10,000 Crestonians ready to celebrate

After the COVID-19 pandemic put the kibosh on celebrations and gatherings in 2020, Creston’s Chamber of Commerce Director Ellen Gerharz is excited to get the community back together for the 10,000 Crestonians 73rd Annual Fourth of July Celebration.

When asked what she’s most looking forward to this year, she said, “The Fourth of July, period.”

“Last year you would have thought I could just kick back and think, ‘Gosh, I can actually enjoy the fourth of July,” Gerharz said. But the event lacked the tradition she’s become accustomed to since she joined the chamber in 1999.

“Yes, I knew why were celebrating the Fourth of July but still, it wasn’t the Fourth of July.” said Gerharz.

This year’s Fourth of July gatherings might be celebrated slightly different than prior years, but many individuals are ready to celebrate with some air of normalcy.

“The only thing we are asking people is to be conscientious of the person next to them,” said Gerharz. “If they are in a mask, I think that’s wonderful. If they are not in a mask, I think that’s wonderful. If they seem to be hesitant to stand too close, allow everybody their space because everybody is at different levels of acceptance of what we are now living through. Everyone should be respected for where they stand.”

Without any pandemic-related regulations to enforce, new and non-traditional events have been added to the list of activities this week:

• Creston Arts is making its mark across town as its volunteers are chalking sidewalks during its annual “Chalk the Town” mural event. The Creston Arts Gallery inside the depot is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 1 and 3, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 4. Information is online at www.crestonarts.com.

• Veterans are invited to a free appreciation breakfast 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. July 2 at the depot meal site.

• Union County Historical Village volunteers welcome the public to peer into the 1800s as they check out buildings and relics from Union County’s yesteryear 1 to 4:30 p.m. July 2-4. A newly paved walkway will guide visitors from building to building, which include a Burlington Northern caboose, schoolhouse, depot, blacksmith shop, church, barn, print shop, museum and the Edaburn family home.

• Creston Community High School Wings & Things fundraiser at Crestmoor will feature live music and food. This event will help the CCHS band travel to Walt Disney World where it will perform.

• Josh Sinclair will perform 5 to 9 p.m. July 2 during Fridays After Five at Creston Elks Club. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to a local nonprofit. The Elks will also host its annual dance 8:30 p.m. to midnight July 3, and 4th of July cookout 11 a.m.

• Greater Regional Health Lake to Lake Greater 8 and 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. July 3 showcases McKinley and Green Valley lakes and its connecting trail to participants of all ages and abilities. A shuttle service is available for those who conquer the park to park route. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/Creston/Greater8and5K.

• MPAC is hosting a sand volleyball tournament 11 a.m. July 3 at the new sand volleyball court in Taylor Park. Participate for $60 per team of six or grab lunch at visiting food trucks.

• The 3rd Annual KSIB Cruise Night presented by Iowa State Savings Bank is 4 to 7 p.m. July 3 on West Adams Street in Uptown Creston. Enter a classic car into the car show 6 to 8 p.m. at Creston Automotive. All entrants will vote for the Best of Show Award to be announced at 8 p.m. Gary Bucklin will be playing the oldies on KSIB 101.3 FM from 6 to 8 p.m., too.

• Bibliophiles and book worms are invited to the Friends of the Library’s annual book fair 4 to 8 p.m. July 3 and 11 to 4 p.m. July 4 at the depot meal site. Sales benefit programming and delivery of services at Gibson Memorial Library.

• Learn about Creston’s railroad history at the caboose on West Adams Street. Visitors will be able to enter the caboose and see recent upgrades to the landscaping to make this the first parklet on West Adams Street.

• Flee Market featuring vendors will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on North Maple Street.

• Kids can find games, face painting and prizes at the Kiddie Carnival sponsored by Mommies of Angels 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4 on North Maple and West Adams streets.

• View Creston’s Model Railroad noon to 2:30 p.m. July 4 inside Creston’s depot.

• Creston’s Fourth of July Parade will take place 1 p.m. July 4 in Uptown. To participate, contact Creston Chamber of Commerce 641-782-7021.

• Creston Lions Club is hosting BINGO 3 to 9 p.m. July 4 at the shelter in McKinley Park. To play, BINGO cards are 50 cents per card.

• Skate for Awareness is hosting its annual skate competition 3 p.m. July 4 at McKinley Skate Park to bring awareness and support for mental health services and suicide prevention. Sign up from 2 to 3 p.m. Entry is free, but free-will donations are welcome. Prizes will be awarded.

• Pool at McKinley Park will be open 3:30 to 7 p.m. July 4.

• Union County Farm Bureau 2nd Annual Ag Olympics will be held 4 p.m. July 4 in the grass area south of McKinley Park, east of the Union County Historical Village. Gather a team of four members and compete against other teams as you make your way through a series of ag related obstacles. A trophy will be awarded to the winning team. Registration is $40 per team of four. For more info, contact Union County Farm Bureau at 641-782-7118 or Cain Goodenberger at 641-344-4738.

• Boy Scout Troop No. 129 and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post No. 1797 will hold a flag retirement ceremony 5:30 p.m. July 4 at the McKinley Park Band Shell.

• 10,000 Crestonians is hosting its annual talent show 6:30 p.m. July 4 at the McKinley Park Band Shell.

• Creston Shooters’ fireworks display will begin 9:30 p.m. July 4 over McKinley Lake.

For more information, contact Creston Chamber of Commerce, 641-782-7021.