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Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Drive-thru meal Sept. 16 in Guthrie Center

Dan Tallman recently suffered significant damage to his home in a fire, so a benefit meal will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to benefit him. The meal will include choice of hamburger or hot dog, chips and a cookie for a freewill donation ($10 per meal is suggested). The event will be held at Riverside Park on School Street (near the high school football field).

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.

Car show, vendor fair and quilt raffle Sept. 19

Join Panora First Christian Church for their Second Annual Vendor Fair and Car Show and Shine. The vendor fair is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baked goods and home-canned items will be available. Walking tacos will be available for lunch. The quilt raffle will feature two quilts — first ticket drawn gets first pick. Stop by, shop the vendors, check out the cars, grab lunch and enjoy the day.

Badge Bowl Sept. 20

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department Badge Bowl co-ed flag football game will be Sunday, Sept. 20. Kids in third through sixth grade in any Guthrie County school are eligible to register. Registration is open until Sept. 16. Cost is $30 per kid. Those interested in watching the Badge Bowl games can attend for free. No concession stands will be open. The time of the games is yet to be determined. More details can be found on the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff.

Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24

Everyone is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5×80 Club House in Menlo. This year’s gathering will celebrate a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers with beverages available for purchase. Each community is encouraged to submit a historic photo and a current Main Street photo to showcase the growth and character of our towns through the years. There will also be a community-themed trivia night game. For more details, go to www.midwestpartnership.com.

Author talk Sept. 25 in Panora

Panora Public Library will host author Ann Hanigan Kotz’s presentation about suffrage and World War I, 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. See more details on the free event and sign up at https://panora-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5733429?method=embed or call the library, 641-755-2529.

Volunteers needed at Springbrook Sept. 26

Saturday, Sept. 26 is Statewide Volunteer Day at many of Iowa’s state parks and forests.  Springbrook State Park (2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center) welcomes anyone to come help from 10 a.m. to noon that day. Volunteers will help remove invasive plant species from pollinator plots in the park. Attendees are encouraged to wear boots and gloves, and to bring water, pruners (if available), sunscreen, and bug spray as needed.

 

Third Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26

Grab your flannel and shop Panora from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear a flannel and shop participating businesses for chances to win a $125 local gift card prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.

Concert on the Hill Sept. 27 at The New Homestead

Kile Jackson will be playing live music from 4-6 p.m. at the Independent Living campus at The New Homestead on Sunday, Sept. 27. The event is free, and the public is welcome to bring a lawn chair and a favorite beverage. Apartment tours will also be offered.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk.

Civil War presentation Oct. 5 in Panora

The Panora Public Library will host a presentation by Barry Grove at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Grove will tell about the daily experiences of a Civil War soldier. For more details or to sign up, contact library staff or call 641-755-2529.

Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 16

Start Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 3-mile run/walk along the South Shore Trail at Lake Panorama beginning at 8 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. $35 Early Bird Registration is available, with price increases starting Nov. 1. Pre-registered participants will get SWAG. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panorama Homecoming parade today

The Panorama High School homecoming parade will begin at 2:15 p.m. today, Sept. 11. The pep rally will follow at 3 p.m. at the football field. The homecoming theme is “Panorama Nights.” Come out, enter the parade, decorate your business or simply help cheer on the Panthers.

ACGC Car and Truck Show Sept. 12

The fourth annual ACGC car and truck show will be held at Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center. There is a $20 entry fee for exhibitors with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. All makes and models are welcome. Spectators are admitted free. For more information, contact ffa@acgcschools.org.

Drive-thru meal Sept. 16 in Guthrie Center

Dan Tallman recently suffered significant damage to his home in a fire, so a benefit meal will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to benefit him. The meal will include choice of hamburger or hot dog, chips and a cookie for a freewill donation ($10 per meal is suggested). The event will be held at Riverside Park on School Street (near the high school football field).

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.

