Since the inception of the Winterset Citizen, our main focus has been to provide a positive source of information about community happenings. Thanks to the support of our sponsors (check out the list and tell them thanks!), for the past seven years we’ve been able to continue offering an outlet where our local non-profits could share information about their events at no charge, and wonderful citizens like yourselves could have a ‘one-stop shop’ to learn about all of the wonderful opportunities that happen in our community on a regular basis.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the look of our weekly posts quite a bit since many of the regular events that we would share have been cancelled or postponed. However, as we’re all finding a ‘new way forward’ it’s been wonderful to see the creativity of our local organizations as they strive to continue providing opportunities for citizens of all ages to be engaged in our community. We especially love the focus on providing family-centered activities since that’s what got us hooked at the outset.

So, we hope you’re still enjoying reading the Winterset Citizen because we’re still having a great time writing it! Think about who else might enjoy a streamlined account of the many opportunities available to us in our community. Are you thinking of a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, a fellow ‘soccer mom’? Now, share this with them! If you get this in your inbox each month, just forward it and say, “you should subscribe to this!” If you see us on Facebook, share the post in a message or tag them in a comment. (If you don’t get this in your inbox, then YOU should subscribe, too. You don’t want to miss anything!)

Just like the past seven years, this post is full of multiple opportunities for fun in our beautiful town, and we hope you enjoy taking part in some or all of them! We’ll see you around 🙂

Community Updates

Lots of news from the Iowa Quilt Museum

Man Made Scavenger Hunt & Airing of the Quilts

Last week we brought you word of the Winterset of Wheels map available at in the ‘Free Little Libraries’. If you missed it, check out last week’s post for a way to explore some Winterset history and culture this summer. And if you snap a picture and email it to us (TheWintersetCitizen@gmail.com) or post it to our Facebook page, you could win a prize!

This week, the Iowa Quilt Museum is sharing some fun ideas for families. The first bit of news is that children can receive free admission to the museum through the month of June when accompanied with a paid adult. So, grab the kids (or grandkids) and head out to see this local attraction while their Man Made exhibit is still on display. This exhibit of quilts made by men was first installed while the IQM was closed and now that the museum is open, it will be on display through Sunday, July 5th.

The Iowa Quilt Museum has created this fun Search & Find activity for kids to use while they’re viewing the exhibit. The image below is just a preview; you can download the whole thing and print it off here or you pick one up one when you visit. They are currently open from 10:00 – 3:00 Monday through Saturday and 12:00 – 4:00 on Sundays. They are offering appointments for visitors who are in a higher risk category for COVID-19. Find out all of the details for visiting the IQM at their website. And just like with the W.O.W. map, snap a picture while you’re at the Iowa Quilt Museum, email it to us (TheWintersetCitizen@gmail.com) or post it to our Facebook Page and you can win a prize!

The Iowa Quilt Museum is also forging ahead with their annual event, the Madison County Airing of the Quilts. In its third year, this community-wide quilt show celebrates both beautiful quilts and the beauty and history of Winterset and Madison County. Quilts will be on display in over a dozen locations around our community including the courthouse, Monumental Park, City Park, and four of the covered bridges.

Tickets for this event are $20 and are available through the event website. Once you purchase a ticket, you’ll be emailed a printable ‘ticket’ that includes a map of all of the display locations. This event has become a unique draw for quilters and other visitors to the area and a main source of financial support for the Iowa Quilt Museum. In past years, the event has concluded with a live quilt auction fundraiser. In lieu of an in-person event, they’ve moved their auction online this year. There are nearly twenty items in the auction catalog which can be viewed here.

Since installing their current exhibit, Man Made, in mid-April, the IQM has been doing regular online/virtual events. After a little break, they’ll be back with another online meet-up on Wednesday, June 17th. This time they’ll be chatting with Ricky Tims, one of the most well-known quilters in the industry right now. You can find all of the details for how to join the online meeting on the Iowa Quilt Museum website.

Playing this month at The Iowa

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

For the time being, the Iowa Theater is playing “Way Back Wednesday” movies three nights a week. Soon, there will be some new movies to show, but for now enjoy some classics!