Taylor County

First Saturday of the month
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
June-September
Main Street; Pocket Parks

March 21: Lenox Chamber Banquet Murder Mystery Dinner, Lenox

Oct. 4-5: Twisted Stalk Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Lenox

Oct. 11-12: Twisted Stalk Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Lenox

Oct. 18-19: Twisted Stalk Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Lenox

Oct. 1-31: Prairie Moon Pumpkin Patch, New Market

Oct. 31: Trunk-or-Treat Parade, Lenox

Oct. 31: Trunk-or-Treat, New Market

Nov. 1-2: Twisted Stalk Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, Lenox

Nov. 28: Park Lighting Ceremony at Highland Park 6:30 pm, Lenox

Nov. 28 Dec. 28: Bright Lights & Shining Hospitality, Lenox Depot; 6-8 pm – Fri, Sat, Sun, Lenox

Dec. 3: Taste of Lenox’s Shining Hospitality, Lenox

Dec. 6: Holiday Home Tour, Bedford

Dec. 11: Photos with Santa, Lenox

New Market Historical Society & Museum
608 Lafayette Street, New Market
712-370-5108 or 712-370-7858

611 King St., Blockton
641-344-2500

1232 250th St.,
New Market
712-435-0609

904 Central, Bedford
712-542-9272

Bedford Fest: 10th Annual Celebration of Community, Fun, and Local Flavor

June 28th Downtown Bedford, 9:00am – 3:00pm: Bedford is bringing its vibrant community spirit to life for the 10th year in a row with an event that promises to be a highlight of the season—Bedford Fest! Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor passing through, this exciting celebration offers something for everyone. With its perfect mix of fun, food, and local flair, Bedford Fest is not to be missed.

A Day of Fun for All Ages The event will be packed with activities to keep the entire family entertained. From carnival games, to an exciting water slide perfect for cooling off, there’s no shortage of excitement. Children will love all the entertainment, while parents can relax knowing their kids are having a blast.

Local Flavors and Delights Foodies, prepare to indulge! A mouthwatering assortment of food trucks will line the event, serving up everything from gourmet street food to comforting classics. The variety is sure to satisfy every craving. Don’t forget to check out the farmers market for locally grown produce, homemade jams, breads, and hand-crafted goodies.

One of the best parts of Bedford Fest is the opportunity to taste the local culinary scene. Whether you’re craving a casual bite or a delicious Mexican experience, Bedford’s local restaurants will be out in full force showcasing their best dishes. It’s a delicious way to discover the flavors that make this town special and perhaps find your new favorite spot.

For those with a taste for unique finds, the vendor fair will showcase a curated selection of local artisans, creators, and small businesses. This is a fantastic opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind treasures, whether it’s handmade jewelry, clothing, or stunning artwork. It’s a celebration of the very best Bedford has to offer.

An Event with Heart What makes Bedford Fest truly exceptional is its sense of community. As you stroll through the festival, you’ll feel the warmth and pride that the residents have for their town. Local specialty shops, artisan vendors, and families come together to create an atmosphere that is welcoming and full of energy. The festival is not just about having fun—it’s about celebrating the people and businesses that make Bedford unique.

Join Us for Bedford Fest Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, great food, or unique shopping experiences, Bedford Fest has it all. It’s a day to relax, explore, and make memories with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this exciting celebration—mark your calendar for June 28th and come see what makes Bedford a place you’ll want to return to year after year.

The Lenox Neighborhood Center at 110 South Main Street is a thriving thrift store that carries a variety of items, from clothes and household goods to furniture and more. All the items they sell are donated by caring people and sold at low prices – some are new, while others are gently used. The overwhelming community support they’ve received has even allowed them to purchase the building next door for furniture storage and display.

The revenue from item sales enables the Lenox Neighborhood Center to be self-sufficient and purchase food from the Food Bank of Iowa for their on-site food pantry, which serves the local town and surrounding communities. Volunteers are also a very important part of the Neighborhood Center’s operation – without them, they wouldn’t be able to do so much for the community.

People come from all over to visit the Lenox Neighborhood Center, including shoppers from as far as Utah and Texas. Many have driven more than an hour just to browse the unique selection. Even passersbys who are just curious about the store often can’t resist popping in.

“If you find yourself in our area, stop in to see us!” says Lisa Tiepelman, the Neighborhood Center’s Director. “It’s like Christmas every day here. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover.” So, if you’re planning a thrifting road trip, be sure to put the Lenox Neighborhood Center on your list.

