Beggs Public Schools

The Beggs Chamber of Commerce was formed in November 1919, according to a story published in The Beggs Standard. The first president was P. W. Riggs, vice president was E.H. Reid and treasurer was J.O. Payne. In 1975 there was no active Chamber, with the help of Robert Sitler, attorney, by-laws and papers for incorporation were filed. Ed Byfield was elected president, vice president was Robert Sitler, Billie Miller was the secretary, and Joy Gullic was made treasurer. During this time period the old Beggs Lake Park was cleaned up, and the Christmas Parade was started, it is now sponsored by the Beggs Lions Club. A library was also opened, many donates for the books included in the library were donated by the citizens of Beggs, Mrs. Jean Byfield was the Librarian. In 1978 the Chamber once again became inactive. Then in the summer of 1987 there was talk about getting the Chamber reorganized. After several meetings officers were elected - Shirley Aldridge was voted in as presiden, L.D. Aldridge became the executive vice president and Joy Gullic took on the responsiblities of both secretary & treasurer. In 1989 the Chamber began the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting program. They also began looking for ways to raise money & on October 6, 1990 the first Outhouse Race Day was held. The purpose was to raise money to replace the sidewalks in Beggs, this work was all done by volunteers and the cost of supplies was $8,300. Over time the name of Outhouse Race Days was changed to Beggsfest and now is celebrated as Family Frontier Day.