COLUMN: June Creston Chamber of Commerce Happenings

The month of June is the kickoff to what will be a very busy summer in Creston – which is always an exciting time at the Chamber. The following is a partial list of some of the events that will be happening in our great community this month.

On June 14, the Creston Citywide Garage Sale will take place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The fun continues on June 28 with the Greater 8 and 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 and 8 a.m. and on June 29 the Sand Volleyball Tournament will start at 11 a.m. at Taylor Park.

In addition to these activities in June, the Creston Farmers Market opened for the season on Monday, June 2 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at McKinley Park and will continue on Mondays through August 25th.

You can also visit the Union County Historical Village, located in McKinley Park on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The village is open through Labor Day from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and is free to enjoy.

Also, Fridays After Five will take place every Friday through the summer from 5:08 to 7:08 p.m. at the Elks in Uptown Creston.

Chamber golf outing to be held June 20

The 28th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, June 20, at Crestmoor Golf Club. Two tee times are available. You can choose to tee off at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.

The entry fee for a team of four is $300. Included in your entry are 18 holes of golf, a cart, lunch and snacks plus a chance to win prizes. The tournament is based on four persons per team. However, more people may play on each team (only 4 at one time).

Line up your teams now and turn in the registration form by June 17. Forms can be picked up at the Chamber or calling the Chamber at (641) 782-7021 with your information.

Carnival comes to Creston

Beginning on June 16, pre-sale tickets/wristbands for the Amusement Associates Carnival coming to Creston from July 1 through July 6 during the 4th of July Celebration will go on sale. The tickets/wristbands will be available for purchase at the Chamber Office, Creston News Advertiser, Fareway and Hy-Vee through June 30 for $20.

They normally sell for $25 a wristband, and most rides take between three to five tickets if bought separately for $1 a ticket. These wristbands will be good for unlimited rides for 4 hours on the day of your choosing. There will be no refunds, no rain checks and height restrictions on rides may apply. The carnival will be set up on the west end of McKinley Park near the Union County Historical Village.

Celebrate with the 10,000 Crestonians

I know that it is still early in June, but the 10,000 Crestonians are busy making plans for the upcoming 77th 4th of July Celebration.

The theme for this year’s celebration and parade is, “Salute to America.” The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on July 4 in Uptown Creston. If you would like to be in the parade, please call the Chamber Office at (641) 782-7021 or email or text us to sign up if you wish to be judged. If not, please come to the parking lot at Creston Livestock Market to be included in the parade. Registration information will soon be going out.

This year, as part of the annual talent show at McKinley Park on the 4th, we will again have the Bill Riley Talent Show. Please contact the Chamber for registration information for one or both.

The fireworks show will be held on the 4th beginning at 9:30 p.m. at McKinley Park presented by Top Notch Fireworks.

As mentioned earlier we will have a Carnival this year for the public to enjoy. They will be open July 1 through July 3 from 4 to 10 p.m. On July 4 and 5 they will be open from noon to 10 p.m. The times on July 6 are TBD.

For a complete listing of times and activities for the 10,000 Crestonians 77th 4th of July Celebration, please go to the Chamber website at www.crestoniowachamber.com or stop by the Chamber Office and pick up a flyer. Also visit the Creston Chamber of Commerce Facebook, X and/or our Instagram accounts for more information on events and activities taking place.

2025 Yards of the Month and large flower pots around town

In June the Chamber begins honoring Yards of the Month in Creston. During June, July, August, September and October three houses will be honored each month, weather permitting. Each home selected will receive a gift from either Creston Walmart Vision Center, Green Valley Pest Control & Lawn Care or the Chamber. Please nominate a yard to be considered by the committee by contacting the Chamber with the address or the location.

Also, thank you to everyone around town who have planted and who maintain the large flower pots around town. They are looking great.

Hi-Five

The following business received the Hi-Five Honor in June. Congratulations to Casa de Oro.

The Hi-Five allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber congratulates the Union County Historical Village, 1600 South Stone Street, as the June Gold Star Honoree.

To acknowledge a business or an individual for either the Hi-Five or the Gold Star just contact the Chamber and tell us why you wish to nominate them.

Have a great month and remember, Creston - A great place to live, work and call home.

Ellen  Gerharz

Ellen Gerharz, executive director, Creston Chamber of Commerce

Ellen Gerharz is the executive director of the Creston Chamber of Commerce. She has held the role of the ED at Creston's Chamber of Commerce since July of 1999. The Creston Chamber of Commerce is located at 208 W. Taylor St., Creston, IA 50801. To reach the chamber, call 641-782-7021 or email chamber@crestoniowachamber.com.