You’re sure to find some incredible deals and one-of-a-kind items during your visit.

Lenox, currently, has two miles of a hard surface walking trail and is working to add another mile in the near future. The trail gives people the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activity, nature, and improved health.
The current trail connects several key destinations. Toward the north edge of town, it starts at J-13/Van Buren Street, a main entrance into Lenox, at Oak Street. Walking south, you will find Lenox’s outdoor multi-purpose sports courts including pickleball, basketball, tennis, 4-square, and shuffle board. As you continue your stroll, you’ll encounter the restored Depot event venue, the K-12 school complex, the Community Center large event venue, and the youth sports fields. Continuing on your journey, the trail loops through a pleasant nature area. The trail passes within a half block from Main Street where you will find numerous eateries, coffee, and gift shops. There are two lovely pocket parks (converted allies) on Main Street where you can rest, eat, and gather on benches and picnic tables.

The next mile-long phase of the trail to be completed soon, will lead you further north through scenic greenways and residences. The final destinations here are the renowned 3 Lake Municipal Golf Course, three fishing lakes, shooting range, and scenic campground.

The Lenox Comprehensive Plan, adopted two years ago, established outdoor recreation and a robust quality of life as strategic missions of the community. Result from many community meetings and walking trail to golf course recreation area (campground, shooting range, fishing lakes) was in top four answers to community survey.

2. Benefits of walking trails: “Trails consistently remain the number one community amenity sought by prospective homeowners,” according to the National Association of Homebuilders. The development of trails improves community life in multiple ways… Placemaking supports more walkable and bikeable communities by fostering the creation of new community destinations, improving the safety and aesthetics of streets, and enhancing local sense of community.

Also, walking trails available to all age, race and socioeconomic groups – free! Encourages outdoor activity and enjoying nature.

Makes walking (safe environment) an alternative mode of transportation.

Trail-based activities offer many health benefits including improved cholesterol levels and protection against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Outdoor exercise also can improve mood, restore attention, and decrease anger, depression, and stress.

Trails and greenways create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible, and low- or no-cost places to cycle, walk, hike, jog, or skate. People walk for many purposes, such as for transportation to get to school, work, a store, or the library or for leisure to have fun, socialize with friends or family, walk their dogs, or improve their health. Because walking is multipurpose, it provides many opportunities for people to incorporate physical activity into their busy lives.
Trails help people of all ages incorporate exercise into their daily routines by connecting them with places they want or need to go. Communities that encourage physical activity by making use of linear corridors can see a significant effect on public health and wellness.

3. Funds are being raised with private donations from businesses and individuals.

4. When completed, Lenox will have about 3 miles of contiguous walking trail connecting community recreational area to the downtown area: Depot, sports complex, community center, k-12 school, refurbished tennis courts (pickle ball, basketball, 4 square and shuffle board), golf course, fishing lakes, shooting range, campground.

5. The purpose is to promote healthy, active lifestyles!

6. Several years ‘in the making’

Escape to Wilson Lake, a 50-acre natural playground featuring a pristine 20-acre lake and a world-class disc golf course that’s quickly becoming a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers something for everyone—modern and primitive campsites, excellent fishing opportunities (with catfish, bass, panfish, and walleye), and a disc golf experience that’s turning heads. Professional disc golf experts from Freak Disc Golf Co in Des Moines have already recognized

the course’s exceptional quality. Ryan Freerksen, the company’s owner, declares, “This is truly a hidden gem that rivals courses in the Des Moines area. Disc golf players won’t want to miss this incredible course!” Wilson Lake Park is south and east of Lenox. From County Road N64 go east on County Road J20 for 1 mile, then go south on Utah Avenue for 1.5 miles. Photos courtesy of Freak Disc Golf Co.

When winter descends on Iowa, the small town of Lenox transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland that has captivated visitors for nearly four decades. At the heart of this festive tradition stands City (Highland) Park, where thousands of twinkling lights create a mesmerizing display that has become the crown jewel of the region’s holiday celebrations.

The season officially begins the evening after Thanksgiving, when the park erupts in a symphony of lights at 6:30 pm. Visitors can experience the magic in multiple ways – whether cruising slowly around the park’s perimeter or taking a leisurely stroll along the illuminated pathways that weave through its grounds. The spectacle extends beyond the park, as local residents embrace the holiday spirit by transforming their homes into brilliant displays of seasonal cheer.

