WATERLOO, Iowa – Celebrate agriculture Iowa-style with Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) at the “Annual Golden Silo Barn Party,” Friday, Nov. 9.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 49 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Through a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA interprets farm life, agribusiness and rural communities – past and present.
The party will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott in Waterloo, formerly John Deere Engine Works. Guests will feast on a plated meal of Iowa-style food and enjoy live entertainment by Northeast Iowa bluegrass and gospel band, GrassRun.
“This isn’t your typical gala,” said Jori Wade-Booth, communications and marketing director for Silos & Smokestacks. “It’s casual and a lot of fun. You can come in your bow tie and boots if you’d like to.”
Each year at the gala, SSNHA celebrates the best in heritage development by presenting Golden Silo Awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate outstanding excellence in preserving and telling America’s agricultural story.
“The story of American agriculture in the Heritage Area is constantly evolving,” said Cara Miller, executive director of Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. “We’re very excited to honor those who excel in sharing the agricultural experience with visitors.”
New this year to the “Golden Silo Barn Party,” attendees will enjoy tasting sweet, small bite desserts while visiting with select Silos & Smokestacks Partner Sites. Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Cedar Falls Historical Society, La Porte City FFA Historical and Ag Museum, National Farm Toy Museum and John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum will all have mini-exhibits on display. Each display will share a table with a mini dessert.
A unique variety of travel packages, gifts and baskets will be featured in the live and silent auctions. Up for bidding is a weekend in the historic Villages of Van Buren with two nights at the historic 1847 Hancock House. Grill enthusiasts will enjoy a Traeger Tailgater valued at $500. The grill, donated by Janesville Lumber, weighs only 62 pounds and comes with EZ-Fold Legs for max portability. A complete list of auction items will be posted to the Silos & Smokestacks website the week of Oct. 22.
Tickets are $50 per person, or $350 per table (seats 8). Deadline to register is Oct. 26. For more information or to register, visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org/goldensilos or call (319) 234-4567.
All proceeds from the event will be used to help tell and preserve the story of agriculture, to inform people about the heritage area and where they can visit to learn more about American agriculture.
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area covers 37 counties in the northeast quadrant of Iowa. Interstate 80 borders it on the south and Interstate 35 borders it on the west. For more information or to visit on of Silos & Smokestacks’ many sites, visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org.
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PHOTO: Cara Miller, SSNHA Executive Director; with blue grass band GrassRun, and Bill Northey, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation in the United States Department of Agriculture; at the 2017 Golden Silo Barn Party.
Topics: Press Releases
Related Attractions:
John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
500 Westfield Ave
Waterloo, IA
319-292-6126
La Porte City FFA Historical & Ag Museum
408 Main St
La Porte City, IA
319-342-3619
