COLUMN: July Happenings

It is hard to believe that it is almost the 4th of July. I just wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of a few things happening during the 10,000 Crestonians Celebration. The carnival will open July 1 at McKinley Park – please check schedule of events on the Chamber website for hours. On July 3, the Creston Service Clubs BBQ Bash (4 to 8 p.m.), Fridays After Five (5:08 to 7:08 p.m.) and the KSIB Car Show (6 to 8 p.m.) will all take place at McKinley Park.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Uptown Creston on the 4th. The parade will start at the corner of Pine and Mills and head south on Pine to Montgomery. Here the parade will turn west and continue on Montgomery to Division where it will turn South onto Adams. At Adams it will turn East and continue back to the Creston Livestock Market.

While Uptown for the parade, please remember the flea market on Maple Street, along with the Friends of the Library Book Fair in the mealsite and the Model Railroaders working in the Memorial Room of the depot. The caboose will be open until noon for people to walk through. If there are any weather concerns, please tune into KSIB Radio or the Chamber Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.

The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. at McKinley Park. Top Notch Fireworks will again be shooting the show.

In between these events, please remember that the historical village will be open and the Lions Club bingo will be going on out at McKinley Park along with the carnival. The VFW and Boy Scouts will be doing a flag retirement ceremony. The Creston Talent Show and Bill Riley Talent Show will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the park. With over 25 entries, it should be a great night at McKinley.

In addition to the events, food trucks will be at the park beginning at 4 p.m. and ASP will be there with their funnel cakes.

County Fair: The Union County Fair will take place at the fair grounds in Afton from July 17 to July 23. Please visit their website for a schedule of events and more information - www.unioncountyfairgrounds.com.

McKinley Park Festival and Jeep Fest: Please mark your calendars for the McKinley Park Festival to be held on July 26 at McKinley Park. Also joining the event again this year is Jeep Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (by the bear). These are both great, fun family events complete with food, games and much more.

Highlighting some other activities and events in July: The Creston Area Theatre Group will be presenting the “Beverly Hillbillies” at the Performing Arts Center on July 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and again on July 13 at 2:00 p.m. The Creston Farmers Market is held every Monday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at McKinley Park and the Union County Historical Village is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Also remember Fridays After Five at the Elks. Visit the Chamber website - www.crestoniowachamber.com - for more information on activities and events.

Iowa Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 1 and 3

The Iowa Sales Tax Holiday will take place on Aug. 1 and 2. This is an excellent opportunity to find “treasurers” at very reasonable prices and, in some cases, tax-free (articles priced under $100 on certain clothing and footwear). Shoppers of all ages could not ask for more.

P.S. The Library Legacy Committee will be sponsoring a treasure hunt on Aug. 2 around Creston – a great opportunity to shop and enjoy. Please contact the library for details. The Crush Cancer in Every Color Event will also be held on Aug. 2.

Hi- Five Honor

Congratulations to the following individuals for being honored with the Hi-Five for great customer service for July. They were Devin Waigand, Verizon; Abby Abel, Creston Walmart and Emily, McDonalds.

The Hi-Five allows us to recognize those who make doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience. Contact the Chamber to honor a business or individual with a Hi-Five.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored House of Pain – 103 North Elm - in Creston as the July Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated by their fellow Crestonians because of the appearance both inside and out of their building. Congratulations.

Please contact the Chamber to acknowledge a business property and tell us why you think this business should be a Gold Star Business.

June Honor Yards of the Month

The following yards were selected as the June Honor Yards of the Month.

Congratulations to 810 North Sycamore, 1311 North Cherry and 806 South Cherry.

Thank you to Creston Super Walmart Vision Center and Green Valley Pest Control & Lawn Care for co-sponsoring the Yards of the Month along with the Chamber. If you would like to nominate a yard please contact the Chamber.

Flowers around Creston

There are various groups of people that the Chamber would like to thank for agreeing to plant flowers, maintain and care for the flowerpots around town.

A big thank you goes out to the following businesses and individuals. Your help and assistance are greatly appreciated: Creston News Advertiser, EveryStep, Adams Street Espresso, ISSB Bank, Coen’s Furniture, Three Little Birds Marketplace, Thorne Ralston Properties, A & G Restaurant & Lounge, Dr. Brian Kinkade, Carroll Family Chiropractic, Northwest Bank, Our Town Realty, Bartlett Properties, House of Pain, Jesse Harris Apartments, American Home Design Center, Create Creston, Greens N’ Things, Tyler Insurance Services, Union County Court House, NAPA of Creston, Boyd Appliance Center, SIRHA, Shear Magic Styling Salon, Orr Heating and Air Conditioning, Union County Development Association, DHS Office, Southern Iowa Council of Governments, Wishing Well, Imagine the Possibilities, Connections Agency on Aging, City of Creston, MATURA/Headstart, Hot Air Brewing, Iowa Focus, Innovative Industries, Vernie’s Drapery Shop, Creston Chiropractic, Stalker Auto Group, First Interstate Bank, Kelly’s Flowers & Gifts, Jane Brown Physical Therapist, Hi-Crest Auto & United Super Wash, Quality Glass Company, Precision Optical Group and Green Accounting & Tax.

This is truly a community effort and shows what we can do when we work together. The Chamber certainly appreciates all of you who are so willing to help. Creston is better for it.

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