As full as last weekend was of holiday activities, this weekend is about the opposite. Many of us will enjoy attending the Nutcracker this weekend, but I suppose most of us will use this weekend to finish preparations for holiday gatherings, and purchase a few more gifts. If you’re in that second boat, I encourage you to spend some time on the Winterset square as part of your ‘last minute’ shopping. While the stock and inventory at the big box stores is getting more and more picked over, our local shops still have a huge variety of unique gifts to offer shoppers! PLUS, you’ll find the friendly customer service that is sometimes lacking in shopping experiences this time of year!
Thank you Sponsors! Click on ads to learn more.
This Weekend
The Nutcracker
December 17th-19th
Winterset Ballet
There are just a few tickets remaining for this classic holiday production being brought to us by Winterset Ballet and Dance!
Thank you Sponsors! Click on ads to learn more.
Coming Soon
Make a Mug Rug
Monday • December 20 • 6:00pm
Winterset Public Library
Adult patrons are invited to the Library on Monday to sew a Christmas piece that holds a mug and a snack! Materials and snacks provided.
Living Nativity
Tuesday & Wednesday • December 21st and 22nd • 6:00 – 8:00pm
First United Methodist Church at the Madison County Historical Complex
Celebrate the advent season and Christmas with this unique representation of the birth of the King. This will be the 30th annual Living Nativity event, created each year by the First United Methodist Church with the help of other community members (especially as the holy family!)
Follow the star to the Madison County Historical Museum Complex, where you’ll be greeted by the inn keeper, escorted by the shepherds, serenaded by the angels, and have the opportunity to observe the holy family and the baby Jesus. There is no admission charge and all are welcome.
This year, you can also enjoy a display of nativity sets and refreshments inside the museum lounge before or after your tour through the living nativity.
Monarch Habitat in the Home Garden & Landscape
Tuesday • December 21 • 6:00pm
Winterset Public Library
Declines in the number of monarch butterflies that began over two decades ago have led to increased interest in what Iowans can do to help. What have you done for butterflies and pollinators lately? What more could you do? What more should you do? These and other questions and issues will be explored by Dr. Donald Lewis, ISU Extension and Outreach Entomologist. Be sure to bring your insect-related observations, anecdotes, and questions for the Q&A.
Thank you Sponsors! Click on ads to learn more.
Pick-A-Date Events
Watercolor Exhibit
Winterset Art Center
Open every Wednesday – Saturday • 11:00am – 3:00pm • Through January 22
The Winterset Art Center is pleased to present the Iowa Watercolor Society Traveling Show. The exhibit is free of charge and open to the public each Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00am to 3:00pm, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Holiday Lights Display
Madison County Historical Complex
Every Night through December 31st
Madison County Courthouse Restoration
Legacy in Stone Auction
The Courthouse Restoration Project progress continues: scaffolding is down, cherry pickers rise to heights most of us wouldn’t want to attempt, and the ramps on the south side are taking shape. The Friends of the Madison County Courthouse are fund-raising for the second half of their $660,000 goal in order to receive an additional $330,000 from a Jeffris Family Foundation challenge grant.
Here’s how you can help:
A second online auction started recently and will end on Sunday, December 19, 2021. Additional unique-to-Madison-County items are included in the auction.
At this site, you can also learn more about the Courthouse Restoration Project, make a one-time donation, or pledge an amount to be paid over several years.
If you stop into the Madison County Chamber of Commerce (10 am – 3 pm Tuesday-Saturday) and give a donation of $25 or more by cash or check (made out to Friends of the Madison County Courthouse), you can choose one of Madison County’s historic tax ledger books to have for your very own. If your donation is $300 or more, you will also receive artist James Graham’s unframed sketch of the Courthouse.
If you need a refresher on the renovation plans, you can read all about it at www.MadisonCountyHistory.net.
It’s a GREAT day to be a Winterset Citizen—
Thank you for reading!
If you’re reading this post but it didn’t come to your inbox,
be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any more!
Forward this email to a friend who you think would enjoy being ‘in the know’ about community happenings!
Help thank our sponsors by patronizing their businesses!
All community announcements are provided at no charge, courtesy of our sponsors.
American State Bank
Anchored Walls
Ben Franklin
Covered Bridge Realty
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Homefront Real Estate
The Iowa Theater
Lowe Chiropractic Clinic
Madison County Health Care System
Madison County Historical Society
McGowen Hurst Clark Smith
Medicap Pharmacy
Midwest Heritage Bank
Montross Pharmacy
State Farm, Charlotte Speer
Union State Bank
Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio
Winterset Optimist Club
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department
