memory of loved ones. Many of them should be in vivid bloom with colors ranging from white to pink to salmon to dark rose. The permanent rosters listing the trees and honored persons were installed last year. One roster is located on Sacramento Avenue and the other at Hedge Creek Falls Park. “It will be a beautiful week-end where everyone can see his or her tree and be reminded of loved ones,” said Cindy.

Popular north state musician Gerry Smida will stroll through town playing a variety of instruments including accordion and fiddle. Other local musical groups are being solicited to play. Any interested group or person should contact Patty Hill at 235-9912.

A map including events, dogwood trees, merchant offerings, art and food locations will be available at the Dunsmuir Chamber office and at event locations. Yard sales may be listed for only $10 at the Chamber office or by calling 235-2177. All events will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012. Yard sales and merchant offerings will last the entire week-end.

For information and to list your yard sale location, call Missey at the Chamber Office at 235-2177. This event is being put on by the Chamber Dogwood Daze Committee. Committee members include Linda Price, Cindy Foreman, Patty Hill, Kathy Wallace, and Barbara Cross. Dogwood Daze is sponsored by the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce.

Dogwood Daze Poster

The Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce is promoting the annual Fish Plaque display.  This community project is fun; helps beautify and promote Dunsmuir “Trout Awareness”, and helps raise funds for future Chamber events.

Entries:  Trout plaques must be on plywood templates provided by the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce available at the Chamber office (235-2177) or by calling Mike R. (925-2374).  Blank Trout Plaques are $25 each.  Local citizens and businesses are encouraged to enter their fish.  All entrants must comply with these rules.  All submission may be vetted by a committee consisting of representatives from the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce, the City of Dunsmuir, and/or the Community.

Artwork Specifications:  Only non-toxic materials or mediums may be used; the plaque must be waterproof coated on all sides.  No words that may be considered rhetoric or word ads may be used on Trout plaques displayed on public property.

Trout Displays:  Plaques will be hung with the wires provided with the plaques in the proscribed manner. Trout plaques will be hung in the order they are received.  Trout plaques will be displayed in Dunsmuir on lamp-posts, public property and private property; all with civic or the land owner’s permission.  Schools will receive small Trout plaques to display and plaques will be displayed on the public pool fence.  The Chamber’s Trout Plaque Committee or the City will place and/or move Trout plagues as deemed necessary.  Neither the Chamber of Commerce nor, the City of Dunsmuir, is responsible for any theft or vandalism to any Trout plaque art displayed.

Deadline:  All entries are due by June 1^st, 2012.  Trout entries may be hung as soon as April 27^th, 2012.  Display locations are based on a 1^st come 1^st served basis.

Awards:  Best Trout prize winners will be announced September 22^nd, 2012 at the Dunsmuir Grower’s Market.  Prizes are based on donations.  All Trout Plaques are the property of its entrant artist/sponsor, and will be returned locally after September 22^nd.

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I plan to display my Trout Plaque on: 

Public _______ or, on Private _______ property    

  Name Printed : ________________________________________

   Signed & Date: __________________________,  ____/____ /   2012

   Contact Info :  ________________________________________

Dunsmuir Soapbox Derby

Saturday, May 26th

The Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce presents the first Dunsmuir Soapbox Derby in conjunction with Dogwood Daze on Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 2012 beginning at 12pm in Dunsmuir, CA.  This unique non-motorized event challenges amateur racers to design and build gravity powered soapbox cars to compete against the clock in a downhill race. 

 Rules & Regulations: Your soapbox car has to move with gravity powered force (no engines or motors), it has to have basic steering capabilities, and it has to have the ability to stop.

Categories Include:  Cash prizes for 1^st place winners in the Youth and Adult Categories, Trophies for  Creativity and Best Construction/Design for the Youth and Adult Categories.

Entry Fee:  Child (7-15 year old) $10, Adult (16 or older) $25.

