Creston Chamber of Commerce for September

September finds the Chamber of Commerce busy as usual with the help and assistance that we give to the Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee for the upcoming 45th Annual Hot Air Balloon Days Sept. 15-17.

Fingers crossed after last year, Balloon Days kicks off with the Friday Fun Flight sponsored by Wellman Dynamics sometime after 5:30 p.m. They always hope to fly over Creston – weather and wind permitting. The actual balloon races will be held on 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 to the airport.

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. Come to the corner of Mills and Chestnut Saturday by 10:15 a.m. to be included in the parade.

Creston Community Schools will sponsor an evaluation field show for the bands held at Panther Field on the Creston Community High School Campus. It will begin at 1 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the gate. For more information please contact Creston High School.

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 expanded craft fair in the West Depot parking lot will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, local merchants will be open.

The tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) will again be back. Tethered balloon rides will be available at the airport for $20 per person on Saturday. They will last approximately 4 to 5 minutes. If possible (weather) they will take place starting sometime after 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

On Saturday afternoon you can head 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 after the last flight at the airport, wraps up the Saturday activities. A new addition to the activities at the airport will be RC (Radio Controlled) hot air balloon demonstrations beginning at 5 p.m.

A wide selection of food will be available Uptown and at the airport.

The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will be at the Pantry Event Center, 417 Wyoming, on Friday and Saturday.

Event flyers listing all of the various activities are available at the Chamber office or by visiting the Chamber webpage at www.crestoniowachamber.com or by following the Chamber on Facebook or Twitter.

The balloon committee and the Creston High School FFA are selling the annual balloon T-shirts, sweatshirts and pins. This is an excellent opportunity 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 from the FFA.

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. 14. It is a great way to kick off the balloon weekend. Tickets are available through any club member or at the Chamber Office. Creston High School homecoming activities will be the week of Sept. 17

For a complete listing of events taking place in Creston please check out the community calendar on the Chamber Website Home Page – www.crestoniowachamber.com

Nominations Are Needed

The Creston Chamber of Commerce and Creston News Advertiser are again seeking nominations for the 2023 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. 9.

August Honor Yards of the Month

The Image Enhancement Committee would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following yards that were honored as the August Yards of the Month:

807 North Spruce – 1102 East Howard - 606 North Mulberry

These yards join the July Honorees at 1205 Clayton Road, 912 North Sycamore, 405 South Division and the June Honorees at 1100 Hillcrest Drive; 404 West Fremont and 410 North Mulberry.

Thank you and Keep up the good work everyone.

Thank you to Creston Walmart Vision Center and Green Valley Pest & Lawn Care for co-sponsoring with the Chamber. If you would like to nominate a yard to be considered by the Committee please contact the Chamber with the address.

Hi-Five Honors

The following individuals received the Hi-Five Honor in September. Congratulations go to Dave and Jean Travis, Travis Auto and Truck; Teresa Williamson, Fareway Meat & Groceries; Ashley Bird, Fareway Meat & Groceries; Brian Davis, Creston HyVee; Daniel Scarpello, Creston Walmart Super Center; Michelle Knapp, Taco John’s; Steve Osmun, Creston Walmart Super Center; Jennifer Webb, Creston HyVee; Curt Angell, Kinetic by Windstream and Monica Young, Creston News Advertiser. 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 Beggin” for an Eggin’, 509 West Taylor/Highway 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.

One final thought for the month is that the Chamber has Creston Postcards for sale at the Chamber Office.

Have a great month and remember, Creston - A great place to Visit, Work and call Home.