The historic Depot serves as the town’s holiday hospitality hub, featuring an enchanting forest of themed Christmas trees. Each tree tells its own story, lovingly decorated by local organizations and businesses to reflect the year’s chosen holiday theme. Friendly volunteers welcome visitors with warm cocoa and fresh popcorn every Friday, Saturday and Sunda evening from 6 to 8pm between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Depot’s charming atmosphere also makes it an ideal venue for intimate gatherings, which can be arranged through the Chamber of Commerce.

One of Lenox’s most unique traditions occurs on the first Wednesday of December – “Taste of Lenox’s Shining Hospitality.” Stroll into many businesses to get a “taste” of a favorite holiday recipe. The festivities center around a majestic 20-foot Christmas tree standing proudly on Main Street, surrounded by storefronts decorated to complement the season’s theme.

This beloved tradition began in 1986, when a group of passionate residents first began illuminating their community. By 1987, the park joined the celebration with 6,000 lights, pioneering what would become southwest Iowa’s first major holiday lighting display. The tradition quickly grew, with neighborhoods collaborating on coordinated decorations and visitors arriving by the busload to witness the spectacle that caught the attention of regional television networks.

Today, what started with those initial 6,000 lights has grown to an estimated 25,000 bulbs transforming Highland Park into a winter paradise. This remarkable expansion represents countless hours of dedication from community volunteers who have maintained and expanded the display over nearly four decades. (For those with a penchant for precision, the town extends a playful challenge to count the exact number of lights during your visit!)

For more information about special events or to reserve the Depot Holiday Welcome Center, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 641-333-4272.

Did you know Iowa is:

• #1 in Millennial homeownership
• The median home price for a home here is nearly half the national average
• Our unemployment rate is 2.9%, significantly lower compared to the national average
• #6 Best State according to U.S. News and World Report Rankings

The Southwest Iowa Coalition has developed a website; www.livesouthwestiowa.com, to
encourage people who are considering relocating to move to Southwest Iowa and enjoy the
advantages of living here.

The Southwest Iowa Coalition is comprised of a diverse group of professionals representing chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and marketing firms that are unified in our mission to centralize resources for individuals considering the transition from urban to rural life in the expansive region from I-29 to the Missouri border, and from the Nebraska border to I-80, commonly referred to as Southwest Iowa.

Their goal is to provide comprehensive information and support centered on education, employment opportunities, safety standards, and the thriving housing market available in the region. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we strive to facilitate a smooth and informed transition for those seeking the enriching experience of rural living in Southwest Iowa, ultimately fostering vibrant communities and sustainable growth in the region.

www.livesouthwest.com offers affordable advertising opportunities for businesses and industries. Make your move.

The town of New Market, Iowa is located on the western edge of Taylor County, Iowa and was platted and recorded in April, 1882. New Market’s beginnings actually started in the town of Memory which was located 1 mile west of the area that became the town of New Market. Memory had for some time anticipated the railroad coming through their town but when the Humeston and Shenandoah Railroad came through the area in 1881 it bypassed Memory, by going a quarter of a mile north and a mile east. At this eastern spot a depot was built with hopes of a town growing up around it. Not to be left behind the citizens of Memory decided to move their town the mile east and established a new town which became known as “New Market”.

The name of New Market was originally spelled as a single word “Newmarket”, eventually becoming two words. At the time older settlers wanted to call the town “Stockton” in honor of one of the early pioneers of Dallas Township, Rev. J. M. Stockton. Others wanted to call the town “New Memory”, and many others wanted the new name to be “New Market”. After the depot painted the words New Market on the depot the named stayed. The people of Memory took on the task of moving their buildings to the new location, including the post office that had been in operation there since 1857. The new town consisted of 17 blocks and about 200 lots and the streets and alleys were laid out so that they ran parallel to and right angles with the section lines. In May of 1882 the Taylor County Republican newspaper reported that in New Market about a dozen houses and 3 or 4 business buildings had been built and a number of others were in the process of being built. By April, 1883, one year after the first stakes were driven in surveying of the town, New Market had 60 houses, 30 businesses and over 300 residents. New Market and the surrounding area had a number of thriving coal mines from 1860 to 1942. By 1893 New Market had a population of about 500, even though the current population is under 400 and there are less businesses, it is still a thriving and progressive town.

Join us July 3rd thru the 4th
Let New Market show you
why we’re Mighty Proud of
that old FLAG

www.celebratenewmarket.com
www.facebook.com/NewMarket4th