Weekend in Winterset • October 9

Tonight

The Addams Family

Thursday • October 9 • 7:00pm
Throwback Thursday at The Iowa Theater

If you’re a fan of the recent Wednesday series…time to go back and see where the macabre family got their silver screen start!

When a man claiming to be Fester, the missing brother of Gomez Addams, arrives at the Addams’ home, the family is thrilled. However, Morticia begins to suspect the man is a fraud since he cannot recall details of Fester’s life. With the help of lawyer Tully Alford, Fester manages to get the Addams clan evicted from their home. Gomez realizes the two men are conspiring to swindle the Addams fortune and that he must challenge Fester. 1991, PG-13, 1 hr 39 min


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This Weekend!

Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

Saturday • October 11 • 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday • October 12 • 9:00am – 3:00pm

If you haven’t heard the news yet, the festival hours are changing a bit and I think it’s an excellent adjustment. The festival will stay open until 7:00 on Saturday and close at 3:00 on Sunday before the parade.

Parade Route Change

Another change—due to the major road construction happening around town—is parade route. Parade participants will line up at the Winterset Aquatic Center starting at 2:00 pm, and the parade will get underway at 3:00 pm. The parade will head east on Jefferson Street then south on 7th Ave, before turning east on Court Avenue. It will then turn south on 2nd Ave before heading east on Washington Street, north on 4th Street, then east on Court Avenue again before ending past the City Park Campground.

Performances at The Iowa

A unique event at this year’s covered bridge festival is an abridged concert-style performance of music from The Bridges of Madison County musical. There will be four performances over the course of the festival—Saturday at 1:00 and 3:00pm, and Sunday at 12:00 and 2:00.

Starring as Francesca is Christine Hope, a Carbonell Award–nominated actress and singer whose career spans Off-Broadway, national tours, and regional theatre, as well as recording, commercial, and television work. Known for bringing a compellingly human presence to roles that balance emotional intelligence and vulnerability, Hope is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

She will be joined by a talented cast, including Whit Ellsworth (Robert), Jason Stolte (Bud), Tori Clausen (Caroline), Zach Jordan (Michael), and Megan Barrett (Route 21 “Lady”). Live music will be performed by Sonya Siebert (piano), Judy Woody and Graham Barrett (violin), Katy Schmitt (cello), and Megan Barrett (guitar).

Whether you’re a fan of live live theater and music, or will just enjoy a short break from the festival to rest your legs, this will be a really enjoyable addition to the festival.

At 11:00 on Saturday, Rachael Waller, daughter of Robert James Waller, the author of The Bridges of Madison County, will share stories about the book and its creation.

Kid Zone + Changing/Nursing Facilities

The Kid Zone is always a popular part of the festival. The location has changed to West Jefferson between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave (west of the square) but the fun is still the same. The Kid Zone will have the ever-popular corn box, face painting, water painting, sidewalk chalk, and other free games and activities. And just around the corner, Graham’s Game Café will be open at 11:00 each day. Kids 10 and up can come and go on their own once a waiver is signed by parents.

Adjacent to the Kid Zone, inside Madison County Music Co., families with small children can take advantage of complimentary changing/nursing rooms. There are also changing tables in the restrooms at The Warehouse on 2nd/Graham’s Game Café.

Outdoor Stage Entertainment

Now that construction on the courthouse has been completed, the outdoor entertainment is returning to the south side of the courthouse! A brand new stage has been constructed and the lineup of performers is top notch, including headliners the Other Brothers who will be playing into the evening hours on Saturday.

Other “Must Do” Festival Activities

History on the Hill

Head to the Madison County Historical Complex for horse and wagon rides, a Civil War camp and skirmishes, and Saturday evening s’mores and popcorn event.

Rotary Bridge Tours

Purchase a ticket at the Rotary booth on South 1st Ave then enjoy a guided tour to three of the famed bridges!

Car Show

This Sunday-only attraction takes place in the ‘big field’ south of the old High School (west of the elementary school).

Firehouse Pancake Breakfast

Saturday and Sunday mornings!

Iowa Quilt Museum

The Iowa Quilt Museum is open during the festival and they have an amazing exhibit on display right now. For just a few dollars more, you can enjoy a beautiful display of historic indigo and white quilts.

Shopping and Dining

With more than 150 vendors, you’re sure to find something wonderful around every corner! My best advice? Make three loops around the square: one for the inside row of vendors, one for the outside row, and one for the brick-and-mortar shops that keep downtown thriving all year long.

Our local businesses are a big part of what makes Winterset so special, so don’t forget to show them a little extra “Shop Local” love this weekend, too!

For a full run-down of the festival activities: https://exploremadisoncounty.com/covered_bridge_festival/


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Next Week

Yeah, there’s probably some stuff happening next week, too. Although not much because we’re all exhausted after the festival. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, though! (See what I did there? 🤣)


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Coming Soon

Pee Wee & Youth Basketball


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
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Graham’s Game Café
Homefront Real Estate
The Iowa Theater
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
Madison County Health Care System
Madison County Historical Society
Madison County Music Co.
McGowen Hurst Clark Smith
Midwest Heritage Bank
Montross Pharmacy
State Farm, Charlotte Speer
Union State Bank
The Warehouse on 2nd
Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio
Winterset Optimist Club
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department