(Orange City) — This week marks the grand opening of The Prairie Winds Event Center in Orange City. Governor Terry Branstad was in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony this (Monday) morning, with many residents, business owners and visitors looking on.
The facility is Phase 2 of Orange City’s Phoenix Project, which started in 2009, one year after the city’s Hawkeye Center burned to the ground downtown. Phase 1 of that project was the re-building of the Hawkeye Center it self, that included ground level retail space and second story condos. Governor Branstad commended Orange City for facing adversity by “building for the future.” Branstad said that despite the fire, and in the midst of a recession,”through determination, dedication, and investment of resources” the city made this project work. Phase 3 of the Phoenix Project broke ground this spring at the site of the of new performing arts center adjacent to Unity Christian School.
Also in attendance today (Monday) was Charese Yanney, from Vision Iowa. The group gave the city $922,000 to help fund the event center. Yanney said that she believes the “communities that help themselves will survive…Orange City is doing that.”
The Prairie Winds Events Center boasts a ballroom big enough for 400 guests, decorated with a nature theme and featuring artwork created by local artists. The second level balcony has more seating space with a layout intended for smaller meetings and gatherings. The outdoor space features a large lawn with a pergola overlooking a pond complete with a fountain. Event Center Manager Maria Plueger said that the center has already hosted five weddings and other smaller functions.
The grand opening celebration of the Prairie Wind Event Center continues this week, with a special edition of On Stage Orange City. “Orange City’s Got Talent” will be held at the Event Center this Wednesday night at 7pm.
