The Village of Iola Revitalization Committee, chaired by Alan Bauer, convened on Wednesday, March 12, in the Clerk’s Office at Iola Village Hall, to finalize plans for several community-enhancing events and improvements, including a Bluegrass Festival set for late July and a spring Transformation Day aimed at beautifying public spaces.

The meeting saw committee members — Alan Bauer (chairman), Jennifer Schustek, Heather Hoyord, Joe Opperman, and Greg Loescher — gather alongside Clerk/Treasurer Laura J. Krogwold and Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Missy Fenn.

A major highlight of the meeting was the conversation about the Bluegrass Festival, scheduled for July 24–26, to follow the renowned Iola Old Car Show. The committee aims to attract both locals and tourists by capitalizing on the momentum of the car show, bringing more entertainment and foot traffic into the village.

In addition, the annual “Junk in the Trunk Rummage” event was confirmed for May 17, beginning at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Iola Old Car Show grounds. Vendors have until May 12 to register, and the event promises a lively atmosphere filled with treasures and bargains for community members and visitors alike.

Another significant decision came with the committee’s approval to purchase up to 60 “Welcome Home” banners and 20 brackets from Weizer Graphics. This motion, introduced by Greg Loescher and seconded by Joe Opperman, was passed unanimously and is part of a broader beautification initiative.

That initiative, dubbed “Transformation Day,” is tentatively scheduled for the first week of May 2025. On this day, volunteers and staff plan to install the new banners, place fresh benches around public spaces, and add new garbage cans to spruce up the village’s appearance in preparation for the summer season. Discussions about including craft booths are ongoing, though no decisions have been finalized.

The next meeting of the Village of Iola Revitalization Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, at 3 p.m., again at the Village Hall.