Back to School Night at the Perry Farmers Market
4-7 p.m., Thursday, August 19, on Second Street between Warford and Willis.
Visit the Perry Farmers Market every Thursday from 4-7pm, but especially on the third Thursday of the month when special events are held. Thursday, August 15th is Back To School Night. Special guests are sure to get you in the back to school spirit including Perry Community School District, St. Pat’s, Perry Public Library, Perry Booster Club, PHS Music, New Opportunities, DMACC VanKirk Career Academy, Dallas County Health Department and ISU Extension. Additionally, Showtime Dance Studio will offer in-studio registration from 5-7pm and will have a performance on 2nd Street at 6pm.
Perry Sidewalk Sale
August 16-17 at Perry Businesses.
The Perry Merchants Group is hosting a sidewalk sale on Friday, August 16th and Saturday, August 17th. Stop by participating stores and browse the merchandise racks, displays and home furnishings! Participating businesses include Backwards Boutique, Betsy Peterson Designs, Blonde Sisters Boutique, Gatherings on 2nd, Harper Rose’s Floral & Gifts, Mary Rose Collective, Perry Flowers By Donna Jean, Susie’s Shop and The Scottish Fox. Hours vary by store. Visit the Perry Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for more information.
Granger Yoga in the Park
8-9 a.m., Saturday, August 17, at Centennial Park, Granger.
Join Jessica for Yoga in the Park on the following dates: August 17. Bring a towel or yoga mat. Yoga in the Park is a free program open to all ages.
Art in the Park
Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m., 505 Grant St., Van Meter.
Van Meter Parks and Rec is hosting Art in the Park on Saturday, August 17th and invites the community to join Rosco, the painted rock snake. Materials will be provided. Feel free to bring your own rock or paint one of ours!
Drive to the connecting route of the High Trestle Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail for the opening ceremony
Saturday, August 17, 11am, starting at Perry’s Trailhead.
After a decade of anticipation, the High Trestle Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail will be connected. And what better way to celebrate than with a scenic bike ride on Saturday, August 17. The tour will begin at 11 a.m. at the trailhead in Perry, near the iconic Big Bike. The route will travel from Perry to Bouton and Woodward before returning to Bouton for the grand opening at 1 p.m. Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, will lead the tour. This is a leisurely tour, not a race. You can ride at your own pace. Food and drinks will be available at various shops along the trail in Perry, Bouton and Woodward. For everyone’s safety, a helmet is strongly recommended. Participation is free, but cyclists are asked to register in advance to assist with planning: raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/event-details/raccoon-river-valley-trail-and-high-trestle-trail-now-connected.
Prairie migration
6-7 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, at Kuehn Conservation Area, 32828 Houston Trail, Earlham.
Break up your week with a colorful hike! Join a Dallas County Conservation Board naturalist on a prairie hike to admire the blooming flora at Kuehn’s Prairie.
Friday Funday Paddle
4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Friday, August 23, to be announced.
Start your weekend off right, in the wilderness of Dallas County with other paddlers! Find a community of people with similar interests and spend time on the water as we explore the wildest places in Dallas County. Location and route will be determined the week of the event based on current water levels in Dallas County. Participants must bring their own boats, paddles and life jackets. Registration is required through the DCCB’s Eventbrite page.
Dallas Center Fall Festival
23-24 August at the Dallas Center.
Immerse yourself in Dallas Center and enjoy the annual Fall Festival. The event includes a carnival, parade, beach volleyball, bag and pickleball tournaments, pie eating contest, car show, quilt show, pedal pull, 5K and toddler run, bingo, live music, fireworks and more. Carnival tickets are also available for presale from 5-8 p.m. on August 23 at local businesses in Dallas Center including Kids Korner, Korner Cone, Sugar Grove Goods, Raccoon Valley Bank, The Baker’s Pantry and the library. All presale proceeds go to the DC Celebrations Committee. All tickets purchased after 4 p.m. on August 23 go directly to the carnival. For more information, including a full schedule, visit the DC Celebrations Facebook page or dallascentercelebrations.com/fall-festival.
Granger Days
23-24 August at Centennial Park in Granger.
Granger Days kicks off on Friday, August 23rd with a movie in Centennial Park at 7:30pm and then Standing Hampton takes the stage in front of Bud’s Pub on Main Street at 8pm. The festivities continue on Saturday, August 24th with a pancake breakfast, 5K run and parade. Other activities for people of all ages include bounce houses for kids, rock climbing wall, diving pool, parade, bag tournament, beach volleyball tournament, pizza, pints & puzzles, music by Spotlight Entertainment DJ Service, vendor village, live music by Jake Schrodt and David Watson, beer and wine slushies, food trucks, a movie in the park and fireworks. Wristbands are available at City Hall (1906 Main St.) for $8 each or $20 for 3. The price increases to $10 each on the day of the event. Children under 4 are free! For the full schedule, visit the Granger Days Facebook page.
Waukee Yoga in the Park
8:30-9:30 a.m., Saturday, August 24, at Windfield Park, Waukee.
Join SPENGA for Yoga in the Park on Saturday, August 24th! Bring a towel or mat and $5 admission to get into the flow with certified teachers. Both sessions will be held from 8:30-9:30am in Windfield Park.
Long live Perry!
Saturday, August 24, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., at Pattee Park.
Hispanics United for Perry presents the annual ¡Viva Perry! Latino Festival on Saturday, August 24. The parade kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m. The parade, which is open to anyone, begins at 12th Street and Willis by the Hamlin Bell Apartments and heads to Pattee Park. Activities in the park include music, dancers, children’s activities, food, vendors and more from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Movie in the Park
Friday, August 24, 8:45pm, Evans Park, Adelaide.
Visit Adel Parks and Rec for a free showing of “Wish” on Friday, August 24, in Evans Park. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, snacks and beverages. Popcorn will be provided. The movie begins at sunset.
RVTV Perry Tailgate
3-10 p.m., Monday, September 2, in downtown Perry.
Come join the City of Perry and the Perry Chamber of Commerce on Monday, September 2nd for an amazing tailgate event featuring a pep rally, live music, food, contests and games, and live coverage from WHO-TV13! Spread the word and bring your friends and family for a night of fun and community spirit. For more information, visit www.PerryIA.org/RVTV.
To submit events for inclusion in the Around the County roundup, email [email protected] or [email protected].
