Fourth of July Winners, Sign and Awning Grant News, and the Latest in Activities

---

Chamber-Main Street staff extends a thank you to everyone who participated in the Fourth of July Events and made the best of this unusual celebration.

Congratulations to the Fourth of July Reverse Parade Winners, as voted by community participants!

Residential: 1st- the Footes; 2nd-the Binnings; 3rd- the Simpsons

Commercial: 1st Ellensohn Chiropractic; 2nd-Flowers ‘N More; 3rd Clarke Area Arts Council

 

First Sign Installed Through New Grant Program

In the spirit of partnering with the city, local businesses, and artisans, the first new blade signs are going up around the square. OCMS began reworking the Sign and Awning Grant to focus on blade signs a year ago, when the city announced the new streetscape timeframe. Getting new blade signs installed ahead of the infrastructure work will give more visibility to the businesses and enhance the overall design of the historic district. Blade signs do not replace sidewalk-level window signage, but rather give potential customers driving or walking into the downtown district a better view of the individual businesses.

For the 2020 calendar year, the city offered to install and/or remove old signage free of cost. The idea was to incentivize business owners to replace worn signs, or signs that are not easy to see, with signs which hang away from the buildings. As many businesses feel the heat through large windows, it is also an opportune time to order new awnings.

Blade signs and awnings are often used in historic districts to present a cohesive and authentic look. For uniqueness and theme of each business, owners have input into design. When salonRED owner, Laura Langholz moved her business to the square she applied for the grant. Although it was a longer process than anticipated, especially with the added Covid-19 shutdown, the sign is installed.  

Laura researched ideas and worked with Jaime Smith at Invinci Graphics for the design. Veronica Hullinger designed the metal frame and George Duff-George Duff Repair of Leon fabricated the piece.  City inspector, Mike Henry, determined the scope of installation and along with Mike Fry used a borrowed scissor lift from Wash and Weigh to complete the installation. Laura will also add window cling-type signs and an awning to finish her project. 

 Once they installed the salonRED sign, the city crew drove the scissor lift over to Robin Linsken’s, Your Sweet Pickins Venue, to remove the old blade sign bracket to make way for her new sign, designed by Veronica Hullinger.  

OCMS encourages Main Street businesses to take advantage of the Sign and Awning Grant and consider blade signage, and/or replacing worn or adding new awnings.  

La Corona Finds a New Home

After the unfortunate fire at La Corona Mexican Restaurant, management announced the purchase of the former Percussion Restaurant on Warren Ave, just north of Hwy 34. With the additional space, they plan to expand their menu and other offerings. Follow their journey- https://www.facebook.com/LaCoronaMexicanRestaurant

Clarke County Conservation Begins In-Person Nature Camps

Although Scott Kent and the crew held virtual camps earlier in the summer, the popular Nature camps at East Lake Park begin July 28th with Sky Camp and continue July 30th- Bugs and Plants, August. 4th -Animal Mania and August 6th -Iowa Survivor, 8am-12.

Campers going into 1st through 6th grade must be registered, complete medical form and pay $10.00 per day. No more than 10 campers per class, but additional days may be added if needed. Kids who participate in the Iowa Survivor Camp will have option to attend a campout at East Lake Park August. 7th p.m.to a.m.  August. 8th.  Questions? [email protected] or call 342-3960. More information and link to register: https://www.facebook.com/clarkeccb

Osceola Public Library

Did you know the library is now open with modified hours? Monday and Wednesday, 12-5pm; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12-5pm. No weekend hours. Check the July table tent flyer for all their activities or https://www.facebook.com/osceolapubliclibrary.ia

To stay In The Know, subscribe to the OCMS Monday Morning Update by simply emailing your request to Ashleigh Eckels, [email protected]. The OCMS website and Facebook pages are packed full of local information, osceolachamber.com, https://www.facebook.com/OCMS06