Thank you veterans … and hello holidays!

Thank you veterans … and hello holidays!

Veterans Day has come and gone, but honoring our veterans should be so much more than an annual observance. Please, whenever you come across a veteran of America’s military – be it Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or the Reserves – give them a smile and say ‘Thank You.” I know enough veterans to know that such a simple gesture can mean a lot to them. Their commitment and sacrifice, whether it was serving overseas, at home, during wartime or in peace, has helped keep our country free and proud. Without them, this would be a very different world.

Speaking of Veterans, all Charles City area veterans (old and new alike) are invited to come to an informal gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6:15 p.m. in the Zastrow River Room of the public library. The purpose of this get-together is to gather your input and ideas on the future of our veterans’ organizations and activities in town. Whether you are interested in getting more involved, have ideas on how to improve our veterans offerings in the community, or just want to find out more information about what is available to you, please join us for a conversation and free refreshments. This event is being hosted by the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce at the request of some of our veterans and is intended to facilitate open communication as well as hopefully benefit our veterans and veterans’ organizations alike. There is no charge or commitment, and we will try and keep things to about an hour or so. We hope you will join us … and THANK YOU again for your service to your country!

••• The holidays are fast approaching and both the Chamber and Community Revitalization have been busy preparing for some of our annual holiday events and activities.

The Chamber’s annual “Elf-Fest” retail promotion will take place on Saturday, Nov. 28, starting at 9 a.m. To date there are 19 participating businesses, and the first 100 people through the door at the Chamber Office at 401 N. Main St. starting at 9 a.m. will receive a free swag bag with treats, coupons and more. This event coincides with Small Business Saturday and is a great way to check out the hometown shopping opportunities as well as to support your local businesses.

Charles City has a lot to offer, not only during the holidays but year round. Check it out … you might just be surprised!

The “North Pole Dreams Holiday Lighted Parade” is set for Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m.

in downtown Charles City.

All businesses, groups and individuals are invited to be a part of the fun with a parade entry. There is no fee, however all entries must be lighted.

Entry deadline is Nov. 30. For complete details contact the Community Revitalization Office or visit ccrevite.com. We had a tremendous turnout last year and are looking forward to another holiday treat!

Also on Dec. 4, after the parade, the Santa House will make its season debut. Santa and some of his elves will be available for children to visit with immediately after the parade, as well as from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 5, 12 and 19, as well as from 2-4 p.m.

on Sunday, Dec. 20. Kudos to the Charles City Rotary Club and artist Robin Macomber for helping to repair, reinforce and refresh the Santa House this year.

The annual Festival of Trees will return Nov. 27-Dec. 30.

Otto’s Oasis will once again play host to this special event, which not only shares the holiday spirit but also supports local non-profit organizations.

Any non-profit is welcome to decorate a tree in their own unique way to promote their organization. The public will then “vote” for its favorites by donating money into the containers beneath each tree.

All money donated will go to those specific non-profit groups.

Our annual Charles City Chamber/Community Revitalization/ Charles City Area Development Corp. Holiday Open House party will be on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 4-6 p.m.

at 401 N. Main St. Stop on in, meet the staff and Board members, and share in the holiday spirit.

Also mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 6, for the return of the Charles City Holiday Home Tour. Check out the unique holiday décor in at six different locations around town from 1-4 p.m., including the Festival of Trees where refreshments will be available.

Tickets are $10 in advance in $12 at the door the day of the event, and will be available soon at the Chamber Office and at Otto’s Oasis.

Want to share a holiday smile? The Chamber is again facilitating the Holiday Cheer program designed to link up families in need with businesses, groups, families or individuals who wish to give to others this holiday season. Families in need can now register at the Chamber Office, while anyone interested in assisting a family can stop in after Nov. 16 to select whichever application(s) they want.

Finally, while it’s not a Chamber of Community Revitalization event, some of you may remember the Holiday Train that has briefly stopped in Charles City in the past. That specially decorated train is scheduled to make a 15-minute stop again in town on Dec. 8, at 12:30 p.m. at the railroad depot located near the intersection of North Main and North Grand Ave. It’s free to see and in the past has included an appearance by Santa and caroling.

To learn more about any of the above events and activities, please call (641) 228-4234 or (641) 228-2335, email info@charlescitychamber.com, or visit the websites at charlescitychamber. com and ccrevite.com.

Mark Wicks

Community Development Director