September finds the Chamber of Commerce busier than ever. This is due in large part to the help and assistance that the Chamber gives to the Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee for the upcoming 38th Annual Hot Air Balloon Days Weekend to be held Sept. 18 through 20.
Weather permitting, Balloon Days kicks off with a fun flight of many of the balloonists on Friday evening sometime after 5:30 p.m. The balloon races will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. Depending on the wind direction, many of you can step outside your door and enjoy the spectacular view of balloons soaring across Creston on these days or head up to the airport to watch them take off.
In addition to the balloon races and activities, there will once again be the annual parade of bands, balloonists and other participants on Saturday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m. in uptown Creston. You are invited to have an entry in the parade. Please come to the corner of Howard and Chestnut on Sept. 19 by 10 a.m. to be included in the parade.
On Sept. 19, the Creston Hot Air Balloon Days Show and Shine Car Show will be held from noon until 4 p.m. at the Kilgore RV parking lot located at 601 Sheldon Ave.
The Creston uptown will be the site of various activities for spectators of all ages on Saturday as well. The Flea Market on Maple Street and the Craft Fair in the west depot parking lot will open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, local merchants will be open for your shopping pleasure during the day and the Creston Arts Gallery will be open.
On Saturday afternoon, you can head out to the airport to enjoy the pet show at 2 p.m. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. will be the pedal pull for ages 12 and younger. NightGlow, which will begin at dusk at the airport, wraps up the Saturday activities.
A wide selection of food will be available both uptown and at the airport for your culinary pleasures during the event.
Brochures listing the activities are available at the Chamber Office or by visiting the Chamber web page at www.crestoniowachamber.com.
The Balloon Committee and the Creston High School FFA are selling the annual balloon T-shirts, sweatshirts and pins. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show your support for the event, as well as market Creston all year long. You can stop by the Chamber Office located at 208 West Taylor to make your purchase before the event or buy merchandise during the event.
Make your plans now to attend the 38th Annual Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days and see for yourself what Southwest Iowa has to offer.
Other activities taking place in Creston during September is the annual Pork Chop Dinner sponsored by the Creston Kiwanis, Lion’s and Rotary Clubs on Sept. 17. It is a great way to kick off the Balloon Weekend.
Nominations Are Needed
The Creston Chamber of Commerce and Creston News Advertiser are again seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year; Volunteer of the Year and the Youth Award. Nominating forms will appear in the paper during the month of September, or you may send a brief letter to the Chamber office outlining why you think the individual you have nominated should be selected.
All nominations must be received at the Chamber Office no later than Oct. 7.
Hi-Five Honor
The following individuals and business received the Hi-Five Honor in September. Congratulations go out to Ty Rogers, ISSB; Trina Paulus, Radiology Department, Greater Regional Medical Center; and Garret Geary, Stone Hammons and Matthew Brownrigg at the Strand Theatre. Congratulations everyone.
The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience.
Gold Star Business Honored
The Chamber honored Summit House, 509 N. Maple St., as the Gold Star Business in September. It was nominated by a fellow Crestonian because of the appearance of the building and property. Congratulations.
August Honor Yards of the Month
The following yards were selected as the August Honor Yards of the month. Congratulations to 204 S. Sumner, 1500 Kirby and 316 Russell.
These yards join the July Honorees at 811 S. Birch, 915 Adair and 904 E. Howard as well as the June Honorees at 1010 Crest Drive – 302 Fremont – 200 S. Park. Congratulations everyone. Keep up the good work.
Thank you to Creston True Value, Creston Super Walmart and Green Valley Pest and Lawn Care for co-sponsoring the yards, area and flowerpot of the month with the Chamber.
Please call the Chamber to honor a business, individual, flowerpot or yard with any of the above honors for September.
Have a great month.