Victoria Helling, Executive Director, Boone County Chamber of Commerce and Holly Stecker, Executive Director, Downtown Boone-Mainstreet, September 10, 2026

On our program today, we are going to be talking about, well, among other things, Puffer Billy Day's, Victoria Hellings back with us, Executive Director of Boone County Chamber of Commerce, joined by Holly Stacker, Executive Director of downtown Boone Main Street. I'm getting this down. Thanks for coming and before we get to this, last time we visited, we were getting ready for school to start and you had had to make them last second changes because of all the new teachers, all the new administrators, and did things work out for you? They worked out great, so we actually welcome 43 new teachers and support staff this year, so it was a very large group. We were at the Crux Center on Friday August 14th for the new teacher breakfast. Our speaker was Chad Houston and it was amazing. The teachers had a wonderful time. We had these build-your-own breakfast bowls by Saints, which were great, a big hit. Donuts, coffee, so and then we also had some beautiful floral arrangement by Salamas as well that they were able to take home too. We also end up raising $3,800 for the new teachers, so we surpassed our 3,000 goal, which was really exciting and I actually just delivered all those checks, the end of them this week, so I felt like Santa Claus going around to all the schools and bringing them checks and school supplies. If you follow along on on social media, yeah, I saw you were out there doing the, that's what that's how you get a lot of the information out there, you do those post the pictures and stuff, but that was there. It was also the same time we had a deadline for sign up for lead. Correct, so we actually just had our first lead program last Thursday, September 3rd, and we had Anne Wright, she's a leadership coach and inspirational speaker. She spoke on navigating conversations in conflict with style, so that actually kicked off last week and so that program will run from September through May with graduation in May, so yeah, we had actually a great turnout for that. We have 14 participants, which is last year we had 10, so and our goal was 15, so we got really, really close to that, so we're excited about that program. And I had a scholarship for at least one. Yes, we did. Kelly Casper was the recipient of our scholarship, so and she is the owner of Bottle Bliss, so we're excited to have some entrepreneurs in the mix as well, so not just, you know, employees with some of our larger businesses, but entrepreneurs as well, so very excited to have her joining us. The one I say, it, it, you can sign up for it, but you're gonna have to apply some time. You have to apply for the scholarship. Absolutely, so we did post that scholarship to the Facebook page, and yes, and Kelly was the recipient, so we're excited. And many more classes coming up. Yes, we're just getting started, so we meet every month, once a month, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then graduation will be in May, so every month we're gonna be at the chamber learning about lots of different topics to develop those leadership skills. Next month is actually gonna be public speaking and confidence in the workplace, so I feel like that's something we all need assistance with, so. Holly, downtown Boone, among other things, what, you're gonna have some wayfinding signs. Yes. That's just one of the things you guys have been working on, and of course, the farmers market. Season's winding down. That seems like it just started. Yeah, this cool morning reminds us that it is getting towards the end of the farmers market season. Tonight is our last music at the market. We're hosting Neva Alden. She's a great musician out of Des Moines. She's played a bunch of nights at the Iowa State Fair. Go on and follow her on Facebook. She's all over the place, too. So she's wonderful, but tonight is our last music at the market, and the markets open until seven. The farmers still have plenty of fresh produce. We do have baked goods there tonight, including some sourdough, always a favorite. Yeah. And of course, our locally offered products that we've had all season. So have they liked the new location, the location, because on 9th, between 8th and 9th. Yes. Story. Again, it's up here. People can still get around. We've had people park it all the way around here to walk over there. Plenty of parking. Yeah. In different things. We've gone from extreme heat to extreme storms. Yes. That first market. It's been quite the season. But that's it. Outdoor activities, it happens. Yep. And a special note that for the market next week, as we lead into Puffer Billy days, the Puffer Billy days set up will start next Thursday and the market will still be on 9th Street, but not Story Street. So you can find us on 9th. We'll still have plenty of parking, park around Keeler and whatnot. But just a special note that next week's market will be a little smaller and on 9th Street. Set up will be underway by then. Set up will be well underway for Puffer Billy. Almost feels like set up has already started. Correct. Exactly. Exactly. All right. Let's talk about Puffer Billy days in particular. Obviously always one of the things and especially for us this time of the year. Can I jump in real quick that we do have the downtown Boone cleanup day this Saturday, which leads into Puffer. So let's get downtown Boone shining. Volunteer sign up on the Facebook page and just shoot me an email. Okay. And that would be on the downtown Boone. Correct. Okay. And if you're heading to a big football game on Saturday, we'd love to see you down here tonight or tomorrow. Okay. Grab a garbage bag. That's right. And that I mean, and some weeds to get get ready for the get ready for the event. 