Oskaloosa Receives Top Award at Main Street Iowa Awards Celebration
Oskaloosa community members receiving the ‘Signature Project of the Year’ Award from Main Street Iowa. (photo provided)
Main Street Iowa hosted the 31st annual Main Street Iowa Awards Celebration on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. The program honored the efforts of those who work day in and day out in downtown revitalization in Iowa. The event was attended by approximately 550 individuals representing communities across the state.
Oskaloosa Main Street received special recognition with the top state award: ‘Signature Project of the Year’ and also honored Sherry Vavra as Oskaloosa’s Volunteer of the Year.
Main Street Iowa has annually presented awards honoring outstanding accomplishments, activities and people that are making a difference in Iowa’s Main Street districts. Projects large and small are recognized and serve as outstanding examples of what historic commercial district revitalization is all about.
Fifteen projects and activities occurring in local Main Street communities were selected to be recognized from the 160 competitive nominations submitted. The honors were presented by Governor Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
“2016 was an outstanding year in Oskaloosa,” announced Jim Engle with Main Street Iowa. Perhaps the most visual transformation was of “The Alley” from an unwelcoming, unused, littered passage way; to an eclectic community gathering space complete with seating, lighting, landscaping, history and art. The Alley was planned by the Alley KADTS – who partnered with Main Street Oskaloosa.
By creating a space where events happen and people share, the project taught Oskaloosa that a small group of volunteers can make a big difference. It has been a boon to a remarkable cross-section of the community–with events, gatherings, peaceful sanctuary, art and history, and a plethora of opportunities.
One of the ways in which the alley was funded represents another creative success. A group of local women had a dream. The Golden Goose is a group of 106 and growing women that donate $100 quarterly for community projects. That is more than $10,000 each quarter! They meet and vote on the most worthy projects. To date, Golden Goose has helped fund the alley improvements, Christmas décor, movies in the park and other impressive projects.
But, there is more…thanks to contributions from the Organization, Promotion and Seasonal Decorations committees, a very successful fund raiser….Christmas in July was launched. The group hoped to create a fun summer atmosphere with twinkling lights and also raise money to do something special for their town… to ‘put Oskaloosa on the map’. The effort quickly turned into a town movement resulting in the illumination of the entire square….Painting with Lights!
There was something for everyone; kids, families, teens, twenty-somethings, and seniors: all experienced the fun of Christmas themed festivities amidst the glow of truly awe-inspiring lights. The project is scheduled to return annually and be bigger and brighter in future years. The tourism generated by the lights and their unveiling at the 29th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade did indeed bring people from all over the state.
The strong relationship between Main Street and the City was the bedrock of the success. The city donated their support and staff time on a multitude of projects for set up and tear down, electrical assistance, building assistance and 24/7 on-call help for events.
Engle stated, “Oskaloosa is a shining example of what one town can achieve by way of progress, community pride, and architectural design when multiple organizations work together to achieve a common goal.”
For more information on Main Street Oskaloosa, contact Karen Hafner at 641.672.2591 or visit her at the Chamber/Main Street office at 222 1st Ave. East in Oskaloosa.
