Independence Iowa News

Creedence Clearwater Revisited VIP Concert for 2012 Delaware County Fair
Posted 6 February 2012
A classic band with dozens of hits to their name is headed for Manchester to headline the VIP concert for the 2012 Delaware County Fair. Jeannie Domeyer, Manager of the Fair made the announcement of the VIP concert last Friday night at Manchester’s winter edition of the First Friday @ Five. Headlining the traditional Friday night VIP concert with their legendary American rock is Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

CCR, headlined by Stu Cook and Doug Clifford “Cosmo”, original CCR band members, bring back the meaning of the music as they originally played it. Having toured North America, South America, Central America, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Asia, knocking out audiences with astounding concerts jam packed with songs that are still a staple of radio and movie soundtracks, Creedence Clearwater Revisited has come a long way.  “In the beginning Cosmo and I decided that if we could find the musicians that could capture the sound and recreate what the music was about, we’d do it,” recalls Stu.

Creedence Clearwater Revival had over 10 hits on Billboard’s top ten list including 5 #2 hits. No other bands have had more than that except for Elvis Presley and Madonna. Stu and Cosmo and their band Creedence Clearwater Revisited add a new chapter to their legacy with vibrant and exhilarating energy and pure American spirit. As the Hollywood Reporter’s music critic John Lappen wrote about a Creedence Clearwater Revisited concert in Los Angeles, “Their set was an amazing list of hit after hit that was done serious justice by the players involved.”

Seating for the VIP concert will include track seating at $60 which all you care to eat and drink with a full meal, beverages, wait staff and an area for dancing. Domeyer says, “This is our eleventh VIP concert, even the rain last year couldn’t stop the fun that happens during the concert atmosphere of VIP night at the Delaware County Fair!”

Tickets go on sale for this show on March 10th at 9:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Fair office, by calling 563.927-6449 or here.

Ice Fishing Derby II at Heartland Acres Agribition Center in Independence
Posted 24 January 2012
February 12, 2012 will be the date Ice Fisherman return to Swan Lake at the Heartland Acres Agribition Center campus. Brain Bell, Event Manager, says “This year we are hoping to build the number of fishing teams as well as the number of chili cook-off teams.  Both events require preregistration.”   

Mild winter weather has produced 5” of ice as tested on January 19.  Jeff Hayward and son-in-law Tim Wessels tested the ice thickness at 25, 50 and 75 yards out from shore.  Another test will be done later this month.  The lake depth measured at approximately 13 – 15 feet.  Snow cover is minimal and the ice is hard and getting thicker with the recent dip in temperature.

The fishing derby will run in conjunction with the Chili Cook-off.  Area cooks will be serving their favorite chili.   The winner will be determined by the most tips in their jar at the end of the event.  The winner will also share in half of the free will donation and all participants will be asked to donate at least half of their winnings to their favorite charity.   

The public is invited to come out and watch the ice fishing derby and stop in the Event Center for lunch at the Chili Cook-off.   Be prepared to vote for your favorite chili /or cook with your dollars.  The Chili Cook off is free will donation.  Fishing Derby team entry is $140 for a four person team.

Cook-off starts at 11AM and runs to 2PM
Derby competition starts at 1pm and ends at 4PM. 

Entries for both events may be found at www.heartlandacresusa.com or stop out to Heartland Acres and pick up an entry form. All entries are due by February 3, 2012.  See our website for event details or call us at 319.332.0123

Heartland Acres remains committed to bringing other great outdoor events to the campus and relies on volunteer support and sponsors to continue making event like this available.

Heartland Acres Agribiton Center is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, organization with a volunteer Board of Directors.  Heartland Acres remains a sustainable operation through gate admissions, donations, grants, rental fees and gift shop sales. Heartland Acres preserves, protects, educates and entertains visitors with displays and activities which continue telling the story of our agricultural heritage. Heartland Acres Agribition Center is located at 2600 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence, IA 50644.  Check us out at www.heartlandacresusa.com or find us on Face book or call 319.332.0123.

Delaware County Fair Announces Montgomery Gentry As Country Concert for 2012 Fair
Posted 2 December 2011
One of country music’s all time great duos is headed to Manchester to headline the Thursday Night, Country show at the 2012 Delaware County Fair.  Jeannie Domeyer, Manager of the Fair, made the announcement that headlining the concert with their down to earth stylings and working man’s music is Montgomery Gentry.

Two boys from Kentucky, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry served notice to the music world as they busted on to the national scene in 1999 with their first hit single, “Hillbilly Shoes”.  They followed this song with the release of 13 additional top 10 songs with five songs climbing the charts all the way to number 1.  Their blue collar approach to their music hits a chord with many Americans and their mission is to create songs that people will be able to touch and say, “Yeah man, that song is a little bit about me.”  The duo just recently released their newest collection, aptly titled Rebels On The Run.  The first single to be release from this album, “Where I Come From” is climbing the charts.  Domeyer said, “Their new album is the traditional Montgomery Gentry sound.  It’s filled with songs that allow you to relate with the artist.  Songs people can associate with.”

Montgomery Gentry has won a host of CMA awards including Vocal Duo of the year and most recently the humanitarian award in 2010 for their service to many charitable organizations. 

