March 29, 2024

Balloon Days are almost here

September finds the 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 41st Annual Hot Air Balloon Days weekend to take place Sept. 14-16.

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 and Sunday, Sept. 15-16. 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 Mills and Chestnut by 10 a.m. Saturday 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 7:15 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and depending on the weather, also sometime after 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Creston uptown 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.

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 Days 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, located at 208 W. Taylor St., to make your purchase before the event or buy merchandise during the event.

Make your plans now to attend the 41st 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 Sept. 13, sponsored by Creston Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs. It is a great way to kick off the Balloon Days weekend.

Gibson Memorial Library will be sponsoring the Second Annual Cemetery Walk beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Calvary Cemetery.

The week of Sept. 17 will find Creston Community High School celebrating its annual homecoming with the parade to take place beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

For a 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 the 2018 Citizen of the Year; Volunteer of the Year and 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. 10.

Hi-Five Honor

The following individuals and business received the Hi-Five Honor in September. Congratulations go out to Southern Iowa Trolley, Andrew Bradley of Southwest Distributing, Brandon McDonald of Creston Hy-Vee, and Bailey and Blake Fry-Schnormeier. 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

The Chamber honored ISSB Bank, 401 W. Adams St., 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 308 S. Vine St., 506 Livingston Ave. and 1204 W. Prairie St.

These yards join the July honorees at 501 S. Elm St., 603 W. Montgomery St. and 103 E. Howard St. and the June Honorees at 400 New York Ave., 1718 W. Prairie St. and 508 S. Walnut 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."