Iva Prepares for Depot Days Festival Amid Downtown Revitalization

As autumn arrives, the town of Iva is abuzz with preparations for its annual Depot Days Festival, scheduled for October 10-11.

This cherished event is expected to draw over 1,000 visitors to downtown, featuring concerts, a classic car show with approximately 100 entries, and more than 80 craft, food, and art vendors.

"It's the big event of the year," said Tim Taylor, Iva's town manager.

"People keep it on their calendar.

It started decades ago as a way to honor Iva's railroad and textile heritage, and it has grown into one of our community's proudest traditions."

Originally organized by local volunteers with the Iva Community Improvement Association, Depot Days has evolved into a town-run event, now occupying the heart of downtown.

Photographs from the 1970s and 1980s highlight its longstanding significance to the community.

While Depot Days anchors the fall season, Iva officials are optimistic that recent downtown developments will continue to attract visitors year-round.

A new library opened this year, drawing heavy foot traffic and creating what Taylor called "a pretty place to visit," as patrons enjoy the town's water fountain and a growing number of nearby businesses.

Interest has surged in adjacent storefronts, including the former Mexican restaurant beside the library, where real estate brokers are in talks with potential tenants.

Meanwhile, the weekly Farmers Market has experienced one of its strongest summers in years.

"This year was probably our best yet," Taylor noted.

"You'll find everything from local produce to handmade crafts.

It's not hundreds of people, but it's steady enough to keep our local vendors busy."

The town square's gazebo and easily closed streets have also made downtown an increasingly popular venue for car shows, concerts, and community gatherings.

Following Depot Days, a chili cook-off is scheduled for October 16, with about 20 contestants already signed up.

Halloween on Main follows on October 25, an event that Taylor said draws between 1,500 and 2,000 children each year for trick-or-treating.

"This year has been a good one, and we're excited about the next."