The big elephant in the room was the heat. What a hot day for late September! We think that hurt attendance as crowd was smaller.
The festival committee had rented inflatables for the kids to jump in and they were put to good use. We thought we would do some old fashioned relay races but kids were so busy jumping we skipped that.
One thing in the heat that was new and made a big hit was the sno-cone stand. Festival made $232 on sno-cones so that was a plethora of ice!
Fifteen cars entered the car show. Winning the people’s choice award was the one owned by Kathy McCombs of Lovilia. Congratulations to her! People enjoyed looking at all the shined up vehicles.
Randy Weldon, formerly of Lovilia, brought a Shriner’s train and gave kids rides for the afternoon.
Community betterment served food at the Community building and want to thank all the volunteers who served food and prepared it and donated desserts. It was yummy!
Several teams competed in the bags tournament in spirited competition.
Several vendors displayed their wares from signage to makeup for guests to view and purchase.
Stage entertainment was Albia Baptist Worship Band, Cornerstone Worship Band and the Small Town Superheroes. Even though it was hot enough for a meltdown they were all troopers and performed great music to the small crowd trying to find a place in the shade. Thanks to all the performers!
The firemen had water fights and I am sure that was refreshing and fun.
The day ended with a night parade at 7p.m. with color guard, floats, fire trucks, golf carts, four wheelers, Shriners, and horses. Fun end of the festival.
Thanks to all who helped and all who attended. It’s a day to celebrate the community of Lovilia. Special thanks to Kristin Mick who chaired the committee and donated lots of hours to bring us this event.
United Methodist Women’s Guest Day
This annual event was held Oct. 5th at the Lovilia Community Building for lunch. Women from many local country parishes were invited. About 30 women shared fellowship and heard a presentation from local novelist, Darlene Miller.
Oct. 7 City Wide Yard Sales
This is an annual event. So some thrift shopping was done that day.
October 8th St. Peter’s Catholic Church Fall Picnic
Over 200 diners ate the beef and noodle dinner with all the trimmings. Perfect weather lasted all day, shirtsleeve warm. Raffle winners were: $500 JoAnn Reed, $200 Ellie Davis, $100 Cindy Welsh, $100 Joan Molloy-Earp, $50 Jenny Welsh, and $50 Brad Stalzer. The church would like to thank all the diners, raffle ticket buyers, country store item buyers, and auction item buyers. The support is much appreciated.
Michael “Mick” John Papich Dies
Mick was born August 19, 1943 in Lovilia, Iowa to David Edward and Elna Lucas Papich. He grew up working with his six brothers and sisters at their family owned Papich Sundries drug store in Lovilia. He graduated from Lovilia high school with the class of 1961. He attended Indian Hills Community College, worked at White’s Construction in Des Moines, Alcoa Aluminum in Davenport, and other jobs. He was a member of the U.S. National guard.
His interests included hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, playing guitar, and vacationing.
Mick died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at the Monroe County hospital with family at his side.
He is survived by sisters, JoAnne Papich -Feldmann, Marlene Papich (Bob) Terrell, Mary Jo Papich, and Connie (Joe) Sinnott. Also a sister-in-law, Bette Papich.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Danny, brother Leonard, sister-in-law Lenore Papich, niece Jennifer Susan Terrell, and great niece Gabriella Marie Sinnott.
Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Oct. 28,2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, Iowa officiated by Father Michael E. Volkmer C.P.P.S. Burial was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Albia, Iowa.
Memorial gifts may be given to Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Mick’s Memory.
May he rest in peace.
Dog Bite Reminder
Last weekend a child was walking a pit bull and it pulled away from her and bit a dog that was on a leash with it’s owner and bit the owner. This is a reminder that pit bulls are not allowed in Lovilia. This dog has been removed from town the owner says and as the city ordinance requires. If you plan to acquire a dog, check with the city clerk at city hall as to what dogs are ok and which ones are not allowed in the city limits. This is for the safety of all our residents.
Floor Flash
Lovilia Community Betterment Committee, who is responsible for taking care of the Community Building, after the fall festival, hired a professional floor cleaner to scrub all the buildings floors. He also sealed the kitchen, bathrooms, hall, and small room which gives it a nice shine and makes it easier to keep clean. It has been a few years since it was last done and this is good maintenance routine.
Lovilia Railroad History Goes to Boone
While visiting Boone, Susan Beary presented a sign for them to add to their Railroad Museum collection. The curator of the museum asked where we were from and asked if Lovilia ever had a railroad station. He said he was trying to acquire a photo of every station ever in Iowa. Susan went home and photo copied the railroad pages and photos from the Lovilia History Book written by Catherine Ross and Eleanora Sofranko in the 1970s and sent them to the museum. So we are officially listed there. Toot toot!
November 7, 2017 Vote in Lovilia City Election
Election for mayor and city council will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Lovilia Community Building. You can vote there anytime between noon and 8 p.m. Any eligible voter living in the city limits may vote. Please vote to support your town.
November 11 is Veteran’s Day
Let us all take a moment at least that day to give thanks for all men and women who have served our country to protect us and our freedoms. We can never appreciate them enough.
Something new
Across from the Catholic church on the empty lot a paved floor appeared last month. Then a few days later a pre-built garage was placed on that floor. What is next? Don’t know if a house will follow but we will keep you posted.
Stone Front to Former Gas n go
The former Gas n Go convenience store and gas station on hwy. 5 has had a stone mason working for many days applying a stone facade to the front and sides of the new addition on the north end of the building. Does that mean they will eventually open for business? This remains to be seen. We will keep you posted.