(Le Mars) — The woman that is responsible for creating and organizing the Pioneer Village Winter Wonderland has been named as the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year.” Bonita Davison was presented the honor during last night’s (Friday) Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held at the Le Mars Convention Center. Pioneer Village Winter Wonderland started in 1981, and Bonita Davison has served as the chairperson for the last 25 years. Throughout the years, it has grown tremendously. Families, visitors, tour buses draw to Le Mars during the Christmas Holiday to see the Round Barn and visit Century Hall at the fairgrounds where there are more than 70 decorated Christmas trees, thousands of lights and free entertainment and to enjoy for two weekends. Bonita Davison works countless hours behind the scenes to prepare for this annual event. You’ll find her handing the Christmas lights on all the village buildings, coordinating the volunteers, hanging signage, decorating light poles, and lining up food for the crowds…..and when the event is happening you’ll find her dressed as Mrs. Clause and greeting everyone as they arrive for their wagon rides where she and her family bring their personal team of horses.
Le Mars Chamber of Commerce 2021 president Terri Martin, (left) and Michaela Brown, the incoming Le Mars Chamber of Commerce president of 2022 present the “Citizen of the Year” award to Bonita Davison (center).
“Business of the Year”
This year’s “Business of the Year” honors were awarded to the former owners of the Le Mars Taco John’s restaurant. Doug & Doretta Heidebrink and Taco Johns. This year’s business of the year has been a special ingredient in our community for over three decades. This business is a prime example of what a great small business looks like. Not only locally, but nationally. In their franchise, they were repeatedly in the top 25 ranking in the nation. Their quality consciousness and hard work created a trusted brand in our community that many of us put in our weekly if not daily routine. The Heidebrinks weren’t just great business owners over the years, they were great community members as well. While raising their three girls in Le Mars, they were consistently supporting their schools with half-time shootouts, coaching softball, helping in their church, and more, all while running a restaurant 7 days a week. In October, after 32 years, the Heidebrinks were able to successfully sell their business and find enjoyment in retirement. While we will miss seeing their faces in the drive-through we can smile knowing we can still enjoy that special ingredient that we’ve all come to enjoy. Our congratulations go to Doug and Doretta Heidebrink and Taco Johns, in being recognized as this year’s “Business of the Year”.
Main Street Volunteer Of The Year
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Le Mars has shown that for numerous years and continues to do so. Tonight, we recognize just one of our many compassionate community members for the award of Main Street Volunteer of the Year
This recipient is an entirely selfless and reliable individual, possessed with an admirable devotion to any task at hand, and exhibits both personal and moral fiber. We, the Chamber of Commerce, have on numerous occasions relied on them to conduct projects of varying lengths and intensity. They have never let us down.
This humble individual does not work or serve for awards or accolades. They have been involved on the chamber board, both past and present. You can find them on some Saturday’s touring with bus visitors and talking Alley Art and Historical facts in Le Mars.
They are an accomplished grant writer helping the Mainstreet program and our community and it’s members secure many awards. They chair two committees, the Design, and Historical Committee. They are making a difference and preserving the past and helping Le Mars’ future by leading the Youth on Main program.
This warmhearted person with incredible character and a sense of duty is a true inspiration to many. An advocate for Main Street, a family man, honorable person, avid golfer, Vice President of Mainstreet, and a great mentor.
We are proud to recognize this year’s “Mainstreet Volunteer of the Year” – Rich Ziettlow.
Terri Martin, left, Lori French, center-left, and Michaela Brown,right present the “Mainstreet Volunteer Award to Rich Ziettlow.
Community Impact Award
Commentary by emcee Mitchell Christoffel:
Next, I am honored to be presenting a special award for the year 2021, The Community Impact Award. We felt this award was proper for us to present to the recipients for their significant contributions and their continued vision for Le Mars.
The recipients of the special community Impact award have continued to give their generosity of time, ideas, resources, and unconditional support for the City of Le Mars. They are tremendous supporters of the city in so many ways we can’t begin to name them all in a brief narrative. Their numerous contributions, both tangible and intangible, help make Le Mars what it is today.
They are strong advocates for building and maintaining Le Mars’ quality of life. Together they work beside community leaders to facilitate enhancements that improve the quality of life for all the residents of Le Mars.
Their leadership allowed our city to shine in the year 2021. Not only personally, but through their businesses, they provided assistance and initiative in almost anything major that highlights Le Mars. Just a few examples of their involvement in this past year are:
– Erecting a an impressive “Welcome” sign in downtown Le Mars
– Spearheading a spectacular Christmas in Hometown Event Le Mars
– Significant assistance in time, facilities and resources for RAGBRAI & Ice Cream Days
– Helping with renovations to buildings such as the Art Center and Public Library.
Cheryl and Mike Wells, center, receive the first “Community Impact” award from 2021 Chamber president,Terri Martin, left, and 2022 Chamber Board president, Michaela Brown, right.
These are just a few of the significant ways that these individuals have supported our community. The City of Le Mars is fortunate to have these supporters in our community and we are honored to present this special “Community Impact Award” to Mike and Cheryl Wells.
United Way Paul “Ole” Olson Volunteer of the Year Award
United Way of Le Mars President, Julie Hurt, along with United Way of Le Mars Vice President, Justin Daale presented the Paul “Ole” Olson Volunteer Award to Schuster Trucking CEO, Steve Schuster. Hart reported that the Le Mars United Way campaign raised more than $254,000 in 2021.
Following the presentation of the annual awards, the gathering sat back to listen to the inspirational message of the evening’s key-note speaker, Ron “Gus” Gustafson of Nebraska. Gustafson informed the crowd how he was involved in a tragic farm accident at the age of nine, that took his right arm, and mangled his legs. Gustafson shared the message of when growing up, he constantly challenged himself, turning “setbacks” into “comebacks.” Gustafson informed the crowd that he participated in basketball, and baseball in junior high school, and high school, and even participated in college at Kearney State, now University of Nebraska-Kearney until such time he injured his knee.