50th anniversary Puffer Billy 50th anniversary. So it's going to be next week, you guys, we are a week away. I feel like it's just kind of flown by. So the festivities will start next Friday, the 18th and run through the 20th. Friday, the first activity will actually be bingo will be from three to six. And then the opening ceremony will start at 430. And then we will of course, you know, kind of round out our weekend with art in the park, which will be all day on Sunday from 10 to four. And we also have mud volleyball as well. We did get enough teams signed up. That was kind of a big, you know, a big push on our Puffer Billy days page. We did get our eight teams that we needed. So mud volleyball will be happening on Sunday. So there's still some time for you guys to sign up as well. So now that we've kind of made our, our, our minimum there, if there's additional signups, go to a Puffer Billy days Facebook page and sign up there for mud volleyball. Kind of a tradition out there. Well, at least for those teams, it is. I wonder how long they some some have been doing this for several years. I don't know how much longer they're going to play in the mud out there, but it is quite the core. That's for sure. Weather looks nice. The extended forecast. Okay. When we look ahead, yes. That was the next thing. We had rain. We've had it, you know, and it's just been what the heat from the farmer, we have from farm progress show now to the rain for super nationals going on. And it's just, it's all gearing up for puffer. So we're going to have a beautiful puffer. I feel, yeah, we're getting it all out and it's going to be a gorgeous weekend. One of the big things is always getting enough people to help. Absolutely. So tonight we actually have a volunteers meeting. You can stop by the chamber anytime from 530 to 730. We're going to have little volunteer packets with information for our volunteers. We still need volunteers, you guys. So if you have not signed up to volunteer yet, come by the chamber between 530 and 730. We can, you know, help you sign up, find out what works for your schedule. These are, you know, three hour time slots that are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. So I promise you there's something that's going to work for your schedule. And I just want to remind everyone that events like this don't happen without you. So we need our community to help us out to show up so we can all have a really amazing celebratory puffer Billy days. So tonight 530 to 730. In particular, I know that we need volunteers for the set up on Thursday and tear down, which will be on Sunday. And then also people to man those alcohol boundaries so we keep everyone safe. And like I said, the sign up genius is posted to our Facebook page. So if you're not able to stop by tonight, just go sign up through our Facebook page and you will be set. I also wanted to mention for volunteering, just maybe some things you haven't thought about. For organizations or businesses, this is a great team building experience. So, you know, grab, like I said, grab your co workers, pick, you know, pick a time slot that works for you to kind of get out in the community and develop those relationships with your co workers. Another thing I, you know, I try and teach my kids, you know, at a young age, the importance of community service of being involved in your community. So I feel like grab the kids, make it a fun, you know, fun excursion for them. And then lastly, for small businesses, this is a great opportunity for marketing. Where, where your shirts promote your business, um, get out in the community and show your face. So I feel like there's, you know, a lot of benefits as well to volunteering. So again, big thing right now is don't be afraid, get signed up. I know you've got time, but don't wait till the last second. I mean, the sooner you get signed up, obviously the more comfortable Victoria is going to be. That's right. That's right. Well, and also, you know, I know that, um, schedules fill up. So I feel like, you know, we're looking at next weekend. So if you have some availability Thursday to Sunday for, you know, a three hour time block, we'd greatly appreciate your help. Thank you. So we've got a lot of different things that are happening and, and I guess set a set up. A lot of people keep asking about set up. The parade route has not changed. It's the same kind of parade route starts out on Hancock, comes up Story Street. It takes forever. He has to get downtown and then on seventh over to the school, I think that's the route we've used the last couple of years. And I think that's the one we'll keep in the end. Otherwise, it's all vendors downtown really and stuff. Correct. Yeah. So downtown, we will have a downtown market that's happening on Saturday following the parade. I did want to mention we have an exciting addition for that downtown market. We are going to have a free face painting for the kids. So I feel that's the per, you know, after the parade, you can bring your kids over to the downtown market. Mom can shop while the kids go get their, you know, face painted. We have joyful colors joining us and she does very intricate, detailed unicorns with sparkles. My girls love it. That's always a big hit at our events locally in Ogden and Boxholm. So she's always a big hit there. So that's exciting. We will have our food vendors down on Story and then also in front of the chamber on ninth. So we will have nine food vendors total. So we have lots of variety this year. So whether it's you want Asian or you want barbecue or you want burgers or you want a Philly cheesesteak or you want some whip to light, we have a little bit of everything this year. And again, people, you are going to have a little different setup this year, like bags tournament over here on Keeler and stuff like that. I mean, a few different locations. So be prepared to wander around and see where prepared to wander. Yes. And we will have maps set up around and all the events that is something that we're going to have this year. We're going to have them lamated and set up so that way you can easily kind of see where you're going. And you know, the carnival, for example, will be located at the parking lot at ninth at UP parking lot right