Creston Chamber of Commerce for November

November is a special month for the Creston Chamber of Commerce. It is our anniversary month. This year we are celebrating our 85th year. The Chamber could not have existed without the continued support of our members, friends and the Creston Community. It is only through this support that the Chamber will continue to grow and continue our mission of, “promoting and showcasing the community,” and at the same time be a, “leadership organization which helps to unify the community”, as we, “map a course for Creston’s future development.” Thank you to everyone.

This time of year also finds the Chamber busy finalizing plans for the upcoming holiday season. I will apologize to you now for doing this so early in the month, but this is when the Chamber column appears and doing it this way will give all of you time to make your plans for this special time.

It does seem hard to believe, but in less than a month we will be celebrating Thanksgiving and then a week later we will be celebrating the start of, “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays”. Below is a partial listing of what will be happening Dec. 5 through Dec. 23 in Creston. For a complete listing please stop by the Chamber Office for a calendar of events or visit our website at www.crestoniowachamber.com. We will also be highlighting many of the events on our Facebook Page, X and Instagram Accounts.

This years Lighted Christmas Parade will be held 7 p.m., Dec. 5. This is a fun event that any business, group, family or individual can participate. The only stipulations are that your entry needs to be lighted and have a Christmas theme. This year’s theme is Christmas Fun. If you would like to be involved please begin lining up on Mills and Walnut streets by 6:45 p.m. If you have any questions please contact the Chamber office. We would love to have you participate.

The parade will begin at the corner of Pine and Mills and head west on Mills to Elm Street. At Elm it will go south to Montgomery and at Montgomery it will turn west. At Montgomery and Division it will head south on Division to Adams Street where it will turn east on Adams Street going to Walnut Street.

Santa will be visiting the Depot the day of the Lighted Christmas Parade, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 5. The Friends of the Library will have their elves on hand to help Santa as well as serving free hot cider, hot chocolate and doughnut holes. The staff from Crossroads Behavioral Health Services, will be serving a soup supper in the Mealsite from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Also, on the night of the Lighted Christmas Parade there will be the Community Tree Lighting outside of the Depot at 6 p.m. and prior to that there will be SWCC Students performing for the public at 5:30 p.m.

During the, “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays”, the Festival of Trees will be held at American Home Design Center from Dec. 5 through Dec. 7. This is a great venue to walk through and view all of the wonderfully decorated trees and other holiday inspired creations. Silent bids will be taken during the event for individuals to purchase an item. The Festival of Trees is sponsored by the Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center and proceeds raised will go toward the organization.

On Dec. 7 Merry Marketplace will take place in Uptown Creston. Please visit their Facebook Page to see what is planned – www.facebook.com/merrymarketplace.

On Dec. 8, Santa will be coming to the Historical Village from 5 to 7 p.m. The public is invited to visit.

At 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 Crest Area Theatre Group will perform, “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play,” at the Performing Arts Center at SWCC. The public is invited to attend and enjoy.

The Tuba Christmas will also perform at the SWCC Instructional Center 4:30 p.m., Dec. 7.

Santa will again visit the Depot 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and the Creston Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) Bake Sale will be taking place in the Mealsite Area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There truly is, “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays.”

Planning for the Creston Holiday GiveAway 2024 (the ticket promotion) is ongoing. Please stay tuned for updates.

The Creston Chamber of Commerce will once again be sponsoring the 5th Annual 2024 Creston Holiday Decorating Contest for both homes and businesses in Creston.

Participants must live or be located within the city limits of Creston. To participate, please contact the Chamber with your name and address. The public is also invited to nominate a home or business to be included in the contest. Registration ends Tuesday, Dec. 3. The contest begins Thursday, Dec. 5 and ends Monday, Dec. 16. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Voters are asked to drive by all of the homes and businesses, preferably at night for the full effect, and vote one time only for your favorite. Please record your vote on the Chamber’s Facebook or Twitter page, or stop by, call, or email the Chamber.

Winning entries will be determined by public vote and $50 in Creston Bucks will be awarded to the residence with the most votes. A trophy will be awarded to the winning business entry.

For questions, please call the Chamber at 641-782-7021 or through email.

chamber-sec@crestoniowachamber.com or chamber@crestoniowachamber.com

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored Hazel Maries, 215 West Adams St., as the November Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations.

Hi-Five Honors

The following individuals received the Hi-Five Honor in October. Congratulations to Monica Scarpello, Community 1st Credit Union, Kristina Anderson, Family Vision Center, Amy Ricks, Family Vision Center, Holly Johns and Staff at Dollar Tree, Greg Hill, Creston Walmart, Era Seddon, New Horizon’s Family Enhancement Center, Garey Glade, Akin Building Center and Anna Tebbenkamp, McDonald’s. The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience.

Have a wonderful month and though it is a bit early we want to wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving.