COLUMN: Creston Chamber of Commerce for November

By Ellen Gerharz

November is a special month for the Creston Chamber of Commerce. It is our anniversary month. This year we are celebrating our 84th 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 that 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 upcoming holiday season. I will apologize to you 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 special time.

It does seem hard to believe, but 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 Nov. 30 through Dec. 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, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

This year’s Lighted Christmas Parade will be held on Nov. 30 beginning at 7 p.m.This is a fun event that any business, group, family or individual can participate.The only stipulations are that your entry needs to be lighted and have a Christmas theme. This year’s theme is Christmas Fun. If you would like to be involved please begin lining up on Mills and Walnut streets by 6:45 p.m. If you have any questions please contact the chamber office. We would love to have you participate.

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 the Restored Depot from 5 p.m. to 7. The Friends of the Library will have their elves on hand 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.

Also on the night of the Lighted Christmas Parade there will be a Community Tree Lighting 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 Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. 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.

On Dec. 2 the Merry Marketplace will take place in Uptown Creston. Please visit their Facebook Page to see what is planned – www.facebook.com/merrymarketplace.

On Dec. 3, Santa will be coming to the Historical Village from 5 to 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to visit.

On Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and again on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Crest Area Theatre Group will perform “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some)” at the Performing Arts Center at SWCC. The public is invited to attend and enjoy.

Santa will again visit the Depot on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the model railroaders will be working. Also on the 9th the Creston Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) Bake Sale will be taking place in the Mealsite Area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Tuba Christmas will also perform at the SWCC Instructional Center on the 9th beginning at 4:30 p.m.

There truly is “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays.”

Planning for the Creston Holiday Give Away 2023 (the ticket promotion) is ongoing. Please stay tuned for updates.

The Creston Chamber of Commerce will once again be sponsoring the 4th Annual 2023 Creston Holiday Decorating Contest for both 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 of Creston. To participate, please contact the Chamber with you name and address. You must register by Tuesday, Nov.28. The contest begins Thursday, Nov. 30 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 10. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored Crill Real Estate, 705 New York Avenue, 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 individual received the Hi-Five Honor in October. Congratulations to Jenna Moore, USPS. 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.