CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Chamber of Commerce is engaged in activities to advance and promote the general growth, prosperity, integrity and business development in the community. Due to the low population of Jefferson County, the Chamber is the central information point for many activities in the community and maintains a calendar of events and activities for the area. There are over 200 members in the Chamber and includes most businesses as well as many private individuals.The Chamber has been housed in the old Catholic Church in downtown Monticello since the mid 1970’s. The small, wood frame church, built in the early 1900’s, offers the architectural design of many churches built during that period.

Cash Mobs: More details to come!

Chili Challenge: Sponsored by Tobacco Free Jefferson Partner. Chili chefs needed for this annual event! Eat fantastic chili, hear great music, and enter your chili recipe in our contest. Cash prizes given to: Best Chili, Judges Choice, People's Choice, and Best Decorated Table. It's a rip-roarin' good time!

Historic Monticello Ghost Tours: During the last three weekends in October on Friday and Saturday nights. All Ghost Tours begin at the Monticello Chamber of Commerce Office. Select your date and time. Tickets are available at the Chamber. Call 997-5552 for more information.

Political Forums: Political forums are sponsored by the Chamber for most elections.

Jefferson County Watermelon Festival: The Watermelon Festival started over 60 years ago to recognize the watermelon growers of Jefferson County. The festival includes an essay contest, children’s theatre, dinners, street dance, arts and crafts, melon run, bed race, golf and horseshoe tournament, and parade. The Festival is held annually the third week of June. This year is the 62nd Annual Watermelon Festival starting June 8 and continuing through the main day, June 16.

Flea Across Florida: Flea Across Florida is a giant, 272 mile yard sale, stretching from Live Oak to Pensacola for 3 days. Shoppers and treasure hunters drive from Live Oak to Pensacola and shop along Hwy 90. The event is only on Hwy 90. Professional vendors or anyone with "stuff" to sell can register for a 12' X 12' space. Towns along Hwy 90 set up areas for vendors. Individuals with property on Hwy 90 may also sell from their front yards. Monticello has 7 designated areas along Hwy 90 for vendors. There are similar events that occur in Georgia, Alabama and along the east coast corridor at different times of the year. You’ll find upscale items as well as typical flea market/yard sale treasures.

Business Expo: The Business Expo is open to the public in January 2012. The Business Expo gives Chamber Members an opportunity to showcase their businesses and educate the public. Learn about and support local business.

Home & Garden Expo: We'll ring in 2013 with something new to the Chamber of Commerce...a Home & Garden Expo, showcasing how-to-improve your home and garden. Vendors and demos will fill the Opera House with great ideas for you to make your home and garden, beautiful! Featuring local businesses and businesses from surrounding areas! Open to the public.

Small Business Workshops conducted frequently through the Chamber for Chamber Members. Attend Webinars on good business practices and get a jump start on becoming as succesful as you can dare to be!

LOCAL EVENTS

Southern Music Rising: The 5th Annual Southern Music Rising Festival will be April 20-21, 2012, around downtown Monticello. Enjoy musical concerts throughout the year at the Monticello Opera House. Visit http://www.southernmusicrising.com for more information.

Christmas Celebration: Christmas celebration held in downtown Monticello the first Friday night in December and over the next two weekends. Highlights Christmas music, crafts and theatrical performances for all ages. For details, click here to visit this webpage: http://mainstreetmonticellofl.org