Simply Soothing in Columbus Junction is preparing for a busy weekend that kicks off today with an open house for Manufacturing Day. The event is part of a statewide effort to elevate advanced manufacturing, and is free to the public. Attendees at the open house will receive a facility tour, gifts, refreshments, and will also have the opportunity to take part in a wine tasting by Odessa Vineyards.

In addition to celebrating Manufacturing Day, Simply Soothing is having a special fundraising event in conjunction with the city’s Columbus Day Weekend. The store will be donating 5% of all in-store sales throughout the weekend to benefit the Louisa County Ambulance Base Building Project. The open house runs today from 4-6 p.m., and the marketplace is open today 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., tomorrow 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to coincide with the Columbus Day parade and celebration. Columbus Day activities begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and conclude with the cultural celebration from 3-7 p.m.