Missouri Valley Chamber events for October
Don Harrold, Executive Editor
editor@enterprisepub.com
The Missouri Valley Chamber of Commerce has a full slate of events planned for October, including a candidate forum, a zombie walk, the annual children's Halloween parade and a trunk-or-treat, according to Jeannie Wortman of the chamber. "It's a lot for the end of October," Wortman said. "October has gotten much busier."
The chamber will hold its candidate forum 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Rand Community Center, 100 S. Fourth St. Wortman said invitations went out this week to candidates for county recorder, county treasurer, the board of supervisors and state representative for District 15. Candidates have until Oct. 16 to respond. "The only reason someone usually doesn't come is because they've either decided not to run, even though their name is going to be on the ballot, or they've already committed to something else," she said.
Wortman will welcome attendees, and hospital chaplain Connie McWilliams will serve as moderator. The forum is not a debate. Wortman said it follows specific rules, and she prepares a list of questions that is forwarded to candidates in advance. The forum was held before Wortman took her position with the chamber. She said the chamber has since tried to expand it by holding forums before both the May primary and the October general election.
The chamber's Eerie Zombie Walk is 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Participants will start in the Rand Center parking lot and make their way down Erie Street, stopping at participating businesses. Wortman said the list of businesses has not been finalized. The zombie walk is in about its fourth year.
The event is for adults 21 and older, and ID is required. The walk ends at the Eagles Club, which will have a band and a costume contest that night. Wortman said her committee will meet Monday to decide whether food will be provided. For more information, call the chamber at 712-642-2553.
The chamber's children's Halloween parade, which has been held for more than 40 years, is Thursday, Oct. 29. Children meet at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where costume judging runs from 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. The parade begins at 4:45 p.m. Three judges from local banks judge the costumes and award four places. State Farm Insurance provides prize packages, and winners also receive certificates.
The pep band leads the parade to the fire hall, where about a dozen volunteers serve 400 hot dogs and juice drinks to children and parents. "We serve those 400 hot dogs in 30 minutes," Wortman said. WCB began grilling the hot dogs last year. Before that, they were boiled in roasters.
The Knights of Columbus hand out Tootsie Rolls, and Wortman said she believes Azria Longview Health, a local nursing home, will provide popcorn. Free Watson Steam Train rides begin at 5:30 p.m. Wortman said the hospital plans to provide volunteers this year.
The chamber will judge Halloween decorating contests for businesses and for residents within city limits. Judging runs Oct. 19-27, and winners will be announced Oct. 28. Only storefront windows and building exteriors are judged. The judges are anonymous.
Both contests award $75 for first place, $50 for second and $35 for third. The top business also receives a traveling trophy. To enter, call the chamber at 712-642-2553 and leave a name, address and phone number.
The chamber's third annual trunk-or-treat is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in the Rand Center parking lot. Businesses and organizations decorate the back of a vehicle and hand out treats to children. Wortman said 10 vehicles are tentatively signed up. To reserve a space, contact Wortman at 712-642-2553. She said the trunk-or-treat and the zombie walk are among the events she started after taking her position.
The chamber and MidAmerican Energy will hold a Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at 1 Crossroads Place. The event includes a visit from Santa, treat bags, Christmas carols by Rick Powell, hot cider, hot cocoa and cookies. A Polar Express event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Sunrise Community Church, east of town, will hold a revival Oct. 2-4 with evangelist Bracken Sheldon. Services are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Wortman said Sheldon is not from the area, as far as she knows.
The hospital auxiliary will hold its annual wine-tasting fundraiser Oct. 15 at the Rand Center. The event is not a chamber event, but the chamber helps promote it. Deb Gokenhauer chairs the event committee. Wortman is assistant to the chair and brings in the wine vendors. Tickets are $20, and about 120 people usually attend. Proceeds fund scholarships. The local ministerial association, which includes area pastors, the hospital chaplain and members of local churches, also awards scholarships.
Wortman said the chamber's recent dock dog event went well. "The weather helped us tremendously," she said. "I think all of the promotion that we did at the schools made a big difference." Flyers went home with students at Missouri Valley, Logan and West Harrison schools this year. Wortman said the chamber may extend promotion to Blair next year.
This year's event also served as a wildcard event, allowing dog owners who missed other competitions during the year to earn points to advance. The longest jump was 28 feet. Wortman said the dogs are contracted for the same weekend next year.
