Events calendar

To add an event to the community event calendar, send a press release to news@crestonnews.com.

Fridays After Five (May 28-Sept. 17)

Fridays After Five is back for its third year. The outdoor music series kicks off with country artist Jake Simon 5:08 p.m. May 28 at Creston Elks Lodge, 403 W. Montgomery St. Each week, from May 28 through Sept. 17, a different artist or band will perform with proceeds going to a local non-profit of community fundraising effort each week, such as the McKinley Park Aquatic Center, Creston Animal Rescue Effort, Creston Arts, Dollars for Scholars, Union County Fairgrounds, Kiwanis, Elks and Lions clubs. A full list of performers can be found the “Fridays After Five” Facebook page.

Creston Farmers Market (June 1-Sept. 1)

Live music with locally grown vegetables, dairy, beef, baked and handmade goods and crafts will be available 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays.

Fuel Up for Summer Fun (June 7-July 30)

The summer lunch program Fuel Up for Summer Fun for children and teens will begin June 7 and run through July 30, where free breakfast and lunch will be available for pickup at 11:30 a.m. to noon every Monday and Wednesday at Creston High School Commons and also at Afton City Park and Lorimor City Park. For more information contact Tawnya Jones, food service director at either 641-782-2918 or 641-464-5704.

Crafting and Navigation by Stars (June 11)

Crafting event starts at 2 p.m. with a weekly crafting group for teens and adults. This week we will be creating nature bookmarks. Meet in the campground at Green Valley State Park by the check-in building. The evening star navigation event starts at 9 p.m. Join park staff at the beach to learn how stars can be used for navigation. If there is inclement weather the event will be rescheduled.

Corning Opera House grand re-opening (June 11)

Corning Opera House’s grand reopening will include a tour, food and performance, starting at 5:30 p.m. June 11. Event starts with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and self-guided tours will showcase the venue as it can be rented out for graduation and wedding parties and business meetings, as well as the licensed kitchen. At 7 p.m. a performance will be given by Marc Rubben, a comedy ventriloquist, with door prizes after the show. Cost will be a free will donation. For more information visit corningoperahouse.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram. Currently, there are no social distancing or mask requirements. The opera house is located at 800 Davis Ave. in Corning. For more information contact De Heaton at 641-418-8037.

Citywide Garage Sale (June 12)

Creston’s annual Citywide Garage Sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12. Any individuals or businesses can participate, further details to follow at a later date.

Map Reading 101 (June 12)

This educational event for all ages begins at 10 a.m. at Green Valley State Park. Learn how to read a backcountry map using contour lines and landmarks. Younger children will be provided with materials available for them to create their own maps of the campground. Meet in the campground by the check-in building.

Geocaching (June 12)

Event starts at 1 p.m. at Green Valley State Park to hunt out the geocaches hidden in the park. Learn how to use handheld GPS units and how to log your own geocache find! A limited number of GPS units are available. Meet in the campground by the check-in building.

Running on Tradition 5K and Mud Run (June 13)

Come support the Union County Fairgrounds by participating in the Running on Tradition 5K and Mud Run, 5:30 p.m. At Union County Fairgrounds, 301 S. Grace St. in Afton. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., the 5K and obstacles begins at 6 p.m. There will be a meal provided by Weaver Meats and an ice cream social by Highland Highlights 4-H Club. To register and for more information email runningontradition5kandmudrun@gmail.com or visit getmeregistered.com/runningontradition to register by June 12.

Green Valley Paddle (June 13)

A guided paddle to kayak or canoe tour starts at 11 a.m. all the way around Green Valley Lake. This paddle will take several hours, with a stop for a lunch break in the middle. Be sure to pack a lunch. Meeting at the beach, please note that the park has a limited number of kayaks for participants to borrow. To reserve a kayak, call the park office and leave a message at 641-782-5131.

