COLUMN: Creston Chamber of Commerce December

Hello All. I want to begin this month by highlighting some of the events and activities taking place during “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays.” I also want to take this opportunity to thank the many people who are involved with all that is happening. It is not just one or two groups, but many volunteers and organizations in and around Creston who care about our community. Your time, effort and talents are very much appreciated. Thank you everyone.

December 5

Festival of Trees 9 a.m. until after the parade American Home Design Center

Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Depot 5 to 7 p.m., Friends of the Library Cider, Hot Chocolate and Donut Holes Served in the Depot Model Railroaders Working at the Depot 4:30 p.m. to close

Creston Arts: Gallery Open at the Depot 4:30 p.m. to close

Crossroads Soup Supper at the Depot 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

ASP Funnel Cakes ISSB Bank Drive Thru Uptown 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Community Tree Lighting & SWCC Singers Outside of the Depot 5:30 p.m.

Creston Community Arts Center Open 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Lighted Christmas Parade, 7 p.m.

Uptown Creston ISSB Bank Holiday Jazz Open House, following the Parade, ISSB Bank Uptown Location

December 6

Festival of Trees 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. American Home Design Center

Crest Area Theatre Presents “It’s a Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play” (www.facebook.com/CrestAreaTheatre) 7 p.m. SWCC Performing Arts Theatre

December 7

Festival of Trees 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. American Home Design Center

Quilt Raffle Drawing Noon American Home Design Center

Merry Marketplace (www.facebook.com/merrymarketplace) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Uptown Creston

Holly & Ivy Home Tour 4 to 6 p.m.

Tuba Christmas (for time & details contact w_sick@swcciowa.edu) 4:30 p.m. SWCC Instructional Center

Crest Area Theatre Presents It’s a Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play (www.facebook.com/CrestAreaTheatre) 7 p.m. SWCC Performing Arts Theatre

The Creston Activities Booster Club Holiday Trivia Night 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at the Eagles.

December 8

Crest Area Theatre Presents “It’s a Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play” (www.facebook.com/CrestAreaTheatre) 2 p.m.

Santa & Mrs. Claus Coming to the Historical Village 5 to 7 p.m.

December 14

Creston Animal Rescue Effort Bake Sale (C.A.R.E.) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Restored Depot

Santa at the Depot 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Restored Depot

December 19

Spotlight Holidazzle Performance, 6 p.m. Creston High School

December 20

Friends of the Library Bake Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gibson Memorial Library

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

Also I would be remiss if I did not mention that while you are out and about enjoying all of the happenings that you remember our various businesses that are waiting to welcome you during the holidays. Please show our Creston merchants your support.

5th Annual 2024 Creston Holiday Decorating Contest for both homes and businesses in Creston

The Decorating Contest will run from Dec. 5 through Dec. 16. For a list of homes and businesses participating please visit the Chamber Facebook and X sites or stop by the Chamber Office for a list of participants.

Creston Bucks Makes Holiday Shopping Easier

I pass along an idea to make your holiday shopping a little easier and less time consuming. The idea - purchase Creston Bucks at the Chamber Office. They are similar to a gift certificate, except that they can be spent at most Chamber business that the person receiving them wishes.

Anyone can come into the Chamber of Commerce office to buy Creston Bucks. The Creston Bucks can be purchased in increments of $5, $10 and $20, and there is no fee for this service.

Creston Bucks can also be personalized to say something like “Compliments of XYZ Company” or “Merry Christmas Todd from Joe and Rhonda.” If you would like your Creston Bucks personalized we would appreciate knowing a day in advance in order to give us time to produce the custom made Creston Bucks.

Remember, when you purchase Creston Bucks you are keeping the money right here in Creston. Creston Bucks are a great way for everyone to support Creston.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored Hair House – 110 North Oak in Creston, as the December Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations.

December Hi-Fives For Great Customer Service

The following received the Hi-Five Honor in December. Congratulations to the Staff at Taco John’s and Robyn Hulse, McDonald’s. Job well done.

Remember to contact the Chamber with your Hi-Five or Gold Star Honoree.

Last, but certainly not least, we at the Chamber Office would like to extend our wishes to all of you for a safe and happy holiday season and thank everyone for their support during 2024.

We look forward to working with you in 2025 - Creston a Great Place to Visit, Work and Call Home.

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