September Chamber of Commerce happenings
Balloon days are coming:
September finds the Chamber of Commerce busier than ever. This is due in large part to the help and assistance the Chamber gives to the Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee for the upcoming 33rd Annual Hot Air Balloon Races Weekend to be held Sept. 17 to 19. Last year was FANTASTIC, and we are hoping for the same this year.
Weather permitting, Balloon Days kicks off with a fun flight of many of the balloonists on Friday evening sometime after 5 p.m. The balloon races will be held 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 up to the airport to watch them take off. This year finds more than 50 balloonists scheduled to participate, which will only add to the event for spectators, as well as participants.
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. Please come to the corner of Howard and Chestnut on the 18th by 10 a.m. to be included in the parade.
On Sept. 18, the Creston Hot Air Balloon Days Show and Shine Car Show will be noon to 4 p.m. in the Iowa State Savings Bank parking lot located at 602 Sheldon Ave.
The Creston Uptown is the site of various activities for spectators of all ages on Saturday, as well. The flea market will be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the craft fair around the Depot will run 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, local merchants will be open for your shopping pleasure during the day.
On Saturday afternoon, you can head up 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. New this year will be the Creston Volunteer Firemen water fight. The Creston Volunteer Firemen are inviting volunteer departments from around the area to participate in a water fight. The fun begins at 1 p.m. at the airport. NightGlow, which will begin at dusk at the airport, wraps up the Saturday activities.
A wide selection of food will be available both Uptown and at the airport for your culinary pleasures during the event.
Brochures listing all activities are available at the Chamber or by visiting the Chamber web page at www.crestoniowachamber.com.
The Balloon Committee and CHS junior class parents are selling the annual balloon T-shirts, sweatshirts and pins. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show your support for the event, as well as market Creston all year long. You can stop by the Chamber at 208 W. Taylor St. to make your purchase before the event or buy merchandise during the event.
Make your plans now to attend the 33rd Annual Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days and see for yourself what southwest Iowa has to offer.
Nominations are needed for Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Youth Award:
Creston Chamber of Commerce and Creston News Advertiser are again seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Youth Award. Nominating forms will appear in the paper during the month of September or you may send a brief letter to the Chamber outlining why you think the individual you have nominated should be selected.
All nominations must be received at the Chamber no later than Oct. 6.
Hi-Five Honor:
The following individual received the Hi-Five Honor in September. Congratulations go out to Melinda Mackey of Creston Radio.
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 Cornerstone Financial Group this month as the September Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated by fellow Crestonians because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations.
August Honor Yards of the Month:
The following yards were selected as the August Honor Yards of the Month. Congratulations to 904 E. Howard St., 511 Wyoming Ave. and 912 N. Sycamore St. These yards join the June honorees at 1002 N. Spruce St., 1415 N. Elm St. and 810 N. Sycamore St., and the July honorees at 201 W. Page, 1204 N. Birch St. and 1204 W. Prairie St. Keep up the good work everyone.
Congratulations to the area at the GRMC Gazebo in the Kuhl Arboretum for being honored as the August Honor Area of the Month.
Congratulations also to First National Bank for your great looking flowerpots at 101 W. Adams St.
Please call the Chamber to honor a business, individual, flowerpot or yard with any of the above honors for September.
Have a great month.