there. But then we'll also have some carnival games and food on ninth and Keeler kind of right at that intersection as well. The petting zoo will be on Keeler. We have kids on Keeler and then the saddle races, which is a new addition will be on Keeler as well. During the kids on Keeler. So that's going to be a fun event for families. Have you not participated in these saddle races before? That's exactly kind of what it sounds a saddle on wheels and the family's pushing. We see who reaches the finish line first. So that'll be a fun addition for the kids as well. It beats doing the old hand car races. We're still having the hand car races. You will not see me participating. I understand. I feel like there's something for everyone. There's something for everyone. And speaking of which, yes, we need to remember that your model train enthusiast, you're going to have to go to the fairground. Absolutely. But they love setting up out there. They get a lot of space. Absolutely. So I yes, highly recommend going to the train show and swap meet, which is going to be Saturday and Sunday. And that'll be at the fairground. So that's very exciting. And that's full. So all, you know, all the vendors that is full up. So it should be a really great display. I feel like that's something also great for the kids as well to go see all the setups. So gotta ask, but are we as the parade set? I mean, I mean, because there's always those last six. Can I get into the parade? So yes, you can get into the parade. You'll need to contact Janet Schultz, who's the who's leading our parade efforts. She has been leading them for years. We're so grateful for her. She really, I don't know how she how she does it all and keeps it all together. But she sure does. So there is a online application. We have passed the there was a deadline for early registration. So now we're up at the $40 mark. So kind of keep that in mind. Because we are trying to like, like I said, try and help everyone get signed up early. We want to try and push that. So Janet can have a successful parade. So our community can have a successful parade. And if you I know she's got the groups that help her again, have done it for years. But if you are interested in learning about the parade, she's our parade go to person. She is. She is. Janet is amazing. Absolutely. Well, though, I mean, these are just some of the things. So the big thing is really tonight, 530 to 730, 530 to 730 chamber office or chamber office. So they can come by the chamber and we will have, like I said, packets and answer any questions that you have and just kind of give you a little overview of what, you know, what we're looking for. You are inquiring. Otherwise, if you just want to go on to sign up genius, you could do that on you can absolutely Facebook. Yes, on the Beverly Facebook page. And I did want to mention as well, we did upload the full schedule of events to the Boone County Chamber website. So our website is going through a, you know, is getting redone right now. But the Puffer Billy tab has been updated and it has the full schedule because if you noticed your mailers that went out, they had kind of a abbreviated schedule because just feel like you can't fit everything. You can't fit everything on there. And then it gets real difficult to read. So there is a QR code on those schedules that were mailed out that says for full schedule, you know, scan here. But if you go to Puffer Billy days tab on our Boone County Chamber Facebook or excuse me, website, then you will see that full schedule and that is downloadable. So you can just save it right to your phone. You don't even have to think about it after that. And you'll just show up to the fun. We have to hit on the entertainment. I think they are sounding pretty excited to come. They are. So I was about to say, I feel like we're going to have, we had some interviews that were conducted. So you'll be hearing from the lead singer there. So yes, so we have back in black, that'll be coming on Saturday at, we'll start at 7 p.m. And then at 9 30, we'll start 90s rock shows. So that's a 90s tribute band. So that back in black, they, they are going to deliver a great show. We're actually just talking about the stage set up this morning. They're going to have this, you know, large thrust stage. So I feel like it's going to be quite the experience. And yeah, last couple of years, the stage has been up here at ninth and story still there or a different location. So it is going to be right next to the green space in the street on the green space on eighth on eighth. So it's going to be right next to it. Trying to get everything. We're trying to get everything a little more centrally located. So then we'll have the beer tent will be kind of right in front of us bank right over there. And then we'll have those food vendors that will go up story and then over to the chamber. And then you just go walk a little bit down. You'll be right at the carnival carnivals right there. All right, talk about art in the park. Art in the park, very exciting. So I know that we're actually going to have live music at art in the park all day. Megan Ulrich is our facilitator for art in the park. So we're going to have live music all day. And then of course, all the, I feel like all the vendors you, you know, and love and come for. But that is really an opportunity to showcase local artists, which is something that that I love when me and my kids go, um, my daughter is actually a somewhat of a budding artist. So she always really enjoys seeing all of what I can do, mom. Like what I can do, mom. We have art all over my house. But yes, so that will be on Sunday, September 20th. Okay. And I'm guessing driving into the park. I don't know if they've had made any decisions about that, how they're going to be handling that or not. So they usually close off the street that kind of goes into the park. So you will have to park, uh, I say on the outskirts a little bit. Um, it's going to be the same setup that it's been in years past. Okay. All right.

