The Ottumwa Courier

Local News

June 9, 2012

Supper in the Park a start to Gothic Days celebration

ELDON — Even though the park was warm Friday afternoon in Eldon, the people kept coming.

All were ready to have some “Supper in the Park,” which is the unofficial start of the town’s American Gothic Days. The three-day celebration is hosted by Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (GATE).

After getting a full plate and something to drink, folks headed for the shade where the picnic tables were.

Jo Eddy said Supper in the Park is a monthly activity, and the first supper marks the kickoff to American Gothic Days.

What does Eddy enjoy about the supper?

“I don’t have to cook,” she said.

What does her husband, Rocky, think about eating at the park?

“There’s always something going on, and when it helps the community, we try to get it done,” he said.

“And he doesn’t have to eat my cooking,” Eddy said and laughed.

Eldon Mayor Shirley Stacey was helping serve the food. She said the event has been ongoing for about 20 years.

She said today will be a busy day that begins with the 10 a.m. parade.

“The vendors will be in the park by about 9 a.m. Saturday,” she added.

American Gothic Days consists of a long list of activities. Stacey said the list includes a used book sale, bake and craft sale, kids’ games, chicken dinner and so much more.

Supper in the Park was the only event on Friday. There’s a long list of activities for today but only half a dozen items on Sunday.

Stacey said the cardboard boat races were fun to watch. Teams build a boat with cardboard and duct tape, and each boat has to make it around the buoy.

“Through the process of elimination, the last one afloat wins,” she said.

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