Seating for the Montgomery Gentry concert will include track seating at $35 or the new all inclusive courtyard seating.  A fresh idea for the 2012 Fair, this seating option includes a general admission bleacher seat for the show, snacks, beverages, wait staff and an area for dancing. Domeyer says, “The new seating option is aimed at giving people an 'all inclusive' option for attending the concert.  Our fair prides itself on our "pay one price and participate in everything inside the fair" philosophy, courtyard seating takes this to the next level allowing the fairgoer to buy  tickets, come to the fair, go into the courtyard and have a relaxing time without have to run to get a drink, fight the crowd for a snack or really leave the area for anything.  We have a strong desire to give our fairgoer a fuss-free experience that is relaxing and enjoyable.  We think this seating option does just that!”

Tickets for Montgomery Gentry will go on sale at 9:00 AM December 17, in time for Christmas.  Tickets will be available at the Fair office, by calling 563.927.6449 or at www.delawarecofair.com.

Updates and New Displays at Heartland Acres
Posted 1 November 2011
Visitors to Heartland Acres campus have the opportunity to view several new displays in the growing and changing museum. Continuing to keep a fresh look and bring in additional displays is always a priority for the staff and supporters of Heartland Acres commented Craig Johnson, Executive Director of Heartland Acres. 

Recently arrived from the State Historical Society archives in Des Moines are two rarely seen items.  A Thiemann tractor produced and built between 1936 and 1944 in Albert City, Iowa as well a 1919 Milburn Electric car.  The car was owned and driven by Mrs. Arletta Clarke, wife of former Iowa Governor George W. Clarke. Governor Clarke served in from 1901 – 1909 as a member of the Iowa House or representatives and served as speaker from 1904 - 1909. He also served as Lieutenant Governor from 1909 – 1913 then was elected Governor in 1912 and again in 1914.  The 1919 Milburn Electric could go 40 miles on a single charge.  

Also arrived is a 1937 Case CCS (stands for Case Cane Special) High Crop tractor.  This tractor is on loan from Doug DeShaw from Hopkinton, Iowa.  It is one of 65 built and is now one of 15 known survivors.  Doug owns several other Case tractors and spends much of his spare time repairing and showing antique tractors.

Heartland Acres newest display was created by Leanne Harrison and features historical information and artifacts recounting the life of Charlie Williams, builder and promoter of the once famous horse racing track in Independence in the early 1890’s. What is also part of this display is a story of the businessman and industrialist Jerome Increase Case who founded and built the J.I. Case Corporation.  Through research by Harrison she found that Jerome Increase Case owned race horses.  One of his horses named, Jay Eye See (a play on JI Case’s name) raced at the Independence track. 

Many more stories and displays about our agricultural heritage can be seen at Heartland Acres Agribition Center.  

For more information about Heartland Acres please visit www.heartlandacresusa.com or call (319) 332.0123 or see Heartland Acres on Face book.

Premier Grain Farms Donates Hay to Heartland Acres Agribition Center
Posted 6 July 2011
Heartland Acres Agribiton Center recently received a donation of 34 round bales of hay from Premier Grain Farms based in Walker, Iowa.  Premier Grain Farms, an innovative leader in the rapidly changing business of grain farming, is a local, family owned farming operation, based in Buchanan County. 

The donation came about as an opportunity for Premier Grain Farms to help support the efforts of Heartland Acres in the farm animal displays. Heartland Acres continues to preserve and promote the story of our agricultural past, present and future. The donated hay will be used throughout the coming months to support the livestock display.

Heartland Acres Board Member, Eric Smith was excited to hear the news and was grateful for the donation.  Smith, a long time supporter of Heartland Acres commented, “It is really nice to have an agricultural based business like Premier Grain Farms stepping up in support of Heartland Acres. Donations like this have a positive financial impact for Heartland Acres and are a much needed and appreciated donation.  

For more information about Heartland Acres please visit www.heartlandacresusa.com or call (319) 332.0123 or see Heartland Acres on Face book.

Photo Caption
Brian Prusator, Land Management Representative for Premier Grain Farms (left) of Walker, Iowa stands with Craig Johnson, Executive Director for Heartland Acres, by one of the many bales of hay used at Heartland Acres to feed their livestock. Photo Submitted

Fund Raising Continues for the Mill
Posted 11 November 2010
Several fund raisers continue for the Wapsipinicon Mill in downtown Independence.  This historic mill is in need of a new roof. Many different types of fund raisers have occurred this summer-fall season, including the” Underground Independence” series.   The Buchanan Co. Historical Society continues to take orders of the colored photograph  by Mark Blaker during the July 2010 flood.  Mark is working in cooperation with the Buchanan Co. Historical Society to make this framed photo available.

Just in time for the holidays.  Orders may be directed to Leanne Harrison, President of the Buchanan Co. Historical Society at 319 334-4616 or order blanks are available at the Independence Public Library and Heartland acres Agribition Center.  The framed photo is also on display at Heartland Acres Agribition Center.  The historical society is also ‘stirring’ interest in another venue.  Members of the society are now actively collecting family recipes to be included in a new cookbook that will be available in the spring.  Contact Maxine Goodyear with your family recipes.   Circle your calendar for Sunday, February 27, 2011 for a fun time at “Spirits and Visions” in the Events Center at Heartland Acres Agribition Center. 

A novel idea for a fun filled late afternoon - early evening beginning with a cocktail hour and a silent auction.  During this time ‘spirits’ will be dressed in period attire roaming the event  giving you a short history of early Independence and the residents they represent, concluding with a sit-down banquet and closing of the silent auction.    Many of the silent auction items include framed photos of downtown Independence in the early years, pewter plates of Independence, gift baskets, Longaberger items, and lots more.   Remember this date, Sunday, February 27, 2011 4-7:30pm.  Don’t forget to order your framed print of the mill soon!!!

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