Today, Albia’s vibrant community gathered for the annual Restoration Days Celebration, an event designed to honor the town’s rich history and promote local pride. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed a day filled with activities, food, and camaraderie.
The Crazy Quilters Guild held its annual Quilt Show this past weekend at the Family Life Center, drawing in visitors eager to admire a stunning collection of 184 quilts. The event showcased a remarkable variety of quilts, ranging in size from charming pillow shams to expansive king-size masterpieces, all meticulously hand-sewn by talented local quilters.
Attendees wandered through the vibrant display, marveling at the intricate patterns and diverse color palettes that filled the room. Each quilt told its own unique story, reflecting the creativity and dedication of its maker. Many visitors took the opportunity to engage with the quilters themselves, learning about the techniques and inspirations behind their beautiful works.
I had the pleasure of meeting Janet Cosman, an exceptionally talented quilter whose work continues to impress. This year, her quilt titled “Funky Town” won the prestigious “Best of Show” award, marking her second consecutive victory in this competitive arena. Janet’s quilt, “Funky Town,” is a vibrant and imaginative creation that truly reflects her artistic vision. Last year, Janet showcased her talent with a Beatles-themed quilt, which also garnered significant attention. Her ability to create distinct themes and narratives in her quilts demonstrates not only her skill but also her passion for the craft.
On my second stop of the day, I visited the Albia High School for their annual arts show. Upon entering the gymnasium, I was immediately struck by the impressive displays showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of the community. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with a diverse array of artwork that highlighted the talent of the students and local artists. Each piece reflected not only individual skills but also the collective artistic spirit of the community. It was a truly inspiring experience to witness such dedication to the arts within the community.
One booth that stood out to me was called Psycho Sweets Insanely Delicious. They offered a variety of cookies, but one design particularly caught my eye. It featured a cookie inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting “Starry Night,” complete with frosting that mimicked the artwork. To add a whimsical touch, each cookie was topped with a candy ear, referencing Van Gogh’s story.
In an intriguing twist of inspiration, the artist behind the brand Psycho Sweets revealed that the name originated from a striking billboard designed for last year’s RAGBRAI event. The billboard featured a character known as Psycho Sally, a lady riding a bike, which captured the attention of many. This creative spark led to the development of a unique cookie concept that has since taken off. The playful and edgy name reflects the brand’s distinctive approach, setting it apart in the competitive world of sweet treats. As Psycho Sweets continues to gain popularity, fans are left wondering what other creative ideas might emerge from such unexpected sources of inspiration.
I visited the beautiful Chamber of Commerce building, and afterward, I stepped outside to check out an amazing car show. While I was there, I met a gentleman who had a Harley Davidson Trike that was towing another Harley on a trailer.
As I approached the bike on the trailer, I noticed a plaque attached to it. The gentleman accompanying the bike shared that it belonged to his brother, who passed away last year. In his memory, he now travels across Iowa, attending bike shows to showcase his brother’s incredible bike. It’s a beautiful way to honor his brother’s legacy and keep his spirit alive by sharing the passion they both had for cycling.
In a vibrant display of community spirit, the annual parade drew a lively crowd this past weekend, with residents and families gathering to celebrate the occasion.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as kids eagerly scrambled to collect the goodies tossed their way. Adding to the excitement, a T-shirt cannon launched colorful shirts into the crowd, much to the thrill of onlookers. Cheers erupted as attendees caught the flying merchandise, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The parade not only showcased local talent and community pride but also fostered a sense of joy and togetherness, making it a day to remember for all participants.
As the sun set over the horizon, signaling the end of a memorable day, My co-workers and I from Ottumwa Radio Group reflected on our experiences we enjoyed together during the day. The camaraderie and shared excitement led us to make plans to attend the event again next year.
Throughout the day, laughter and teamwork were evident as we engaged in various activities, creating lasting memories. With the car ride back filled with animated discussions about their favorite moments, the enthusiasm for next year’s gathering was palpable
Pictured Below is This Years Crazy Quilter Guild Winner, Janet Cozman And Donna Savits From Ottumwa Radio.
Pictured Below are the Owners of Psycho Sweets Insanely Delicious
Pictured Below is for Honoring and remembering a brother’s love for riding.
In a remarkable journey that began in a small welding shop, Jon Kinzenbaw has transformed the agricultural landscape with his groundbreaking innovations. Born on April 27, 1944, in Victor, Iowa, Kinzenbaw demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At just 21, he took a leap of faith by opening a welding shop in Ladora with only $25 and a $3,500 loan.
Kinzenbaw’s big break came in 1971 when he invented the first two-wheeled grain cart, a revolutionary design that drastically changed how farmers handled grain during harvest. This innovation was just the beginning. In 1975, he introduced the rear-fold planter toolbar, further enhancing planting practices and setting new industry standards. These advancements positioned Kinze Manufacturing as a leader in agricultural equipment, earning Kinzenbaw recognition as a pioneer in the field.
Today, Kinze Manufacturing, headquartered in Williamsburg, Iowa, spans over 1 million square feet and produces high-quality planters and grain carts used by farmers around the world. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its reputation and has significantly contributed to the agricultural sector.
Beyond his business success, Kinzenbaw remains dedicated to his community and has made substantial contributions to local initiatives. His story serves as an inspiring reminder of how one individual’s creativity and determination can lead to profound changes in an entire industry.
As Kinzenbaw continues to influence the agricultural world, his legacy of innovation and community involvement will undoubtedly inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and farmers alike.