Chickfest draws Saturday shoppers to Charles City

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It was a busy weekend in Charles City as women came from near and far to hit the town for the annual Chickfest shopping event on Saturday, April 5.

The day of shopping began at First Citizens Bank, a new participant in Chickfest that loaned out its lobby to distribute this year’s commemorative Chickfest shopping bags.

“We’ve had a lot of fun planning for it,” said Cathy Rottinghaus, marketing president at First Citizens Bank.

Sponsored by Charles City Chamber & Tourism and provided by Otto’s Oasis, the tote bags came filled with coupons for shoppers to use in participating businesses across town.

Every year the bags draw in Chickfest shoppers to line up in anticipation, and this year was no different. Though distribution started promptly at 9 a.m., the bank opened its doors early to allow the growing crowd a warm place to wait.

“It was so cold and windy. They were huddled against the bank,” said Rottinghaus.

At the front of the line this year was Nickie Ward, a first-time Chickfest shopper who arrived at 6:30 in the morning to make sure she got the limited edition tote.

“I just thought the bag was pretty,” said Ward.

The line snaked around the bank lobby, but quickly vanished once the clock struck 9  as shoppers got their bags and spread out across the city.

From checking out the Artful Affairs hat bar in the former Rustic Corner building to sipping on mimosas at Mara’s, shoppers roamed Main Street and beyond to check out what Charles City’s shops have to offer.

“It’s very good,” said Tiffany Rottinghaus, owner of Mara and Cardigan. “I think everybody is excited to get out of the house. It’s really nice to see all of our shoppers out again.”

With more than 20 businesses participating, there was plenty to do. Main Street mainstays like Darbe & Co and Charles City Electronics were involved, but so were new operations like Dean’s Treats and North Iowa Coins.

“I got a lot of people that came in,” said Michael Hammond, who relocated North Iowa Coins to a new downtown location last November.

Giving away eggs filled with candy and either a gram or an ounce of silver, Hammond was happy to be a part of the downtown event.

“The more stores you have, the more people you can draw in,” said Hammond.

Along with the brick and mortar businesses, a vendor fair was set up at the Columbus Club where home businesses were selling crafts, kitchenware, books and more.

Cedar River Pizza was even on hand with its new mini-pizzas, offering up breakfast and lunch options for the visitors.

Outside of downtown, other Charles City businesses got in on the Checkfest fun with sales and special events.

“It’s been busy,” said Kim Callison of Furniture Barn. “It’s something we like to participate in every year.”

This year, Furniture Barn offered a candle bar where shoppers could make their own Milkhouse Candle.

Proceeds from the event went to support PAWS Humane Society, which brought in Jolly the Dog to meet potential new owners. Jolly is an 8-month old puppy that has been housebroken, neutered and vaccinated and is in need of a forever home.

On the other end of Gilbert Street, Otto’s Oasis was the place to go for custom bracelets or an extra tote bag, for those that may have missed out on the morning giveaway.

“It’s been pretty steady,” said Robin Pivarnik at Otto’s Oasis. “It’s good to have people out with their friends having fun.”

From downtown clothing stores like Saxony to the near out-of-town quilt shop, Sew That!, the event drew in a good crowd of shoppers to Charles City.

“It was lovely,” said Darci Tracey of Prologue Books and Wine. “Lots of regulars and lots of new faces, so that’s always fun.”

Tracey, working with Tiffany Rottinghaus and Lori Otto, spearheaded the organization of this year’s event, taking over following the semi-retirement of Tami Vetter. Tracey said she was glad to see both shoppers and stores having a good time.

“I think, overall, it was very successful,” said Tracey. “I’m very pleased with our partnership with Tourism and Tami helping out so much.”