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Hampton, IA • 1-800-558-1244 • September 18, 2013
Geneva gearing up for first-ever “Market” event Sept. 20-21 By Nick Pedley The population of Geneva will swell next weekend when vendors and visitors converge on the small community for its first annual citywide sale and celebration. The event, dubbed “The Market” by its creators, is the first of its kind for the town of less than 170 people. More than 60 vendors of antiques, refurbished items and handmade goods will be on hand Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20-21. The Geneva Community Betterment (GCB) group spearheaded efforts and organized the event to raise funds for various projects throughout the town. “Sixty almost seems minute from who I’ve talked to, but when I started I thought it would be good if we got 20 vendors to come,” said Tonya Sanders, who thought up the idea for The Market. “I’ve been working pretty hard on it since April.” Sanders got the idea while visiting a small town in Minnesota. Hundreds of vendors flooded the city’s streets from throughout the Midwest, and she knew immediately a similar event would fit perfectly in Geneva. “I said, ‘We’ve got to do something like this in town.’ There were so many people there,” said Sanders. The Market was created to raise funds for various improvement projects throughout Geneva. The GCB owns the buildings and property located on the old school grounds, which have fallen into severe disrepair over the years. Sanders said the group would like to renovate the old brick bus barn and utilize it as a possible community center in the future. “People used it for dances, wedding receptions and other gatherings. Then it got used for storage, but it hasn’t been used for years,” Sanders said. “It needs a new roof and skirting. If we’re able to get that taken care of, maybe we can think about hooking up water and other things.” The renovations may take a while, but patience has always been some-
what of a virtue for the organization. For many years, President Raymond Silver was the lone individual manning the ship at the GCB. He mowed the schoolyard’s expansive lawn and handled other duties, but a lack of community interest forced much of the group’s activities to the wayside. Gone were Geneva’s annual Bean Days celebration and other events sponsored by the GCB. The committee remained dormant for more than a decade before a handful of Geneva residents sparked life back into the organization. “We’ve always kept it going, but we haven’t been real active with it,” Silver said. “Boy, it’s just hard to find people around here willing to help. A lot of the folks have gotten older, but now some of the younger people are starting to get involved.” Seven people now comprise the GCB, and their efforts have led to the community’s first event in almost 15 years. Vendors will open up shop at the ball diamond near the water tower at noon on Friday and will go until 5 p.m. A free outdoor movie featuring clips of Geneva’s past will be shown at the diamond that evening, and snacks and refreshments will be provided at the concessions stand. Saturday packs a full schedule. Vendors will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with a classic car show scheduled to follow. Local music group the Power Pitchers will perform, and citywide garage sales will be going on throughout the day as well. The Market will culminate with a hot dog and baked bean supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sanders was optimistic for a good turnout and hoped the event would raise around $5,000 for the GCB. Each vendor paid a $25 registration fee and additional free will donations will be taken at the movie and hot dog supper. “I don’t know if we’ll get that ($5,000), but we know it’s going to be big,” said Sanders.
Members of Geneva Community Betterment include from left to right: Tonya Sanders, Cindy Sanders (on car), Desiree Johnson, Jason Johnson (in car), Amanda Acree (in car), Raymond Silver and Lida Acree. (Photo courtesy of Becky Schipper, Ackley World Journal)
All proceeds from The Market will go towards a new roof for the old Geneva bus barn. GCB President Raymond Silver began removing the old roof in recent months. (Photo by Nick Pedley, Hampton Chronicle)
Falrling Se&pt2619 -2 1 -2 8 Gathe Lots of Fall Decor for your home Mums, Pumpkins, Primitives, Antiques & more... Check us out on Facebook
117 E. Main, MANLY, ,A 641-420-4883 3
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Located 45 minutes South of Mason City
Geneva 2013
CITY WIDE SHOW
Over 50 Vendors From Across Iowa and Surrounding States City Wide September 20th Garage Sales! 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
September 21st 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday
$2.00 p/p Admission
A view from the inside of the old bus barn. The building was constructed in 1940 and was used as a gathering place for dances, wedding receptions and other events after the Geneva school closed. (Photo by Nick Pedley, Hampton Chronicle)
Saturday, September 21 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Iowa Falls Falls’ 3rd Annual
New, N ew Old, Old We We’llll Have It All!
to the Market
* Sack Lunch and Pie & Ice Cream Served from 11 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. * OUTDOOR MOVIE - Featuring clips of Geneva’s Past - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday
* BIGGEST 10¢ SUPPER YOU HAVE EVER EATEN Served at 5:30 p.m. * CAR SHOW – line up by 5:00 p.m. Winner announced at 7:00 p.m. * COME EARLY AND SHOP THE MARKET! * LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!
* Crafters * Antiquers * Junkers * Vintage Lovers
All remaining 2012 & 2013 Rangers, ATVs and Snowmobiles $ 100000 OFF Suggested Retail Price
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8-5:00; Sat. 8-12
Harold & Donna Crosser, Owners Hwy. 65 North, Iowa Falls 641-648-2382 1-800-584-6786 www.countrysidett.com
All proceeds will fund the Old Geneva School Project. Funded by Franklin County Tourism. For information contact: GenevaBetterment@gmail.com www.facebook.com/GenevaCityWideMarket
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