'It's more than shopping'

May 11—With more than 60 vendors, eight mini-makers and dancers performing throughout the event, this year's Market on Maple is sure to host a large crowd Saturday in Uptown Creston.

Before the event begins, Merge Yoga will host a class at Hot Air Brewing on Maple Street for a discounted rate.

"It's a great way to get the day started," Union County Economic Development Executive Director Mindy Stalker said.

Instead of kids' activities being spread out, Stalker said families can expect an area designed for children to play. "We definitely always want these events to be family friendly," she said. "We want parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, to bring kids and them be entertained while the adults want to shop a little longer than the kids do. We work hard to find that balance, and we continue to do that."

There will be inflatables for kids in addition to retail locations like Karen's Crafty Corner and Greens N' Things offering make and take crafts.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the center being the corner of Montgomery and Maple streets. Vendors extend in all four directions with additional shopping on Pine Street.

The Spotlight School of Dance and Project C Dance Company will have dancers performing in the center throughout the day. They will also recognize Creston Express Wrestling athletes.

"Having our dance partners participate and showcase their skills we absolutely love," Stalker said. "It adds a nice entertainment value to it."

First National Bank is hosting a welcome tent on the south end of Adams Street. A shopping map can be picked up before getting started and the first 50 patrons will receive a free "swag bag."

There are a lot of returning vendors for patrons who need to restock on their favorite products. The Chameleon Camper was a big hit last year and will be back with their adult beverage options.

In addition to all the local restaurants, there will be a plethora of grab-and-go food vendors. For snacks, check out LT Farms for their sweet, salty or spicy snack mixes and Cowboy Twist Pretzels for their family pretzel recipe.

Vendors with a little more sustenance include Zipp's Pizzaria, The Cruzin Cafe, Tacos Way, Little Green Trailer, Iiawah Grill and Bearded Jackal Street Food. Options include pizza, sandwiches, tacos, barbecue, Hawaiian food and more.

For dessert, Totally Rolled Ice Cream will be back for a cold treat. Baked goods can be found at Scratch Cupcakery, Simply Emily and Amorcito Baked Goods and Sweet Treats. Lovely Layne Sweets will sell candy.

"From an economic development standpoint, we talk about activating the streets and reimagining and repurposing areas for a new use," Stalker explained. "This a great example of what communities can do if they don't have a big huge empty space to use."

Stalker said these events provide a casual way to explore retail spaces without the pressure to purchase. "It's a great way to shop," she said.

An Uptown Facade Tour of selected buildings will offered as an activity during the event. Jeremy Rounds with Southern Iowa Council of Governments will start the tour at 10:30 a.m. on the south side of Iowana Apartments. This informal tour will highlight the improvements made to the buildings whose owners participated in the Uptown Facade Grant Program.

Each building will have a QR code in the window to view the printed history of the building. This historical information includes the history found during a recent intensive survey of downtown Creston. The activity is sponsored by UCDA, Creston Historic Preservation Commission, and SICOG.

"There's a great community engagement," Stalker said. "It's more than shopping."