Three nonprofit organizations in Blakesburg are kicking off the holiday season with multiple special events the weekend of November 22-23. A tour of three different types of homes as well as the Blakesburg Methodist Church which includes multiple Nativity scenes display, and a community memory tree will be held both days.
In addition, a free will donation soup supper will be held from 4:00 – 6:30 PM on Friday, November 22 , and free will donation pulled pork sandwich supper will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday, November 23. Both events will take place at the Blakesburg Community Building. Each night the meal will include entrees along with extras like relish trays, side dishes, desserts, and beverages.
The homes on the “Homes for the Holiday” tour include a country farm home, a barn-dominium, and a ranch with a coastal cottage heme. Tickets for the tour of homes may be purchased at any of the three homes or the church. They are $15 each, and good for one trip to each home.
The tour of homes and church will be held Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM. Homes and a brief description of what visitors will see are:
“Whispering Woods” at 3521 Monroe Wapello Road, Blakesburg. Built in 2000 and nestled in the middle of CRP fields, this Morton “Barn-dominium” is a very peaceful place. The Johnson home is named “Whispering Woods” because of the woods used in the construction and furnishings, and the trees they planted on the property. The home was renovated in 2020, using doors from the original farmhouse. Many Christmas decorations honor family members who have passed as well as the surrounding natural scenery.
“That Christmas Feeling,” at 7197 235th Street, Blakesburg. Located in the timbered, scenic hills of Blakesburg is the Rowland home where Christmas isn’t a “season” it’s a feeling … of warmth, joy, and compassion. With a nod to the past, Christmas is nestled into every crook and cranny of the Rowland home. Welcome to this home, where the magic of Christmas is silent; you can’t hear it–you feel it, and you believe in it.
“Coastal Christmas Cottage,” at 103 N. Main Street, Blakesburg. The Talberts’ love of cruising the ocean is evident in this “Coastal Christmas Cottage” themed home. Decorations with a nod to the shapes and colors of sand, surf, and sky can be found throughout the cozy 1967 ranch home. Look for ornaments from the Caribbean, as well as from the country’s northern-most coast, Alaska. The home also features a Nathaniel Hawthorne Christmas Village, and Willow Tree Nativity. Seas-ons Greetings from the Talberts.
“Reason for the Season,” at 106 N. High Street, Blakesburg. The Blakesburg Methodist Church sanctuary will feature simple decorations, an exceptionally large tree, and beautiful nativity. It will be open for visitors to reflect on the reason for the holiday season or to simply
enjoy a quiet moment before holiday activities kick into high gear. The annex to the church will house the Nativity scenes display and the Memory Tree.
Community members who would like to display their nativity scene may do so. There is a $10 fee to set up a display. For more information about the display, call 641-777-4622.
Community members may also place a dove ornament on the memory tree in honor of their deceased loved ones. The fee for the memory tree is $2 for each name on a card attached to the dove.
The Memory Tree will remain in place at the church throughout the holiday season. For information about how to place a dove on the tree, call 712-202-3209.
These events replace what had been the largest fund-raising event for the Loving Shepherd Food Pantry for the past decade. The food pantry is managing the financial aspects of the project and is being assisted by members of the Friends of the Blakesburg Public Library, and the Blakesburg Historical Preservation Society.
Proceeds from the holiday events will benefit these three nonprofit organizations that provide services, resources, and programs for health, education, and cultural opportunities for the community.
Organizers hope that all hearts will come home for Christmas as they open their homes, church, and the community building to the public to enjoy the wonder and warmth of the holiday season.
