Posted on

It’s okay to catch Cabin Fever in Charles City

  • The Charles City High School Pom Squad performs at the Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase during the Cabin Fever Weekend at the Comet Gymnasium. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

  • The Junior Pom Squad made up of first- and second-graders performs at the Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase during the Cabin Fever Weekend at the Comet Gymnasium. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

  • The Dance Art Centre collectively leaps during its routine at the Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase during the Cabin Fever Weekend at the Comet Gymnasium. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

  • Branycia Mitchell, senior, performs her solo dance routine at the Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase during the Cabin Fever Weekend at the Comet Gymnasium. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

  • A group at the Fossil and Prairie Center makes bird feeders during the Bird Feeder Palooza during the Cabin Fever Weekend. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

  • Tables are filled with free cloths at the the old Treasure Chest sponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church during the Cabin Fever Weekend. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

  • Clifford plays with his toy at PAWS during the Cabin Fever Weekend. Press photo by Thomas Nelson.

By Thomas Nelson, tnelson@charlescitypress.com

The weather was warming up and so was Charles City during Cabin Fever Weekend — so much so that some actual winter weather-related activities to be called off.

Cabin Fever Weekend included a sock and shoe collection for folks to get involved.

The Charles City Chamber of Commerce, Messiah Lutheran Church and Comprehensive Systems partnered to help collect new underwear and new or gently used socks and shoes to be given to people who need them.

“Comprehensive Systems has really stepped up to the plate,” said Bill Cavanaugh, one of the organizers of the clothes drive.

“Everyone really went above and beyond the call of duty,” he said. “I’m pretty proud our town today.”

Many businesses got in on the action as well. Bread of Life held its grand opening with a variety of discounts and treats available to customers.

“Pretty much the entire store is on sale,” said Shelly Tilton, one of the owners of Bread of Life.

“The sales this weekend have been so good, and people have been really receptive,” Tilton said.

Charles City High School was also involved in Cabin Fever Weekend. The Winter Wonderland Dance Showcase was held at the Comet Gymnasium and featured preschool to high school dancers performing elaborate routines to a packed house.

Outside of Charles City at the Fossil and Prairie Center near Rockford, the Floyd County Conservation Naturalist, Heidi Reams, held a bird feeder palooza where a group of people was taught to make bird feeders.

The Cabin Fever Weekend first began when Ginger Williams, the Community Development tourism coordinator, saw a red flannel weekend at another community.

From there Williams approached Lorraine Winterink at Red Cedar Lodge to help coordinate a weekend full of events with the Charles City Chamber of Commerce.

Since then the Chamber has worked with businesses and organizations to help promote the weekend full of events during the last weekend of January.

Some of the events were free, some required advanced registration.

Social Share

LATEST NEWS