By SCOTT NILES Courier staff writer
June 10, 2007 10:29 pm
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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.
“The group of individuals that has made this happen, have made Iowa proud,” said Rep. John Whitaker, D-Hillsboro.
Brenda Kremer, one of the volunteers who has put countless hours and effort into making the visitor center a reality, said she has been amazed at everything.
“I’m very impressed with the turnout,” she said. “I think this will be a great thing for the city of Eldon.”
Kremer said on Friday that community spirit was high and that was evident at the town’s celebration on Saturday with the energy in the parade in the morning, hearty appetites for the barbecue after and then the dedication of the center. The town of Eldon came together to make this the best Gothic Days the public has seen yet.
And with the induction of the American Gothic House Visitor’s Center, many people believe it will continue to make the town an attraction and bring more people to the area.
“I think it will bring a lot of people in,” said Eldon native Arlouine Trent. “That is what everyone is hoping for.”
Kremer also said on Friday that she looks for the visitor center to give Eldon the economic boost it has needed for quite some time.
“I think this will continue us on the path to developing this city even more,” she said. “It is a great day for the city of Eldon.”
Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.
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