COLUMN: Creston Chamber of Commerce

November is a special month for the Creston Chamber of Commerce. It is our 83rd anniversary this year. The Chamber could not have existed without the continued support of our members, friends and the Creston community. It is only through this support the chamber will continue to grow and continue our mission of, “promoting and showcasing the community,” and at the same time be a leadership organization which helps to unify the community as we map a course for Creston’s future development. Thank you to everyone.

This time of year also finds the chamber busy finalizing plans for the holiday season. I will apologize for doing this so early in the month, but this is when the chamber column appears and doing it this way will give all of you time to make your plans for this fun time.

In less than a month we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and then a week later we will be celebrating the start of, “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays.” Below is a partial listing of what will be happening Dec. 1-23 in Creston. For a complete listing please stop by the chamber office for a calendar of events or visit our website at www.crestoniowachamber.com. We will also be highlighting many of the events on our Facebook Page and Twitter.

This year’s Lighted Christmas Parade will be held 7 p.m. Dec. 1. This is a fun event that any business, group, family or individual can participate. The only stipulation is your entry needs to be lighted and have a Christmas theme. This year’s theme is Christmas Time. If you would like to be involved please begin lining up on Mills and Walnut by 6:45 p.m. If you have any questions please contact the chamber office.

The parade will begin at the corner of Pine and Mills and head west on Mills to Elm Street. At Elm it will go south to Montgomery and at Montgomery it will turn west. At Montgomery and Division it will head south on Division to Adams Street where it will turn east on Adams Street going to Walnut Street.

Santa will be visiting 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Depot the day of the parade. The Friends of the Library will have their elves to help Santa as well as serving free hot cider, hot chocolate and doughnut holes. The staff from Crossroads Behavioral Health Services, will be serving a soup supper in the Mealsite from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

There will be a community tree lghting outside of the Depot at 6 p.m.

During the, “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays,” the Festival of Trees will be held at American Home Design Center from Dec. 1-3. This is a great venue to walk through and view all of the wonderfully decorated trees and other holiday inspired creations. Silent bids will be taken during the event for individuals to purchase an item. The Festival of Trees is sponsored by the Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center and proceeds raised will go toward the organization.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 Crest Area Theatre Group will perform its annual holiday show including local talent at the Performing Arts Center at SWCC.

On Dec. 3 the Merry Marketplace will take place in Uptown Creston. Please visit their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/merrymarketplace.

Santa will again visit the Depot 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday Dec. 10. Creston Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) bake sale will be in the Meal site Area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuba Christmas will also perform at the SWCC Instructional Center at 4:30 p.m, Dec. 10.

The Creston High School and East Union FFA Chapters are sponsoring the Drive through December at the Union County Fairgrounds 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 11 and 18.

Planning for the Creston Holiday GiveAway 2022 ticket promotion is ongoing. Please stay tuned for updates.

The Creston Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the third annual Creston Holiday Decorating Contest for homes and businesses in Creston.

Winning entries will be determined by public vote and $50 in Creston Bucks will be awarded to the top display. A trophy will be awarded to the winning business entry.

Participants must live within the city limits. To participate, stop by or contact the chamber with name and address. You must register by Tuesday, Nov. 29. The contest is Thursday, Dec. 1 through Dec. 11. Winners will be announced Dec. 12.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored American Home Design Center, 101 North Walnut Street, as the November Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations.

Hi-Five Honors

The following individuals and business received the Hi-Five Honor in October. Congratulations to Lenz Heating & Cooling; Troy Howard, U.S. Cellular; Donna Vandel Walmart Super Center, Michael Schelhl, Highway 34 Casey’s. Trisha McDonald and Rhonda Ringsdorf, Stalker Auto Group. The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience.

Have a wonderful month and though it is a bit early we want to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.