I like what else you got happening here? How do I follow this? Well, help, help volunteer. You'll be there. Well, to clean up first. Clean up first this Saturday. Uh, and, um, yes, all of our regular volunteers, please, uh, go to website, sign up, help our good friends at the chamber out. And, um, as Victoria said, these events, a 50 year festival does not happen without the entire community's lifting. And then you come out Saturday night and celebrate and get some good food and beautiful art on Sunday morning. Keep busy, busy with everything. So, uh, what else is happening for the downtown Boone Main Street? Well, downtown Boone, uh, last week we had a really, uh, fun conversation with the library and we are going to partner for Dolly day and that will be a nine to five, uh, literacy, um, event where come downtown on September 25th, the play on the numbers there nine to five. And, uh, we're going to celebrate Dolly Parton and her literacy legacy. So all participating stores down here, they'll have different, um, specials and, uh, promotions and that will raise funds for the Erickson public library. Excuse me, friends of the Erickson public library, uh, litter, excuse me, imagination library program. Okay. They do the, they handle the, uh, through the, for, for the library. Correct. Okay. Yeah. So again, that helps support that effort. It's correct. And nobody will, uh, think twice if we see you decked out in your, in your sequence. And you're pan-bright. Pull out your sequence. Okay. And your wig. Maybe, maybe a hat. In my hat. That's right. All right. So that'll be one of the things coming up. Yeah. Okay. And I know you've got some others that you're looking at. So, uh, goodness, I'm not sure, um, if we run out of time here, but, uh, I'll make it looking, looking forward to October, uh, last year, we really kicked off a spooky story street. And this year is no exception. We've got about 14 different events on the books that start just the weekend before, uh, October on September 25th, um, Boone Pride hosts a community movie. Uh, the entire month of October, there will be a window competition. Again, this full calendar will be on the website, um, on the downtown Boone website, as well as the calendar of events. Uh, but your, your big hitters for downtown Boone. Also the trunk or treat will, uh, be downtown just as always. And last year's people. Yes. We have to start planning for this already. Honestly, uh, that sign up will be ready next week. So, uh, we'll be looking towards our think last year we had somewhere around 75 to 80 participants, uh, with a trunk and treat. Uh, but we ha, we served over 1200 kids. The Boone Fire Department and police department served over, uh, 1200 hot dogs between five and eight PM. Yeah, just incredible. Yeah. And then, uh, Boone's beggars night is always October 31st, and we'll have a Halloween parade that night. The Boone Theater always hosts the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Uh, the chamber will be participating in a witches and wine event. And, uh, just all coming together for spooky story street. All right. Yeah. It's again, folks, before you know it, all of a sudden there we are. Yes. And again, this chilly, this cooled off morning really has us, uh, has me feeling in the spirit of spooky story. I was going to say, we need something like this to help with sweatshirts. Absolutely. Absolutely. I was about to say, so our pre-orders did close. Our pre-orders did close. So at Puffer Billy, we will only have available, as I had said, adult t-shirts and navy and cream during the event. So yes, but we actually did have quite a few people go, go for those sweatshirts in the pre-order. You kind of never know with Puffer what's going to. Well, it usually cools down pretty good in the evening. So we'll do all of that. And the other thing I did want to ask you again about the way finding signing. Again, we got a touch on that because this is something that a lot of your businesses that participate in downtown in the downtown Boone main street, uh, you kind of pitch this idea to them. We call them way finding or way. I just say they're signs. Anyway, but they're entertaining signs and entertaining. They're fun and cheeky. Uh, just as a reminder for everyone as a 501 C three or C six, excuse me, we cannot promote individual business. So, uh, this walkability, uh, creating local interest, uh, almost a scavenger hunt. You'll see these up very shortly. And, um, you just, the initial theme here is, uh, food and beverage. So, uh, knowing that you just walk around, check out the signs. Um, hopefully you're familiar with the downtown Boone logo at this point. So you'll be able to recognize them right away and, uh, check them out and then check out the local business and, uh, try something new. A lot of things still so much happening, but farmers market today. 537 30. Yes. Volunteer. You can go as I'd say, you can go over to the farmers market and get some goodies and stop by the chamber and sign up to volunteer. Absolutely. Yeah. If you have any questions in people will keep posting questions and things like that, but show up and ask. Yes. Yes. Please. That would be wonderful. Yeah. We're, um, we'll be there from 537 30 come by anytime, uh, during that time. And yeah, I'll be there to answer any questions that you have and welcome you. So, all right. Victoria, Helen, Holly Stucker, thanks for joining us. Thank you, Jim. Thank you so much.