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Masonic Lodge |
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Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS) has a goal of historic preservation in  downtown Osceola. Over two years ago, OCMS began the process of rehabilitating the old Masonic Lodge on the corner of Washington and Main Streets.
The building was in poor shape when it was purchased and the top two floors had been vacant for several years. The first floor housed an empty space and a Chinese restaurant. Working together, OCMS and the Chinese restaurant worked to expand the first floor business and to completely remodel the upper floors into apartments.
This was no small task as the building was in such bad shape that the City was considering tearing it down! With the help of the Main Street Iowa program, OCMS applied for an I-JOBS grant and received one. Over the course of 2010 and 2011, funds were raised and the project began.
By December 2011, the building was complete and six new quality apartments had been created. They were a mix of one and two bedrooms as well as a mix of lofted and unlofted spaces. Five of the six apartments are rented and the Masonic Lodge is now an architectural jewel in downtown Osceola.
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Hopeville Harmony and Hills |
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The first Sunday after Labor Day will once again bring a delightful day of music with the Hopeville Rural Music Reunion held in Hopeville Square County Park. The morning church service begins the day, and the jam sessions lasting until dusk, brings outstanding entertainment for the entire family. Lunch is served and you can round it off with some of the best home-made pies you’ll ever taste.
The timber hills around Hopeville, as with most of southern Iowa, possess a scenic beauty year round. Mid October highlights the vast timber area blanketing it with fall colors.
The Grand River Valley, the wilderness area where Clarke, Union, Decatur and Ringgold counties meet, the H45 route to Stephens State Forest, as well as other areas of Clarke County is well worth seeking for autumn’s drive.
Come visit our area. You’ll be glad you did.
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Osceola 4th of July Celebration |
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Join us for the best 4th of July celebration in Iowa. The fun starts July 3, 2013 and runs through July 4. Kenny’s Funland provides a good variety of carnival rides for all ages. Tickets for the rides are sold in advance as well as during the Celebration.
We have a talent show, outhouse races, bingo, local entertainments, bands that play a variety of music and fireworks. Opening ceremonies will be July 3. A street dance will be held on the evening of July 3 in front of the fire station. The fireworks start at dark on July 4 at Terrible’s Lakeside Casino. The parade this year will be July 4 and starts at 11:00 AM. Chuck DeVos and Bruce Harris emcee the parade in front of Robinson’s True Value seated in their recliners. We choose a different theme each year. It is always entertaining to see how local businesses, organizations and groups will dress and decorate to fit the theme. Both Clarke and Murray school bands march in the parade. The favorite part of the parade for the children seems to be the candy that is given out.
Don’t worry about food. Our vendors offer walking tacos, BBQ beef, pork and chicken, buffalo, elk, corn on the cob, homemade pie, ice cream and spam burgers just to mention a few. Celebrate with us July 3 -4, 2013.
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Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center |
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 In 2001, the Fair Board was contacted by the City of Osceola to consider relocating their facilities to allow for development of a new aquatic and recreation center. Due to the needs of the Osceola community, the board decided to relocate to an undeveloped property just west of Osceola on Highway 34.
The Clarke County Fair is a rich tradition that dates back to the early 1900’s. It has always been a place for families to connect and bond. Its Board places a special emphasis on providing quality education and enrichment opportunities for area youth.
The Clarke County Fairgrounds and Event Center has been an exciting, growing venture in South Central Iowa. The facility is poised to develop into a premier year-round entertainment venue for local, state and regional organizations, including livestock and machinery shows, judging contest, flea markets, craft shows, camper rallies, races, and jamborees.
Since 2004, the Clarke County Fair has been held at its new location just west of Osceola on Highway  34. Other events held at the new facility include: Iowa Rodeo Cowboy Association (IRCA) Finals, Circuit Stop-Iowa High School Rodeo Association, Mud Bog Events, Tractor Pull, Pickup Pull, Old Iron Show, WHO’s Great Iowa Tractor Ride Hub Headquarters, Osceola Chamber/Main Street Halloween Haunted House, Household Auctions, and Demolition Derby. Events such as these impact local entities such as hotels and motels, gas stations, restaurants and retail stores.
The fairgrounds continue to evolve into a complete facility consisting of:
- Event Center
- Outside Arena
- Grandstand area with 300’ track
- Horse Barn
- Cattle Barn
- Hog Barn
- Sheep Barn
- Playground equipment area
- Restroom Facilities
- 60 unit Campground
The Event Center is the newest addition to the fairgrounds. The building has 9500 square feet of space and is estimated to seat 400 in the main meeting room. It is ideal for wedding receptions, family reunions, meeting, craft shows, trade shows etc.
The Clarke County Fair Board thanks the entire community for their support in building the new facility that will be used for many years. The project could not have been possible without the support of the community.
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