September finds the Chamber of Commerce busy as usual with the help and assistance that we give to the Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Committee for the upcoming 46th Annual Hot Air Balloon Days Weekend to take place Sept. 20-22.
Weather permitting – fingers crossed after last year, Balloon Days kicks off with the Friday Fun Flight on Friday evening sometime after 5:30 p.m. They always hope to fly over Creston – weather and wind permitting. The actual balloon races will be held Sept 21, 22. 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 and enjoy.
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, Sept. 21 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 Mills and Chestnut on Sept. 21 by 10:15 a.m. to be included in the parade. Due to the construction taking place in Uptown Creston the Parade Route is still somewhat up in the air. Please stay tuned for updates.
Creston Community Schools will again sponsor an Evaluation Field Show for the bands held at Panther Field on the Creston Community High School Campus. It will begin at 1 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased at the gate. For more information about the show please contact Creston High School.
The Creston Uptown is the site of various activities for spectators of all ages on Saturday as well. The Flea Market, on Maple or Elm Street, and the expanded Craft Fair in the West Depot parking lot will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, local merchants will be open for your shopping pleasure during the day.
The tethered balloon rides (weather permitting) will again be back. Tethered balloon rides will be available at the airport for $20 per person on Saturday both in the morning beginning at 7:15 a.m. and again in the evening at 4:30 p.m. They will last approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
On Saturday afternoon you can head out 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. This year there will be a Bags Tournament beginning at 2:30 p.m. NightGlow, which will begin after the last flight at the airport, wraps up the Saturday activities. Again this year at the airport there will be RC (Radio Controlled) Hot Air Balloon Demonstrations beginning at 5 p.m.
A wide selection of food will be available both Uptown and at the airport for your culinary pleasures during the event.
Creston Arts will be sponsoring Chalk the Town on Friday, Sept. 20. If you would like to help or just watch, they will be chalking at the Art Center in Uptown Creston from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will take place at their new location within the Creston News Advertiser, 503 W. Adams, on Friday and Saturday.
Event Flyers listing all of the various activities are available at the Chamber Office or by visiting the Chamber web page at www.crestoniowachamber.com or by following the Chamber on Facebook, X or Instagram.
The balloon vommittee and the Creston High School FFA are selling the annual balloon T-shirts 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 Office located at 208 W. Taylor to make your purchase before the event for best size selection or buy merchandise during the event from the FFA.
Make your plans now to attend the 46th Annual Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days and see for yourself what Southwest Iowa has to offer.
Other activities taking place in Creston during September is the Annual Pork Chop Dinner sponsored by the Creston Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs 4:30 to 7 p.m., Sept. 19 at McKinley Park . It is a great way to kick off the balloon weekend. Tickets are available through any club member or at the Chamber Office.
For a complete listing of events taking place in Creston please check out the community calendar on the Chamber Website Home Page – www.crestoniowachamber.com
Nominations Are Needed
The Creston Chamber of Commerce and Creston News Advertiser are again seeking nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Youth Award. Nominating forms will appear in the paper during the month of September or you may send a brief letter to the Chamber office outlining why you think the individual you have nominated should be selected.
All nominations must be received at the Chamber Office no later than Oct. 8.
Image Enhancement Committee Yards of the Month
The Image Enhancement Committee would like to acknowledge and congratulate the following yards that were honored as the August Yards of the Month:
1206 W. Jefferson – 1206 N. Chestnut – 814 Golden Shore
Thank you to Creston Walmart Vision Clinic and Green Valley Pest Control & Lawn Care for co-sponsoring the Yards of the Month with the Chamber.
If you would like to nominate a yard to be considered by the Committee for September and October please contact the Chamber with the address.
Hi-Five Honorees
The following individuals and businesses received the Hi-Five Honor in September. Congratulations go out to Trisha Mitchell, Subway, Lucas Veatch, Fareway Meat & Grocery, Brenda Walker, Creston Specialty Care, John Proffitt, Cook Video & Appliance, Anson’s Bar & Grill, Mario’s Sports Bar & Grill, TJ Parson and the city of Creston Street Department Crew, J & J Plumbing, Heating & Cooling and Bomgaars. Congratulations to all of you.
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 Community 1st Credit Union, 205 East Taylor/Hwy 34 E. Creston as the Gold Star Business in September. They were nominated by a fellow Crestonian because of the appearance of their building and property. Congratulations.
One final thought for the month is that the Chamber has Creston Postcards for sale at the Chamber Office.
Have a great month and remember, Creston - A great place to Visit, Work and call Home.
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