Reflections on Hometown Holiday

A week has gone by since our annual Hometown Holiday and each day people continue to flood me with gratitude for a wonderful event. It goes without saying that Christmas is my favorite time of year. Lights, trees, holiday music, gifting, the taste and smells of goodies, traditions old and new, time spent with loved ones, and celebrating our dear Savior’s birth. Definitely a season for memories!

Hometown Holiday is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, and it certainly would not be possible without the many volunteers, the support from local businesses, service groups, and many more.

On behalf of the Eldridge-North Scott Chamber I’d like to personally thank the city of Eldridge for allowing us to close down the streets, especially less than 24 hours after they were reopened! Thank you to Greg Shaapveld at Shive-Hattery and the construction crew for a job well done.

Thank you to the Hometown Holiday committee – Brenda Drummond, Tricia Campbell, Wendy Henzen, Marilee Schafer, Sue Oetzmann, Connie Braet, Renee Ward, Dorothy Kuehl, and Lori O’Day – for the countless hours of planning and preparing to pull this event together.

Thank you to Tyler Schmidt and the Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department for accommodating our many needs in the station, to Jacob Hunter and the FFA for working the entire event from set up to tear down, and to Brian Wessel and the city crew always willing to place barricades and help where needed.

Thank you to our event sponsors, First Central State Bank, Central Scott Telephone, American Family Insurance, Amhof Trucking, Ameriprise Financial, DuTrac Community Credit Union, Eldridge Spine and Wellness, Link Family Dentistry, Mediacom, North Scott Foods, U.S. Bank, American Mutual Insurance, Big Bear Insulation, Chiropractic Care Center, Classic Concepts Dentistry, King’s Material, Premier Locations U.S Cellular, and Ryerson.

Thank you to the other participating business and service groups for your support and taking part in the evening: River Valley Coop, Eldridge Lions Club, Scott County Library Bookmobile, Gerard Chiropractic, Mike’s Floorpro, Backwards Yoga, First American State Bank, Maloney’s Pub, Epkes Clock Repair, Eastern Iowa Baking Co., USPS, Nutrition Complete, Lookin’ Sharp Barber Shop, CJ’s Family Hair Salon, The North Scott Press, North Scott Optimist Club, Al & Gerry’s, New American Funding, Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge Community Center/Skatepark, del Ray Tanning Salon, and Mark’s Place Photography.

Without the sponsors and business participation this free event would not be possible. Thank you to Tricia Campbell and Bo Robertson (JR Robertson Construction) for your help in decorating the trees in Wiese Park.

Thank you to Lora Dierickx for your help on every level, and to my family for the patience, love, and support! My sincere apologies if I left anyone out, as you can see the list is very long for those who contribute!

I can’t help but be filled with overwhelming gratitude to everyone for bringing the spirit of the season to downtown Eldridge, and feel so fortunate to live and work in this wonderful community! May your hearts be filled with peace, joy, and many blessing this holiday season – Wishes for a very Merry Christmas!

Nikki Dillon, Eldridge-North Scott Chamber