ELDON — It was a picture-perfect day for Eldon’s Gothic Days celebration on Saturday.

President of the Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon group Shirley Stacey said this weekend couldn’t have been nicer.

“The weather has been just great this year,” she said.

Despite drizzle for the past two years’ celebrations, the only thing the crowds had to put up with this year was the heat and sunshine.

“I think a lot more people turned out this year,” Stacey said.

David Hansel has lived in Eldon for two years and said he can definitely tell a noticeable difference in the size of the crowd this year.

“I think the visitor’s center opening has a lot to do with that,” he said, at the parade Saturday morning.

Hundreds of Eldon residents and citizens from surrounding communities joined the small town in their 26th celebration of the event that surrounds the famous art work of Grant Wood.

The American Gothic House Visitor’s Center had its official dedication on Saturday.

“Today is a day where we celebrate our art, our history and our sense of community,” said former Gov. Tom Vilsack, at the opening dedication.

Congressman Dave Loebsack said the town of Eldon was put on the map by a man who had a vision.

“When Grant Wood painted the ‘American Gothic’ he captured the city of Eldon and the ambiance of a small Iowa town,” he said.

Vilsack said the visitor’s center is a symbol of what a small group of individuals and a community can do if they work together for something.

“It’s really unbelievable,” he said.

Several of the speakers indicated that they believe the center will draw attention nationwide and attract folks from all over to come see the famous site.