The Baldwin Area Chamber of Commerce, established in 1982, functions in a similar manner asthe past group called "Baldwin Boosters", who started in 1920 as the "CommunityAdvancement Club", and in 1926, changed to "Baldwin Boosters".
Some of today's members previously belonged to the Baldwin Boosters. They were able tosuggest many projects that their organization had done in the past, which the Chamber chose tostart up again. One primary function of the Boosters was to draw rural and village peopletogether in celebration. An annual Community picnic as well as a community banquet wereexamples of their hard work. They sponsored athletic banquet, sidewalk sales, "Free TurkeyDays", recycling projects, Santa's visits, smelt frys, holiday lighting contests, farm days in town,and presented flowers to new businesses, plus many other ideas. They had a float for parades andan annual "Festival Days" celebration which included a parade, a "Miss Baldwin" contest, streetdances, etc. Many of today's events are quite similar to the original ideas.
Almost from the start, the Chamber wanted a new theme for their annual celebration. Baldwin started out with many Norwegians, Americans, Dutch and some Germans. SinceWoodville already has a large Norwegian celebration, someone said we should use a Dutchtheme. That idea seemed a "real hit" so it was decided to hold the celebration in August and callit "Let's Go Dutch Days". The 1997 "Let's Go Dutch Days" will be the 15th annual celebration. The parade, previously held on Saturday, was held as a "twilight parade" in 1993. The idea wasso popular, that we had an evening parade in 1994.
"Let's Go Dutch Days" has become an "old home week" celebration, besides drawing theDutch people from all over the country, not to mention all of our own village and rural people. Ithas become a very exciting part of the summer. There are usually over 50 garage sales on the firstday of the event. Sidewalk sales, craft sales, food stands, and the community bus tours are someof the highlights. Stage shows and special groups add much enjoyment for all. Three parksaccommodate the large crowds drawn each year. The "Klompen Dancers" and the StreetScrubbing ceremonies, as well as all the activities involving the past and future "Miss BaldwinQueen Court" provide unique entertainment for many.
The "Dutchmasters", a mens' choral group, was sponsored by the Chamber soon after theChamber was organized presenting 2 or 3 concerts per year for the public.
"Taste For Tulips", held in early May, is very popular, with food stands scattered around the part. They sell items such as pizza, strawberry sundaes, caramel apples, plus about 17 additional foods. The Tulips usually are at their best by festival time.
Each June, we have "Dairy Days" when the Chamber provides free dairy products to the public ona specific Friday. Free ice cream cones are dished up by the hundreds, and cheese, crackers andmilk are available for everyone. Hot dogs are usually available for a small fee. All of this is heldup at Bailey Park, where there are games and contests for the kids.
In late November or early December, we have our "Festival of Lights"; a time when all theChristmas lights are turned on for the season. The Windmill is lighted up beautifully and the newstreet lights on Main street are decorated with greenery, as well as other street lights. TheGazebo, when decked out in wreathes, greenery and lighting, is a sight to behold. Baldwinresidents go all out to decorate their homes and so Baldwin, as a whole, is a beautiful place to beduring the Christmas season. The Gazebo, at Bailey Park was the Chamber's first project and is agreat place for hosting singing groups, dancers, etc.
The Chamber has held fund raisers such as "Jail and Bail" for the Cancer Society; has had theFranzen Bros. Circus into Baldwin; sponsored a Wagon Train for Camp Courage; and in 1993,started up its first annual Fish Fry, which we hope will become as popular an event as our othercelebrations.
The Windmill, the biggest Chamber project ever, was completed in 1987, and is truly the"ornament" of our fine village. It brings much joy to our residents, as well as people drivingthrough. The original idea of a little windmill in a part, escalated to the windmill we have today. A fund was started by the Dutch Ethnic Foods group; proceeds being turned over to the windmillfund, and many individual donations were made from the public. The Chamber then paid for theremainder of the $34,000 structure. It has become a beautiful addition to Baldwin. It serves asan information booth from Memorial Day through Labor Day from the hours of 11:00 a.m. to5:00 p.m. Picnic tables, bathrooms, and playground equipment provide very comfortablearrangements for the traveler or picnickers. Sometimes its just a nice place to take a book, sit bythe creek, and enjoy a few peaceful moments in a busy day!
One of the concerns of the Chamber is that Baldwin looks clean and comfortable, so we have putmuch emphasis on the flower work in the town. The Botany Belles have worked extraordinarilyhard for many years and have joined a beautifully with the Chamber in making the area around theWindmill as well as the sidewalks along Hwy 63 look very appealing to the eye.
The Chamber meets the 3rd Thursday of each month and invites new members; businesses as wellas individuals. Newcomers to the area are especially encouraged to join us. Make good friendsquick! We need the entire community's support to make our organization work. For moreinformation call (715) 684-2221.