Moana Jr. (June 17)

The Corning Opera House’s community youth production of Disney’s Moana Jr. will be 7 p.m. June 17 and 18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The director is Cheryl Thompson with the cast comprised of youth from Corning, Lenox, Villisca, Creston and Storm Lake, as follows: Halle Burgmaier and Rubey Zech, the ancestors; Taylor Brown, Moana; Dyson Thompson, Chief Tui; Addy Morgan, Sina; J.P. Jones, Maui; Drayden Thompson, Hei Hei; Elin Hogan, Pua; Lucey Zech, Gramma Tala; Hayden Blanton, Rylea Stargell, Madison McManis, Hadley Stalker, Ali Bowman and Margaret Haley, the villagers; Aspen Thompson and Ada Buck, dancers; Amberlynn Maeder, Fisher; Sam Stalker, Tomatoa; Halle McManis, right claw; Brantley Hoakison, left claw; Saige Jones, TeFiti; Allison Tye, TaKa; Chloe Stull, gate monster and Arianna Gepner. Assistant youth directors are Karissa Richey and Emma DeVore. For more information visit www.corningoperahouse.com or call De Heaton at 641-418-8037.

Summer Safe Sitter classes (June 17-25)

Two summer Safe Sitter classes for boys and girls in grades 6th through 8th have been scheduled in Creston; the first course is 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 17 and 18, the second course is 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 24 and 25. The courses will be taught by trained Safe Sitter instructors with medically accurate hand-on life-saving techniques and lessons. The Greater Regional Medical Center Auxiliary sponsors the class. Registration deadline for the class is June 16. For course costs, to register, or for more information call Jordan Crawford at 641-782-3553.

VA Mobile Medical Unit (June 18)

Central Iowa VA Virtual Health is offering 2021 onsite visits to provide services to veterans in the Creston area. The VA Mobile Medical Unit will allow veterans to schedule and attend appointments in a secure and private Telehealth connection. The unit will be located at the Alliant Energy parking lot, 208 W. Taylor St. on June 18, August 20, October 15 and December 15. Some of the services available are primary care, respiratory, cardiology, nutrition, occupational therapy and lab draws. To schedule a visit on the Mobile Medical Unit, call 515-699-5999, ext. 21501.

The 15th Annual Party in the Park (June 19)

The 15th Annual Party in the Park will be at McKinley Park, June 19. Gates open at 6 p.m and music starts at 7 p.m. featuring performances by Ridin’ Shotgun, Silver Bullet KC and Petty Thieves. Tickets are $10 per person and are available at A & G Restaurant & Lounge, Creston Publishing, Creston Hy-Vee, Jane Brown PT, PC and Stalker Chevrolet. A beer garden will be on site and barbecue will be sold so attendees must be at least 16 years of age. No carry-ins will be allowed at the event. Proceeds will go to the McKinley Park Restoration Project.

Rainbow Park Ice Cream Social (June 19)

The Southside Booster Club will be hosting their fundraiser at Creston’s Rainbow Park from 1 to 4 p.m. June 19. There will be an ice cream social, a country music performance, a classic car show and door prizes. No entry fee will be required, however free will donations will be accepted. The door prizes are four kids’ bicycles, donated by the late Ronnie Eblen family. The winner must be present to receive their prize. Everyone is welcome, bring your own lawn chairs and your classic cars to show! For more information call Darlene Loudon at 641-782-7698.

Bluegrass Palace (June 19)

Jane Briley, local historian, will share information about the Bluegrass Palaces that were built in Creston around the turn of the 20th century. She will present at the Historical Village in McKinley Park at 2 p.m. on June 19. Come find out about these phenomenal buildings. Free admission. Donations to the Union County Historical Village are appreciated.

Patsy Cline musical tribute (June 26)

Colleen Raye’s Musical Tribute to Patsy Cline will be 7 p.m. June 26 at Warren Cultural Center. As seen on nationally televised Midwest Country, Raye sings Cline’s greatest hits like, “I Fall To Pieces”, “Crazy” and “Walkin’ After Midnight” and some lesser known gems including “You Belong To Me,” “Stop, Look and Listen” and “Eyes of a Child.” For tickets and more information visit warrenculturalcenter.com or call 641-343-7337.

‘Chalk the Town’ (July 1-3)

Those who are interested in applying to ‘Chalk the Town” in readiness of the 4th of July celebrations may contact Brian at Creston Arts at 641-247-1663 to obtain an application form for chalk supplies and designs. The chalking event will take place July 1 to 3.

10,000 Crestonian’s Annual 4th of July Celebration (July 1 to 4)

More details to come.

