40th Annual Eldon Gothic Days
June 11-13, 2010
Announcing the Fortieth
American Gothic Days Schedule of Events!
Eldon— June 11-13, 2010 marks the fortieth celebration of American Gothic Days in Eldon, Iowa. The slate of events includes some old favorites, such as Supper in the Park, Used Book Sale, Parade, Classic Car Show, Craft Show, Quilt Show and Raffle, Free Kids’ Games, Barbequed Chicken Dinner, Kids’ Pedal Pull, Cardboard Boat Races and Volleyball Tournament, as well as some more recent new comers, such as a 5K Walk and Run, Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers, Mud Run, American Gothic House Art Contest, Knock Out Basketball Tournament, Antique Appraiser Fair, Wine Tasting and an 18 Mile Bike Ride. Read on for more details!
FRIDAY, JUNE 11
Supper in the Park will be held Friday evening, June 11 from 5-7 pm at the “Rock” Island Park downtown. No need to make reservations, just show up and contribute to the free will donation. All proceeds benefit the Eldon Park projects.
SATURDAY, JUNE 12
Saturday, June 12 begins bright and early with a 5K Walk / Run beginning at the American Gothic House Center at 7:30 am. Registration will begin at 6:30 am. Registration is $18.00 ($15.00 if you register by June 3) and includes a t-shirt, a map of the route, medals for both men and women for first, second and third place winners for each age category and a trophy for the overall winner for men and women. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Kremer Funeral Home and Crossroad Graphics. Register for the event online at www.theamericangothichouse.net.
The Friends of the Library host their Used Book Sale again this year in the Library Basement from 9-11 am on Saturday, June 12. Come chose from a large selection of books and support the Library collection and projects at the same time.
Everyone congregates downtown for the Parade on Saturday morning, which begins at 10 am. Entries include many local business and organization floats. If you would like to be in the parade, contact Linda Pool at 652-3326. All entries are welcome and there is no cost to enter. Entries will be judged that morning with the winners announced during the parade. All entries will receive a participation ribbon and there will be a cash prize for first, second and third place. The parade will begin assembling on the street east of the Assembly of God Church at 9 am.
The Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers will be from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday, June 12 at Franklin Farms, which is 1.5 miles east of the Eldon Fairgrounds on Highway 16 and then .5 miles south at the Roger Franklin Farms. Come watch and see flight demonstrations of radio control float planes, sea planes, and land based airplanes. Check out their website at www.rchawk.com with a rain date of Sunday, June 13.
The Craft Show will be on display along the “Rock” Island Park downtown from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, June 12. If you would like to sign up for the Craft Show, contact Shirley Stacey at 652-3339 or 652-7510.
If you enjoy crafts, you might also enjoy the Quilt Show and Raffle at the KD Center from 10 am – 2:30 pm, with the drawing taking place for the Quilt Raffle at 2:30 pm. The Quilt was quilted by the “In Stitches Quilt Club” and donated to G.A.T.E. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to support G.A.T.E. sponsored activities.
Kids can take part in the Free Kids’ Games from 11 am – 1 pm at the KD Center.
The famous Barbequed Chicken Dinner will take place at the KD Center from 11:30 am – 1 pm, with hamburgers and side dishes available. You can also enjoy brats and hot dogs from the Pepsi Wagon or check out Cindy’s Cafe downtown.
The Rock Island Train Depot, McHaffey Opera House, and the American Gothic House Center will be open all weekend.
The American Gothic House Center will be open from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday for an open house and exhibit of the American Gothic House Art Contest. See what area amateur and professional artists can do when inspired by the same house that produced “American Gothic.” Art work will be on display Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13. First and second place winners for each division win a cash prize for a total amount of $300, the same amount won by Grant Wood when he submitted his painting and won the bronze medal at the 1930 Art Institute of Chicago art show. This event is sponsored by G.A.T.E. Register for the event online at www.theamericangothichouse.net.
The Kids’ Pedal Pull is here again for kids of all ages at the KD Center. There will be a trophy for first, second and third place winners. Registration begins on Saturday at 12 pm and the pedal pull begins at 12:30 pm. There is no charge to participate.
New this year will be a Pick Up Mud Run at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds at 1 pm. Gate charge is $7 for adults and $3 for kids 11 and under. Contact Wayne Hewitt at 682-8471 for more information.
For the older children there will be a Knock Out Basketball Tournament. The competition will take place from 1-3 pm at the KD Courts. Contact Dustin LaRue at 799-3638 with questions.
The Antique Appraiser Fair is back for the second year, and is styled after your favorite Antiques Road Show. It will be held on Saturday, June 12 from 1-4 pm at the Eldon Library Hall. Bring your favorite three items per person to be informally appraised by one of the following appraisers: Richard Alexander, a Certified Appraisers Guild of America member with specialties in Country Store Collectibles and Advertising Items, Robert Norman with specialties in Art Conservation and Restoration, and William Taylor with specialties in Coins and Currency, Military Collectibles and Small Antiques. Cost is $4 per item with a limit of three items per person. For more information contact Brenda Kremer at the Eldon Public Library at 652-7517. Proceeds will benefit the local P.E.O. chapter CG.
The fun and sometimes hilarious Cardboard Boat Races will take place at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Lagoon at 3:30 pm with registration beginning at 3:00 pm. Boats can only be made of cardboard, paint and duct tape. There are two classes: Children 14 & under and adults. Cash prizes will be awarded $75 for first, $40 for second and $25 for third place winners. For more information contact Shelley McKeever-White at 777-8822.
New this year will be a Wine Tasting event on Saturday, June 12 at the Eldon Depot. More details to come.
SUNDAY
American Gothic Bike Ride begins early Sunday morning with the third annual bike ride to Floris and back for 18 miles. For the adventurous and brave, continue on to the Highway 63 intersection before turning around for a 24 mile ride. The ride starts at 7:30 am on June 13, leaving from the American Gothic House Center. Registration is $18.00 ($15.00 if registered by June 3), and includes a t-shirt, a map and post-ride pizza. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Riverside Cyclery of Ottumwa. Register for the event online at www.theamericangothichouse.net.
The Volleyball Tournaments continue once again, so stop by the KD Center on Sunday, June 13 at 1 pm to encourage your favorite teams. For more information, contact Lori Franklin or Mel Ostrander.
Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon
What: 40th American Gothic Days
When: Friday-Sunday, June 11-13
Where: Eldon, IA 52554
Contacts: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net
Linda Durflinger, 641-799-5149
Shirley Stacey, 641-652-3339