Brownwood News – Both the Early and Brownwood Chambers of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony during a Tailgate Party event on Thursday, August 24th, for Blue Sky Entertainment, the parent company of Brown County radio stations KBNX – 97.9, KXXU – 104.3, KQMJ – 104.7, and KSZX – 105.5. The ribbon cutting ceremony and the tailgate event were held to celebrate recent renovations to the the radio stations’ location in Early.
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“The turnout was so much more than we could have imagined,” said Ronald Oswalt, Business Development Specialist for Blue Sky Entertainment.
According to Oswalt, over 675 visitors gathered throughout the day for the event to enjoy live music by the Remedy, food provided by Heff’s Burgers, Chipster’s Grill and BBQ, as well as a wine tasting by the Star of Texas Winery. Drawings were held for a variety of door prizes, and t-shirts were available for the first 150 attendees.
On hand for autographs were former University of Texas and Arizona Cardinal player: Jaxon Shipley, and also Ryan Childress, former Arena football player and current Texas race car driver. Ryan Childress Racing had his number 81 machine on display at the event, topped with the Early Chamber of Commerce’s mascot ‘ROI’ the giraffe.
College footballs designed for major colleges and high schools were also given away, courtesy of Big Game USA of Dallas, Texas.
“I wanted to get the community involved because they’ve been so supportive,” said Oswalt. “We’ve networked well with the community and local businesses and I think that’s been key to our growth.”
The radio stations’ Early location had been established for about 18 months on Early Boulevard, but was in need of a fresh look and a few repairs. The site has now been completely renovated inside and out, with new signage and landscaping after 100 days of work.
It was quite a bit of work for a short amount of time, but Oswalt feels that accomplishment pales in comparison to the connections and friendships established within the Brownwood/Early area.
“The most impressive thing that has happened here is how the community has supported us. The Early Chamber of Commerce was here early, helping us get set up. It’s been amazing to be able to work here, I’ve been so blessed.”
Additional hosts for the event included South Park Medical Plaza, The Wells Team of Keller Williams, E6 Plumbing, Jaywraps.com, Brownwood Bulletin, Star of Texas Winery, Heff’s Burgers, Brownwoodnews.com, Ace’s Full Signs and Graphics, Weakley-Watson Sporting Goods, The City of Early, Big Game USA, Gleason Landscaping, and University Copy and Printing.
With the success of the event, Blue Sky Entertainment is looking to make the tailgate party an annual event. The company also has tentative plans to host concerts for the community in the future.
Top photo from the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.