WEST LIBERTY, Iowa–As people’s minds start turning to their favorite winter holiday traditions, the City of West Liberty has started preparing for one of theirs. Now extending to two days, the West Liberty Holiday Open House will take place Nov. 19 and 20, and local businesses and non-profit organizations welcome people from across Muscatine County to come join them for some early holiday fun.
This year, Charles Brooke, chief operations officer for the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce, reports that more than 30 different businesses and organizations have gotten involved in the West Liberty Holiday Open House, either by opening their doors for special sales and activities or by sponsoring or contributing to an event around town. The Chamber has ensured people can participate in some seasonal classics, such as getting to meet Santa at West Liberty Foods Market (105 East Third Street), seeing live reindeer, and roasting marshmallows in front of city hall (409 North Calhoun Street). The Heritage Depot Museum (405 North Elm Street) will have a Department 56 Christmas village display up for people to view as well. Music lovers can hear the West Liberty High School band perform at MidWestOne Bank (305 West Rainbow Drive) or the First Church United chime choir at the West Liberty Public Library (400 North Spencer Street). Shoppers can stop into the the Chamber’s office (119 East Third Street) to view the vendors market they will have open, or find other goods at Trees for a Cause (101 North Clay Street) or in the many shops that will have extended hours.
A magical time for West Liberty residents and visitors from out of town to slow down and enjoy the city’s quaint charm, Brooke hopes many people will join in the festivities at this year’s West Liberty Holiday Open House. “I’m looking forward to getting out and enjoying the afternoon- we are all so busy and running around- its nice to go downtown and just enjoy what our town has to offer,” he shared.
With a large number of businesses participating and a wide selection of events, Brooke looks forward to making this year’s West Liberty Holiday Open House the best one so far: “This year will be better than all the rest. I remember as a kid growing up and walking around downtown- now some businesses have changed, but seeing the people out and about enjoying West Liberty will never get old.” Brooke has also crossed his fingers that this year’s West Liberty Holiday Open House will have snow, truly transforming the city into a winter wonderland.
