Community Perspectives Column: October’s To-Do List

Note: This column originally appeared in the Sept. 20 edition of The Sheridan Press.

October is one of my favorite months at the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. Not only does the season bring crisp mornings, colorful leaves and a little anticipation for the holidays, but it means some of our most meaningful and fun events of the year are happening soon. This October, we are celebrating manufacturing, opening applications for the next class of Leadership Sheridan County and gearing up for the 30th annual Christmas Stroll.

We’ll kick things off with Manufacturing Month, which ties in with National Manufacturing Day, celebrated on the first Friday of October. Here in Sheridan and Johnson counties, we’re lucky to have quite a few manufacturers doing incredible work. During Manufacturing Month, several of these businesses will be opening their doors to the public for free tours. If you have ever wondered how something is made or just want a deeper appreciation for what happens right here in our community, this is your chance. It’s a behind-the-scenes look you don’t get every day, and I promise you will walk away impressed. This is also a fantastic opportunity for our youth to see the variety of careers possible in manufacturing and open doors to new opportunities.

The schedule of free public tours will be available on our website, sheridanwyomingchamber.org, by Oct. 1.

October is also the time when we open applications for Leadership Sheridan County, our 10-month leadership development program that gives participants a broad view of the issues and opportunities shaping our community.

Over the course of the program, class members explore topics ranging from healthcare and education to government and natural resources. More importantly, they build relationships and leadership skills that will serve them and our community for years to come.

Applications for the 2026 class are open throughout October, and you can find details on the Chamber’s website. If you have ever thought about stepping up your leadership journey, now is the time.

And of course, October also means one of Sheridan’s most beloved traditions—the Christmas Stroll—is right around the corner. This year will mark the 30th annual Stroll! For three decades, families and friends have gathered downtown to kick off the holiday season together, enjoying the lights, local shopping, food and good cheer.

Business registration for the Christmas Stroll is open through Oct. 21. Be sure to sign up by Oct. 21 to be included in all the marketing for this year’s milestone celebration. Full details and registration forms are available on our website.

So, whether you are curious about how things are made, ready to invest in your own leadership growth or looking forward to celebrating the holidays with the community, there is a way for you to connect with the Chamber this month.