American Gothic House Center to host 5K, art contest

ELDON ? Eldon will hold its annual celebration, American Gothic Days, June 12-14, a weekend full of food, fun and entertainment for all ages.

As part of the festivities, the American Gothic House Center will host a 5K run/walk and art contest.

The annual American Gothic 5K Walk/Run will take place at 7:30 a.m. June 9. Early bird registration is $15 until May 22. After May 22, registration is $20. Registration includes a T-shirt, a map of the route.

Registration the day of the race begins at 6:45 a.m.

All ages welcome, although those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The route goes through Eldon, along the Des Moines River, taking the trail through the park, and traveling up one final hill to the famous American Gothic House.

Medals will be awarded to both men and women for first-, second- and third-place winners in each age category, and a trophy will be awarded for the overall winner for men and women.

The event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Kremer Funeral Home.

The American Gothic House Center will exhibit artwork entered in the American Gothic House Art Contest from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 13 and 1-4 p.m. June 14.

First- and second-place winners for each division win a cash prize.

Registration is free. The contest is open to kindergarten through adult artists using any media, excluding photography. It includes categories for both professional and amateur adult artists. Entries must be received by June 9.

The art contest is sponsored by the Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon, known as GATE.

For information and registration forms, visit www.AmericanGothicHouse.net or call 641-652-3352.

The American Gothic Days festival also will include a parade, games, craft show, barbecued chicken dinner, mud volleyball, cardboard boat races, antique appraisal show, the American Gothic Performance Arts Festival presentation of ?Always ... Patsy Cline? and more.