Despite the corona virus obstacles, challenges, and rules, in the next four weeks, OCMS will host four events which will attract hundreds of participants to safely experience the Historic Downtown shops and restaurants, as well as other restaurants and stores. Some lucky people will also get a sneak peek at the Revelton Distilling Company, a destination with the potential of drawing thousands of people to Osceola each year.
In addition to events, the OCMS Total Resource Campaign (TRC) begins October 7th. This important function of some members of the OCMS Board, brings business membership and sponsorship funds to the organization. This money is used to promote and support Osceola events including the Fourth of July, Easter Egg Hunt, Golf Tournament, Latino Fest, Osceola Cruise-In, Wine, Beer and Spirits Walk, Holliday Brilliance/Shop Small, Restaurant Week, and Trunk or Treat.
Executive Director, Ashleigh Eckels, explains the importance of supporting OCMS, “Belonging to OCMS shows community support and provides avenues to cross-market and shape the community. We are a non-profit organization that relies heavily on volunteer and financial support from the community for its continual success and sustainability.”
Get ready, Osceola, company is coming. OCMS encourages businesses around the square to 'spring clean' and put their best foot forward. If you need resource contacts, please call the office.
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: Voices and Votes-Democracy in America (Oct. 15th-Nov 21)
Get ready, Osceola, company is coming. OCMS encourages businesses around the square to 'spring clean' and put their best foot forward. If you need resource contacts, please call the office.
In preparing for this unique and important exhibit, OCMS Staff and volunteer, Sara Rychnovsky organized and cleaned the former Robinson’s building. The iconic downtown building is ready to host an up-close look at American democracy, and the exhibit’s arrival comes immediately following the opening days of early voting. The wide-open spaces in the building offer plenty of room to roam through the various free-standing displays and experience the events that continue to impact democracy. The following excerpts from the Museum on Main Street website further explain the exhibit. Masks and social distancing will be required.
“When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence… They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans: Who has the right to vote, what are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens and whose voices will be heard?”
"The founders believed democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision as we continue to question how to form "a more perfect union. How do you participate as a citizen? From the revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story – the story of democracy in America." https://museumonmainstreet.org/VoicesVotes
Local displays include Mike Boldon’s extensive collection of presidential campaign buttons representing 100 years of voting and other campaign memorabilia; and political artifacts from the Clarke County Historical Society.
OCMS Staff hopes to hear from other locals who may have memorabilia to share.
Dine Local: Osceola Restaurant Week(s) Oct 16th-25th
Because restaurant dining is still restricted, Main Street Iowa did not schedule the traditional Restaurant Week. OCMS, however, will work with restaurants and promote this event within the community. More details to come.
Trunk or Treat morphs into Grab and Go (Oct. 30th 5:30-8:00)
Just after plans were modified and the letter about Trunk or Treat was sent to businesses, the Clarke County Public Health office sent a memo concerning the Iowa Department of Health’s recommendations about Halloween activities. Trunk or Treat events were declared unsafe because of the danger of large, crowd gatherings.
After discussions with city representatives, OCMS Staff settled on a 'Grab and Go' event which will allow students 4th grade and under to participate. With their parents, children will pick up a bag of goodies assembled by the Osceola Fire Department. Businesses will still participate by dropping off their goodies to OFD. Children may wear their costumes as they pick-up their bounty and return to vehicles. OCMS staff and volunteers will monitor tables without close contact with children. All participants are asked to wear Covid-style masks and practice social distancing.
Wine, Beer and Spirits Walk Tickets Going Fast (Nov 6, 5-7 or 6:30-8:30pm)
Within the first few hours of ticket sales, all 100 spots for the 6:30-8:30 time sold out, however; plenty of the 5-7pm tickets are available at the OCMS office or call and pay with credit card. 641-342-4200
Business Buzz
OCMS celebrated La Corona Mexican Restaurant's new location, with a ribbon cutting Thursday, October 1st.
Through October: Free Well-Woman exams at Clarke County Hospital. Must schedule. 641.342.2128
Through October: 18 Area Artists' Display-Lakeside Casino Events Lobby, sponsored by Clarke Area Arts Council
Oct 10: Paint with Me Workshop (Kids/Adults), (3-5pm) tickets $40. Your Sweet Pickins Venue
Oct 15: Retail Therapy -"Sip & Shop" Around the Square,
5-7 pm. www.facebook.com/events
Oct 18: Saint Bernard's Grab and Go fall dinner-must have reservation. 342-2850 leave message
Oct 27: Hybrid book discussion- Osceola Public Library, 6:30-8:30pm.
Home Delivered Hot Meals: Osceola Senior Center 641.342.6221
Mondays and Thursdays @ 5:30pm: Yoga @ United Methodist Church
Clarke County Farmer's Market: Through Oct. Tues. 3-6, Sat. 8-12. facebook.com/ClarkeCountyFarmersMarket/
Osceola Eagles: Bingo every Monday @ 6:30pm; dinner specials every Th/F/Sat 5-9pm
Sign up for the Monday Morning Update and stay In the Know. ocms@osceolaia.netor call 641-342-4200.