From Vaudeville to surround-sound, from silent movies to major musicals, the Cresco Opera House has long served as the entertainment center for the greater Cresco, Iowa area and beyond. 

This unique, versatile building is as viable today as at any time in its long and illustius life.   The two types of uses - movies and live shows - are possible because of the original design of the building.  Constructed in 1914 and opened in early 1915, the Opera House designers not only wanted a facility for the present but for the future.   Vaudeville was still the rage in the pre-World War I years, but silent movies loomed on the horizon.  The result was a design that incorporated footlights that front the stage for live shows and a projection booth at the rear of the large balcony for movies.  Had it been built a few years earlier, the facility would probably have centered on live productions only.  Had it been built later, it probably would have been only a movie house. 

Movies are shown nightly at 7:30pm.  The exception is when the building is the site of a live production by the Cresco Community Theatre group or some other entertainment or program.

The All School Reunion is scheduled for Friday, July 30, Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1st in 2010.

CLICK HERE for all of the details of the activities that are planned for the reunion!

Email us with any questions at crescoasr@gmail.com

The Reunion Headquarters will be at the Howard County Fairgrounds Featherlite Center next to the Expo Center.

Cresco's Public Libary is a beautiful ‘Carnegie Library’ that dates back to 1913 when construction began.  Dedication of the new Cresco Public Library was held on February 10, 1915.   In 1991 the library experienced a major renovation and addition.  After seven years of planning, a new, historically accurate addition was added to the south side of the original Carnegie Library.  This new addition doubled the size of the library building and was funded through a federal grant, local donations, fund raising, and many volunteer hours by local residents.

The Board of Trustees and staff of the Cresco Public Library provides free, unlimited access to its resources, both material and informational, to the community. In today's society, the services of the Cresco Public Library are designated to meet the various needs of those on the community. Special emphasis is placed on providing popular materials in a timely manner, on the collection, and on programs and services for preschool children, school age children and young adults.

Please visit our new website at www.cresco.lib.ia.us for more information or call 563-547-2540.

Library Hours: 

• Monday-Thursday     9am-8pm 
• Friday - Saturday       9am-5pm 
• Sunday                        Closed
  

Why Buy Local?  Locally grown foods are fresher and healthier, taste better are safer to consume, and are better for the local economy and the environment.

Cresco's Farmer's Market is held every Tuesday and Friday afternoon from 2pm - 5:30pm, May 1st through October 30th. 

Located between Balk Park and Fareway on the north side of Grube's Lawn & Garden on 1st Ave SW.

When you visit Cresco you can't help but notice the beautiful bronze statues located throughout the entire City.  All of the statues depict children having fun.  All of the staues were brought here by the gracious residents and businesses of Cresco that donated the funds.  This ongoing project to beautify our community continually adds new statues.  We now have close to 30 different bronze statues scattered throughout Cresco.  Lime Springs and Elma have also joined in to beautify as they have placed a few statues of their own. 

Stop by the Cresco Welcome Center to find out where they are all located or to donate to the project.

The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Foundation was established in April of 1970.  The purpose is to honor Iowa natives who had major contributions to amateur wrestling including athletes, coaches and officials.  

The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame is located at 101 2nd Ave SW at the corners of Hwy 9 & N. Elm St. inside of the Cresco Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce.  We invite you to stop in and view the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Gallery and review the rich history of wrestling in Iowa.

The Howard County Fairgrounds is home to the "Mighty" Howard County Fair.  The most progressive county fair in Iowa.  The fair is always held the last full week in June from Wednesday-Sunday.  The Grandstand Shows are spectacular with a wide variety of entertainment including national musical headliners, rodeo circuit, stock car races and much more.  The midway is full of rides, games, and food.  The local involvement is a large part of the success too.  4H and their livestock shows, Master Gardeners, Expo Center Exhibits and local food stands all add to the festivities. 

Check out our website at www.mhcfair.com for a schedule of events, other links and information.

This year's show is the 49th Annual and takes place on Sunday August 1st, 2010.  Each year Cresco's beautiful Beadle Park fills with artists displaying and selling a wide variety of art-work. 

Click on Artist Application to be a part of this great Art Show.

Music and activities delight young and old alike.  Guest musicians perform beginning at 10:30am and continue throughout the day.  Each year a few participating artists demonstrate their craft for the crowd.  The Art Council is focused on promoting artists as well as providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore the artistic creativity we all possess.  Also available is a variety of delicious food and wine tasting from a local winery.  

Be sure to take in the 29th Annual Fly-In Breakfast prior to the Art Show from 7:30am-Noon at the Cresco Airport / Ellen Church Field. Activities include...

• Tandem Skydiving will be available for the daring type.  Call ahead to register. 
• Airplane Rides $20/person 
• Hot Air Balloon Display
• Airplanes on Display 

Call the Cresco Area Chamber of Commerce at 563-547-3434 for more details.

In 2010 the 28th Annual Santa's Holiday Parade takes place on Friday, November 26th in downtown Cresco starting at 4pm.  The theme is "Storybook/Movie Characters" and is the first holiday parade in northeast Iowa.  It starts at the Fitness Center and goes down North Elm St. 

A non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting education programs and projects which reflect the lifetime achievements and philosophy of Dr. Norman Borlaug.  Please visit our website at www.normanborlaug.org to find out more information about how this foundation is working to make Dr. Borlaug's boyhood home a National Monument.  The Borlaug Farm is located 12 miles southwest of Cresco.