Gowrie provides a hometown atmosphere
By DON COGGER, Messenger staff writerArticle Photos
Fact Box
At a glance
Incorporated: 1870
County: Webster
Population: 1,038
Major employer: Prairie Valley Community School District
GOWRIE - Gowrie has a lot more going for it than its annual Fourth of July celebration.
That said, it's not a bad reason to make the trip.
Festivities kicked off Wednesday evening, and residents are hoping that once people visit, they'll want to come back.
''Gowrie is the perfect small town,'' said City Clerk Shelley Segebart. ''I've lived in bigger towns, and it's just too busy. I like living in a place where the kids can ride their bikes and not worry about traffic.''
For a town of just more than 1,000, Gowrie offers its residents just about everything they could need, including a grocery store, swimming pool, skating rink, library, schools and a full range of medical professionals, including a chiropractor, a dentist and a full pharmacy. The economy is also doing well, according to Segebart, with most of the buildings that line downtown filled with businesses.
''Unfortunately, the hardware store closed recently, and that was tough,'' she said. ''It's hard for businesses like that to compete with places like Menards. But hardly any businesses in the uptown commercial area are vacant, which is great for a town this size.''
Gowrie's community center offers a variety of programs for the young and old alike, including card games in the afternoon and Congregate Meals, a program similar to Meals on Wheels, that runs Monday through Friday,
''People can come in and dine, or carry out if they wish,'' Segebart said. ''We also deliver meals to those who need it. For that program, the city works as a sub-contractor with Elderbridge Agency on Aging. It's a good partnership.''
As workers prepared the city park for the weekend, local business owners are also setting up for what may be their busiest weekend for customers this summer. Renee Fevold, owner of the Picket Fence Gift Shop, said she's looking forward to the holiday weekend. Many residents who have moved out of the area come home for the weekend, according to Fevold, and it's always a good chance to catch up with everyone.
''It's really good to see everyone again after they've been gone a while,'' Fevold said. ''I'll be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., so I can't wait to see who drops in.''
Fevold described her shop as a nice mix of country gifts and home accents, with an excellent selection of greeting cards.
''There's something for everyone in here, I think,'' Fevold said. ''I think it fits in nicely with with the friendly, small-town atmosphere that we have here in Gowrie.''
Sandy Johnson is a regular at the Picket Fence. A native of Gowrie, Johnson moved back to town two years ago after spending 36 years in Des Moines.
''I came back to take care of my mother,'' Johnson said. ''But it's good to be home. I've always been so proud of Gowrie, and we have a lot of hometown pride here. It's got everything a person would need, including this wonderful gift shop. I just may go broke here.''
While the city of Gowrie does its best to provide entertainment throughout the summer, others are working behind the scenes as well. The Gowrie Area Arts Council sponsors a show every Thursday evening at the bandshell in city park. Jen Martino, director of the GAAC, said that these mini-concerts will continue until the end of July.
''We're actually not doing anything next Thursday, just because we didn't want to compete with all of the county fairs,'' Martino said. ''But Saturday, July 19 is our annual fundraiser. We're going to have a picnic for the public at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7:30.''
The entertainment for that evening will be the Community Band, comprised of volunteers of all ages and abilities.
''We've had a good turnout and practices are going well, but we could always use more,'' Martino said. ''July 24 will be open-mic night, and that's a chance for anyone to perform, whether it's singing or dancing or playing an instrument.''
Back at the City Clerk's office, Segebart said she always looks forward to events like the Fourth of July and the Thursday night concert series that showcase what Gowrie has to offer.
''This is just such a fun community, and very friendly,'' Segebart said. ''I'll brag it up anytime I can.''
Contact Don Cogger at (515) 573-2141 or dcogger@messengernews.net
