March 28, 2024

September is a busy month in Creston

September finds Creston Chamber of Commerce busy as usual. This is due in large part to the help and assistance the chamber gives to the Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee for the upcoming 40th Annual Hot Air Balloon Days weekend to take place Sept. 15-17.

Weather permitting, Balloon Days kicks off with a fun flight of many of the balloonists Friday evening sometime after 5:30 p.m. The balloon races will be held Saturday and Sunday. 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 streets by 10 a.m. Sept. 16 to be included in the parade.

New this year will be tethered balloon rides (weather permitting). Tethered balloon rides will be available at the airport for $20 per person. They will last approximately 4 to 5 minutes. If possible, they will be take place around 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and depending on the weather, also sometime after 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

On Sept. 16, 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.

Uptown Creston is 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. Immediately following the parade, Creston Automotive will be sponsoring their Ford Drive 4UR School event.

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. Night Glow, 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 website at www.crestoniowachamber.com.

The balloon committee and Creston Community 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, 208 W. Taylor, to make your purchase before the event or buy merchandise during the event.

Make your plans now to attend the 40th 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 are the annual Pork Chop Dinner sponsored by Creston Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Club on Sept. 14. It is a great way to kick off the balloon weekend.

Gibson Memorial Library will be sponsoring the first Annual Graceland Cemetery Walk on Sept. 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The week of Sept. 25 will find Creston Community High School celebrating their annual homecoming with the parade to take place on Sept. 29.

For a more complete listing of events taking place in Creston, please check out the calendar on the chamber website at www.crestoniowachamber.com.

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. 11.

Hi-Five Honor

The following individuals and business received the Hi-Five Honor in September. Congratulations go out to Morgan Jackson of Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill, Austin Cox of Creston Wal-Mart Super Center and Green Valley Pest and Lawn Care. Congratulations to all of you.

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 ISSB Consumer Bank, 504 W. Taylor St./Hwy 34 West, as the Gold Star Business in September. They were nominated by a fellow Crestonian because of the appearance of their 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 1010 Crest Drive, 604 N. Birch St. and 1310 N. Cherry St.

These yards join the July honorees at 904 E. Howard St., 316 Russell Ave. and 1100 N. Sycamore St. and the June honorees at 409 Grand Ave., 400 N. Sumner Ave. and 501 N. Lincoln St. Keep up the good work everyone.

Thank you to Creston True Value, Creston Super Wal-Mart and Green Valley Pest and Lawn Care for co-sponsoring the Yards 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 and remember, Creston – “A great place to Visit, Work and call Home.”