Summer Activities Come To An End For Downtown
Local favorite Fatal Addiction closed out the 2018 Friday After Five season.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The fun of summer has drawn to a close in downtown Oskaloosa. Parents and students now have their attention on preparing for school, and fall sports.
Friday After Five, Thankful Thursdays, along with the Oskaloosa Municipal Band have shared their last official events. The Alley remains open for regular use, and still provides a shady spot to enjoy the warmth of the season.
Ann Brouwer and Sherry Vavra are two of the Alley KADTS who helped to spearhead the creation of ‘The Alley’.
Brouwer said that Thankful Thursdays was a way to partner with the Oskaloosa City Band, and enchance the Thursday night experience in downtown Oskaloosa.
During the year, a local business or group will sponsor the evening’s gathering, which often includes a music performance. “We’re just thrilled with the response,” said Brouwer.
“People just keep coming out,” said Vavra of the new tradition to Oskaloosa’s Thursday night activities. “As long as they keep coming out, we’ll keep doing it. We love it.”
“It’s been a ball,” said Brouwer of The Alley. “It’s worked out exactly the way we hoped it would.”
Bruce Peiffer has conducted the Oskaloosa Municipal (City) Band for the past 12 years.
Peiffer is a North Mahaska music teacher, and says that the traditional band concert has seen few changes over the years. “It’s been a really good year” said Peiffer.
Joining the band this year was several William Penn University students, “and that’s been great,” added Peiffer. “They’ve been just a lot of fun.”
Just before starting the final performance of the year, Pfeiffer reflected back to the first rehearsal of the year in late May, “I just dread this last night. It comes so fast. It’s the 10th concert.”
Peiffer says he enjoys working with the city band and those who participate. “It’s just so much fun, and they love doing it. And this atmosphere here,” added Peiffer as he looked around the square, “You can’t beat it.”
The historic Oskaloosa Municipal Band has enjoyed the leadership of many great conductors over the years, and Peiffer is one of those individuals who will be remembered for his time at the helm. “It is historic, and there are some big shoes to fill,” added Peiffer.
“It’s the culmination of my career as far as music goes,” added Peiffer of his time leading the band. “To be able to say I’m the director here, and voted in for next year, I hope to continue on even after I retire from teaching, if they’ll have me.”
“I like being a part of making Thursday night special in Oskaloosa,” said Peiffer.
On Friday night, Oskaloosa partied one last time for the year, when Fatal Addiction took the stage for the final Friday after Five for 2018.
Crystal Boender, who helps lead the Friday After Five committee, believes that the year has been “fantastic” because there were four events this year unlike three in years past. “We’ve had some great bands, great sales, and great weather.”
Oskaloosa Chamber Director Ann Smith explained that events like Friday After Five help to add to the quality of life for residents.
Smith thanked Boender for her efforts in making Friday After Five happen. “This is a great example of a leader, volunteering, giving back to the community.”
Boender and Smith were both feeling a sense of relief as the night and season were winding down. “Next year we can make it even bigger and better, as long as we have the volunteers and the help from the community,” said Boender.
Now Oskaloosa takes a quick breath, as the Oskaloosa Community Schools open their doors on the 2018-19 school year on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
