VILLISCA BETTERMENT

younger generations as the original theater
had made been for generations before them.
This project was made possible by a number
of different sponsors and volunteers. The
Villisca Community Betterment Association
would like to thank the Paint Iowa Beautiful
Grant for supplying the Diamond Vogel paint
necessary for the mural and outdoor screen,
the Poet Community Impact Grant for funds
necessary for the sound system needed,
and the Montgomery County Community
Foundation for the funds necessary for the
projector
needed for showing the films in
A new mural will be unveiled July 1st as a
part of the annual Heritage Days celebration. an outdoor space. We are excited to invite
the public to join us for our first free movie
Alex Burton serves as the president of the
night
on Wednesday July 1st in downtown
Villisca Community Betterment Association.
Villisca. The Villisca United Methodist Church
Alex told us how the idea came about.
is sponsoring our first film, “Hoppers”. Other
“Actually the idea came from Parsons,
individuals, businesses or organizations
Kansas, they did a similar mural to create a
interested in sponsoring a movie night are
drive in style movie theater next to a large
parking lot.” The Rialto movie theater served encouraged to reach out to the VCBA at
Villisca for generations and when it was torn villiscacba@gmail.com for details.
down, it left a void where the building stood
and in the community’s collective heart. The Heritage Days and All School
Reunion Set for July 1st-5th in Villisca
restaurant changed owners and chose the
name Rialto to honor the former theater as
well. The building for the mural is just off the The annual Heritage Days festivities are
set for July 1st through July 5th in Villisca.
Southwest corner of the square (the former
This year is really special because we
five and dime), directly across from the
former Rialto and next to the restaurant. We are celebrating the 250th Anniversary
hope the mural will bring families downtown of our country and 150 years for our Fire
Department. We are also having an All
to spend time making connections and
School Reunion. We have added a lot more
that these new outdoor movie nights will
activities to our normal schedule. We are
create as fond of memories of the Rialto for

New interactive mural set to open
July 1st in Villisca.

unveiling our new mural Wednesday night,
this is an interactive Rialto themed mural
with a movie night. Thursday the 2nd we
will have Chik-Fil-A at the swimming pool
along with a free swim day. Wrapping up
Thursday you can head down to the Number
6 Saloon for the annual Gray Family Horse
Pull. Friday we have a golf tournament at
the golf course and cornhole at the McCuen
American Legion on the square. From
5-7PM VAFA will be hosting an alumni sipn-snack at 113 N 2nd Ave. After that, head
on down to the football field and enjoy a
free will donation meal hosted by the SWV
FFA and drinks from J’s Coffee. A foam
party and kids’ activities will keep everyone
entertained until the fireworks begin at dark
(about 10PM). Saturday is another full day
of fun! Start your morning with breakfast
at the community building starting at 8
AM. Like years before, the parade begins at
10 AM, line up is at the Villisca Elementary
School. After the parade, we will have food
trucks, facepainting, kids activities, ferris
wheel and barrel train rides in the park. The
fire department is hosting a water fight
competition with area fire departments.
The water fights are always fun for kids and
adults alike. Spend the afternoon at the
all alumni social hour 4-8 PM at the Villisca
Country Club. Our annual street dance is at
the McCuen American Legion starting at 8
PM. Anyone with questions can check out
our Facebook page or contact the VCBA at
villiscacba@gmail.com