CRESTON — The Creston Opera House has seen many events held within and now that the major remodeling is nearly complete, the Creston Booster Days is holding an event that blends old world charm and fellowship this Friday and Saturday.
The Vintage Holiday Market is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests to the event can enjoy an old-fashioned chili and cheese sandwich dinner Friday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the lower level, at a cost of $7.
The holiday market will feature a variety of crafts and antiques certain to appeal to all ages.
If walls could talk the Creston Opera House would tell the stories of the events held throughout the years dating back to the late 1800s. Originally constructed as an opera house the historic building has also served as Booster Hall since the organization purchased the building in the 1950s.
Over the years the opera house has held plays, Christmas events, roller skating parties, and many bingo games enjoyed by members of the community. Creston Booster Club president Linda Graber explained the idea to renovate the building came several years ago.
“When the Friends of the Library began presenting yearly plays, the Booster Club realized that with some renovations there was potential for many different community events to be held there,” Graber said. “For a small town organization with few members, renovating a 100 year-old plus building can be a daunting task. The project is made more difficult because much of the work depends on volunteers and near constant fund-raising.”

Remodeling first began with the lower level so that smaller events could be held. Next came the main floor, replacing the electrical system and windows along with new drywall and the installation of a sound booth.
Graber said an event committee is being formed to develop future event ideas.
“It is from [the Vintage Holiday Market] that the club hopes to further present many different events throughout the year at the Creston Opera House, formerly known as Booster Hall,” Graber said. “The club is hoping the community will support our vendors and also come to see the improvements made to this gem of a building, which holds a lot of the village’s history.”
For more information email crestonboosterdays2017@yahoo.com or call Lonie Sarver 815-751-1482.