July 4th parade (July 4)

The 10,000 Crestonians, Inc. is sponsoring the parade in Uptown Creston, 1 p.m. July 4. This year’s theme is entitled “A Star Spangled Salute.” Bicycles and helmets will again be given away to the best decorated bicycle entries in the parade. Parade registration forms can be picked up at 208 W. Taylor, P.O. Box 471, Creston, IA 50801. Completed entry forms must be returned to 208 W. Taylor in Creston, or by mail to 10,000 Crestonians, P.O. Box 471, Creston, IA 50801, or email chamber@crestoniowachamber.com by no later than June 25. For more information call the chamber office at 641-782-7021. Entries not pre-registered will be placed toward the end of the parade.

Ringgold County Fair (July 7 to 11)

More details to come.

Chamber of Commerce Summer Golf Outing (July 9)

The 24th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament fundraiser will be July 9 at Crestmoor Golf Club, with two tee times available, 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at noon. Each time slot is limited to the first 18 teams per tee time. A four-person team entry fee is $300, which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, lunch and snacks plus a chance to win prizes. The tournament is based on four persons per team, however, more people may play on a team, but only four at one time. Ellen at the Chamber can help form or assign people to a team for those who are interested. Hole Sponsors, door and event prizes are all needed for this year’s event. For more information call Ellen at the chamber office at 641-782-7021 by July 5.

Adams County Fair (July 9 to 14)

More details to come.

Clarke County Fair (July 13 to 19)

More details to come.

Taylor County Fair (July 14 to 18)

More details to come.

Adair County Fair (July 21 to 25)

More details to come.

Union County Fair (July 22 to 27)

More details to come.

Lenox Rodeo (July 22)

The 76th Annual Lenox Iowa Rodeo begins 7:30 p.m. July 22. Featured events during rodeo week include a parade, youth activities, steer riding and mutton bustin’ with a Lenox Stock and Saddle Club riders main event each night. The grounds are located on East Iowa St. in the south east part of Lenox. It is to the north of the high school and across the street from the baseball field. For more info, visit the event page on Facebook.

Hinterland Music Festival (Aug. 6 to 8)

Three days of music curated for all who love music and the outdoors Aug. 6 to 8 at the Avenue of Saints Amphitheater in Saint Charles. Headliners include The Avett Brothers, Tyler Childers, Leon Bridges and more. Visit hinterlandiowa.com for more info.

Relay for Life and lighted parade (Aug. 7)

A Relay for Life and lighted drive-thru ceremony, hosted by the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Southwest Iowa, has been planned for Aug. 7 at McKinley Park Lake in Creston. The daylight drive-thru lighted ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m. through 9 p.m. and an evening lighted drive-thru luminaria runs from 9 to 9:30 p.m. To be part of the Relay For Life, register to join an existing team, start a new team, to donate, or to learn more about Relay For Life, visit relayforlife.org/southwestiowa or visit their Facebook page: Relay for Life of Southwest Iowa.

Iowa State Fair (Aug. 12 to 22)

The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines is Iowa’s great celebration, a salute to the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Grandstand events include performances by Casting Crows, Blake Shelton with Matt Stell, Sam Hunt, Boyz II men, The Beach Boys and more. Visit iowastatefair.org for more info.

Evening concert at Holy Spirit (Aug. 14)

A meet-and-greet and evening concert will be 5:15 p.m. Aug. 14 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston. This evening concert will feature a performance by Steve Angrisano, renowned songwriter, storysteller and musician, along with a 15 minute presentation during his intermission by Ellen Miller about Mary’s Meals. A meet-and-greet with cookies and punch will follow in the church basement. Free will donations will be kindly accepted. There will also be a Mass service at the church 4 p.m. prior to the event.

Ayr Days 2021 (Aug. 28)

Mount Ayr celebrates its annual town celebration with a parade, a large variety of vendors, food trucks, rides and games 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 28. For more info, follow the event page on Facebook.

Tingley’s 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social (Aug. 29)

Tingley’s 2nd Annual Ice Cream Social judged competition will be 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 29. Free will offerings will be accepted. Lunch will also be available to purchase at the event courtesy of the Cattlemen’s Association and Kids in Touch. A non-judged antique car, bike and tractor show will take place. Ringgold County’s Ranger Kate will be sponsoring an event for kids.

Hopeville Rural Music Reunion (Sept 12)

The Hopeville Rural Music Reunion is scheduled for Sunday, Sept 12 at Hopeville Square Park in Hopeville. Gather up your instruments, your singing voices and plan to attend. There will be a great need of musicians, bands and singers to perform so hope to see everyone there!