For complete rules & regulations, entry form, and further information contact the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce: 5915 Dunsmuir Avenue in Dunsmuir, (530)235-2177, director@dunsmuir.com.

 Build It, Bring It, Race It!

5 Basic Requirements:

1.  Has to Move! 

• Your derby car has to be gravity powered (no engines or motors).  Other than being a safe solid structure there are no limitations on size, weight, materials or designs.  Average cars are 4ft to 6ft long and 2ft to 3ft wide and are generally made of wood.  When using wood it is suggested that you use screws rather than nails and be sure to use plenty of wood glue.

2.  Has to Turn! 

• Pivot steering is the most basic and common steering system (front axle is a solid piece that rotates about a single pivot in the center).  The system is the most simple to construct and is adequate since the course turning radius is limited.
• Four bar linkage is like a steering mechanism that you might find in an automobile, it is more complex and difficult to construct (not recommended).  The derby course will have a slight curve.  There is no need for sharp turn capability; do not design your car to turn on a dime, it is not safe and may cause your car to flip.

3.  Has to Stop!

• A basic and effective braking method is the skid pad (you set up a pad or brake shoe that rubs against the wheels to stop the car); this is the most preferred method for cars made from scratch due to effectiveness and simplicity.
• A caliper brake is like bicycle brakes (construction needs to be concise for the brakes to be effective).

4.  Use Safety!

• All riders regardless of age must wear a helmet.  Do not alter helmets in any way that may change their effectiveness.  Elbow and knee pads are strongly encouraged.
• Nothing can obstruct the riders view.

5.  Have Permission!

Your entry fee and Entry Form must be submitted to the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce by May 1st to participate.  Drivers 17 years and younger must have the Entry Form signed by their parent or legal guardian. Child Entry Fee (7-15):  $10, Adult Entry Fee (16+):  $25

Categories include: 

Cash prizes for 1st place winner for ages 7-12year olds and ages 13 and up

Trophies for overall Creativity and Best Construction/Design

Soap Box Derby Tips:

Check local recycling centers  and dismantling centers for wheels and parts.

• Inquire with a professional for ideas such as a mechanic or handyman.
• Begin building early  and worry about decorating later.
• Check your brakes and steering to ensure they are secure, safe, and working.
• Attend the Soapbox Trial Run at the practice course in early May (date and location to be determined).
• Search the internet for videos on construction and design ideas.  There are various designs to chose from.
• Contact the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce for more information or ideas.  We are here to help!

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  A. Dunsmuir Pub

5816 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025
Phone: (530)235-4990
Email: adunsmuirpub@yahoo.com

 A perfect day for a Ribbon Cutting!    Local supporters showed their support by attending the newest Chamber member’s Ribbon Cutting this afternoon.  A. Dunsmuir Pub is an intimate Beer & Wine Pub serving specialty cocktails and simple fresh Mexican food in the historical district of Dunsmuir, attractively decorated with Dunsmuir memorabilia.

Left to right:  Arlis Steele- Mayor, Tony Catlett – Chamber Board Member/Dunsmuir Tire Service, Chris Rainey – City Council Member/Dunsmuir Rod Company, Roger Young-Chamber Website Committee/Ammana’s Lodge, Alta Meyer – Chamber Vice-President/US Bank, David Clarno – Chamber President/Dunsmuir Brewery Works, Mary Powell-Owner of A. Dunsmuir Pub, Mark Powell – Manager of A. Dunsmuir Pub, Ed Valenzuela-Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors.

One of our newest Chamber Members is having a Ribbon Cutting, this Friday, March 9th at 1pm.  A. Dunsmuir Pub is an intimate Beer & Wine Bar, serving simple fresh Mexican food in the historical district of Dunsmuir attractively decorated with Dunsmuir memorabilia.  Hours are 11am-midnight 7 days a week.  Find yourself at A. Dunsmuir Pub located at 5816 Dunsmuir Ave, downtown Dunsmuir.  (530)235-49990