The Mission Statement of the Barton County Chamber Foundation Inc. is to educate and develop the economic, civic, cultural, and social welfare for the Barton County region.
If you would like more information about the park, or would like to donate under our
Barton County Chamber Foundation Inc. 501c3.
Contact the Barton County Chamber at 417-682-3595 or email at foundation@bartoncounty.com
The Wyatt Earp Park is a long-term project that began in 2020 as a tourism attraction to tell the untold story of "the young Wyatt Earp" and his time in Lamar. Wyatt was Lamar's first constable, his marriage to Urilla Sutherland, all falls in line with our “Legendary Beginnings” branding for the City of Lamar.
Tourism is a big contributor to our state and local economies. The Barton County businesses that fall under the Tourism NAICS codes generate revenue numbers amounting to over $15,000,000 annually for our county. The Barton County Chamber has shifted our focus to a leadership role in growing tourism for our community. With one important goal in becoming a destination city/county, which is a vital part of the plan to keep our economy growing in the future.
The education piece of the mission is to provide a safe outdoor classroom space for our three school districts to utilize anytime, but especially during times like during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The facility is complimentary for any of our area school districts to use for band and choir concerts, plays, picnics, history tours/visits, promenades, and homecoming events. This past summer it was utilized as a “feeding station” for underserved youth through the AOK (About Our Kids) summer program.
Since its official opening in the fall of 2023, Wyatt Earp Park has become new venue for cultural and community activities. We have hosted a range of events, including providing a free stage for musical performances during the Lamar Free Fair and participating in the Halloween Hullabaloo, which brings hundreds of people to Lamar's Downtown Square for a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience. Additionally, the park has been the backdrop for the annual Holiday Lighting event and Christmas Parade.
In 2024, the park will continue to play a central role in our community’s festivities. The park will host free music on Friday evenings during the fair and feature a top-name Nashville artist on the final night, offering an exciting opportunity for local residents and visitors to experience high-caliber entertainment right in our community.
Looking ahead, we envision Wyatt Earp Park evolving into a central hub for civic, social, and community gatherings. Our goal is to enhance the overall welfare and well-being of our community by providing a safe, welcoming space for people to connect and celebrate regional culture.
Thank-you
The successful completion of the park could not have happened without many of our local organizations & businesses’ generous donations, support, expertise, and talent they shared during the process.
