The Lights Are On With A Fresh Coat Of Paint

The Alley Kats project continues to move forward. Official opening is scheduled for July 16, 2016.

Alley Kats working to finish community gathering point.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Alley Kats are in the middle of making the alley directly west of Chief Mahaska into a community destination.

The lights have been strung and are drawing onlookers at night. The security cameras are in place, and this past week, some fresh paint on alley doors helped to brighten up the space.

Theresa Grahek, one of the people behind the project, was busy brushing on white paint onto the alley doors, preparing those spaces for artists to decorate. “We kind of look at it like a traveling exhibit. Every year we have new artists come in and do their thing”, explained Grahek.

The group is looking forward to July 7th as a soft opening date for the space, which is slated to officially open on July 16th.

‘What Women Want’ will be the first programmed activity for the Alley. Items like essential oils, unique make-up and instruction on yoga are but a few of the things planned for that inaugural event.

The second event, later in the evening will be geared towards men, with ‘What Men Want’, which will feature craft beer and brats.

“We are so excited”, said a smiling Grahek, who says that the funds for the project are secured and in place.

Kids’ events will also be taking place during the opening day.

Organizations like ‘The Golden Goose Club’ and MCCF have been “extremely supportive” of the project explained Grahek. “Everyone has kind of backed us because they see the value to the community”.