By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Dog Day at the pool
Friday, Aug. 14 is the final day of the season at the Guthrie Center Aquatic Center. That evening, from 6-9 p.m., dogs will be allowed in the pool. Dogs must have all vaccinations current, and must be on a leash when not in the pool.
Fall foraging Aug. 19 at Springbrook
Springbrook State Park, 2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center, will be the site of a late summer/early fall foraging event. Everyone is welcome to join naturalist Anne Riordan on a hike to gather wild edibles in the park and then learn how to prepare them. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Participation is limited to 15 registrants. Cost is $20 per person. To register, go to https://forms.gle/6gCV2Ajatzpy8Lis6
Free community meal at Faith Bible Church Aug. 19
Everyone is invited to come enjoy a free meal at Faith Bible Church (2096 Highway 4, Panora) on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Serving will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The meal will include tater tot casserole, green beans, cottage cheese and cookies.
Arts Council Scholarship Fundraiser Aug. 20
The Guthrie County Arts Council will hold a fundraiser event from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 20 at Art on State (320 State St., Guthrie Center). For a freewill donation, attendees can enjoy homemade treats, pie, dessert bread and water or coffee.
Flannel Crawl in Guthrie Center Aug. 22
A full day of food, fun and shopping awaits on Saturday, Aug. 22 in downtown Guthrie Center. For $50 per person, attendees will enjoy meditation at Sapphire Skin, breakfast at the Café, shopping at local stores and the farmers market, lunch, and drinks at Incredi-Bowl. The event runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only 50 spots are available. Proceeds will go back to participating businesses. To register, contact Kristina Swensen at gcchamberofcommerce@gmail.com.
Little Chargers Grill-out Aug. 24
The public is invited to support the Little Chargers Early Learning Center by enjoying a meal of burgers, chips and dessert on Monday, Aug. 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (or until sold out). The meal is available for a freewill donation. Little Chargers is at 207 Park Ave. in Guthrie Center.
High Five Fridays at GC Elementary
Individuals and groups are welcome to sign up to provide “high fives” and similar encouragement at one of the High Five Fridays, 7:30-8:05 a.m. at Guthrie Center Elementary School. Contact gcchamberofcommerce@gmail.com to check availability of any particular Fridays.
Free grief support group in Panora this fall
Beginning Sept. 8 and running through Dec. 8, a free grief support group will meet at the Panora Public Library (102 North First St.) on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To register, go to www.griefshare.org or call Carla Kem at 641-332-3006.
Blues and BBQ Aug. 29 at Boulder Beach
On Saturday, Aug. 29, from 4-7 p.m., great music and food will be on tap at Lake Panorama’s Boulder Beach. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to listen to live music by the Brick’N Bob Duo. Tickets cost $40 each and can be purchased from any LPA or LPN member, or by emailing Shanell.wagler@gmail.com. Proceeds will support improvements at Lake Panorama National.
Guthrie County Fair Sept. 3-7
The 2026 Guthrie County Fair will be held Sept. 3-7 at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds in Guthrie Center. The Guthrie County Fair has been an established venue since 1858. Located on the west edge of Guthrie Center, the fairground is centrally located in the county. The fair is held annually over Labor Day weekend, providing a long weekend of fun and family-oriented events. See details at www.guthriecountyfair.com.
Guthrie County Fair 5K Sept. 5
Runners and walkers are encouraged to join the Guthrie County Fair 5K on Saturday, Sept 5 at the fairgrounds. The course is flat and fun. Registration will open that day at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K to begin at 8 a.m. Participants can register online now through Sept. 2. Cost is $30 (or 15 without a t-shirt). Proceeds will support the ACGC cross country teams.
To register, go to https://synergywellness5k-2026.itemorder.com/shop/home
BBQ Cook-off in Stuart Sept. 18-19
Fun and food will be enjoyed at the Best of the Block BBQ Cook-off in downtown Stuart on Sept. 18 and 19. The fest kicks off on Friday, Sept. 18 with a freewill donation chili feed at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 offers a Legion breakfast, games and kids’ events, caricatures, a vendor fair, BBQ awards, pie auction and raffle, BBQ meat fest and street dance with live music. The complete schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page of Stuart Best of the Block BBQ. The event will raise funds for the Cottage Pantry and the American Legion.
Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.