Car show, vendor fair and quilt raffle Sept. 19

Join Panora First Christian Church for their Second Annual Vendor Fair and Car Show and Shine. The vendor fair is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baked goods and home-canned items will be available. Walking tacos will be available for lunch. The quilt raffle will feature two quilts — first ticket drawn gets first pick. Stop by, shop the vendors, check out the cars, grab lunch and enjoy the day.

Badge Bowl Sept. 20

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department Badge Bowl co-ed flag football game will be Sunday, Sept. 20. Kids in third through sixth grade in any Guthrie County school are eligible to register. Registration is open until Sept. 16. Cost is $30 per kid. Those interested in watching the Badge Bowl games can attend for free. No concession stands will be open. The time of the games is yet to be determined. More details can be found on the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff.

Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24

Everyone is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5 x 80 Club House in Menlo. This year’s gathering will celebrate a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers with beverages available for purchase. Each community is encouraged to submit a historic photo and a current Main Street photo to showcase the growth and character of our towns through the years. There will also be a community-themed trivia night game. For more details, go to www.midwestpartnership.com.

Author talk Sept. 25 in Panora

Panora Public Library will host author Ann Hanigan Kotz’s presentation about suffrage and World War I, 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. See more details on the free event and sign up at https://panora-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5733429?method=embed or call the library, 641-755-2529.

Volunteers needed at Springbrook Sept. 26

Saturday, Sept. 26 is Statewide Volunteer Day at many of Iowa’s state parks and forests.  Springbrook State Park (2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center) welcomes anyone to come help from 10 a.m. to noon that day. Volunteers will help remove invasive plant species from pollinator plots in the park. Attendees are encouraged to wear boots and gloves, and to bring water, pruners (if available), sunscreen, and bug spray as needed.

 

Third Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26

Grab your flannel and shop Panora from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear a flannel and shop participating businesses for chances to win a $125 local gift card prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.

Concert on the Hill Sept. 27 at The New Homestead

Kile Jackson will be playing live music from 4-6 p.m. at the Independent Living campus at The New Homestead on Sunday, Sept. 27. The event is free, and the public is welcome to bring a lawn chair and a favorite beverage. Apartment tours will also be offered.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk.

Civil War presentation Oct. 5 in Panora

The Panora Public Library will host a presentation by Barry Grove at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Grove will tell about the daily experiences of a Civil War soldier. For more details or to sign up, contact library staff or call 641-755-2529.

Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 16

Start Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 3-mile run/walk along the South Shore Trail at Lake Panorama beginning at 8 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. $35 Early Bird Registration is available, with price increases starting Nov. 1. Pre-registered participants will get SWAG. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.

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.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panorama Homecoming parade Sept. 11

The Panorama High School homecoming parade will begin at 2:15 p.m. on Friday The pep rally will follow at 3 p.m. at the football field. The homecoming theme is “Panorama Nights.” Come out, enter the parade, decorate your business or simply help cheer on the Panthers.

Cy-Hawk Tailgate at The New Homestead Sept. 11

The annual Iowa State versus Iowa football game is set for Saturday, Sept 12, but The New Homestead invites everyone to kick off the excitement the day before with fun and food. Attendees can participate in game from 11 a.m. to noon, then enjoy a freewill donation meat from noon to 1 p.m. Wear team colors and show your team spirit. Meals are also available to go.

ACGC Car and Truck Show Sept. 12

The fourth annual ACGC car and truck show will be held at Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center. There is a $20 entry fee for exhibitors with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. All makes and models are welcome. Spectators are admitted free. For more information, contact ffa@acgcschools.org.

Drive-thru meal Sept. 16 in Guthrie Center

Dan Tallman recently suffered significant damage to his home in a fire, so a benefit meal will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to benefit him. The meal will include choice of hamburger or hot dog, chips and a cookie for a freewill donation ($10 per meal is suggested). The event will be held at Riverside Park on School Street (near the high school football field).

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.

Car show, vendor fair and quilt raffle Sept. 19

Join Panora First Christian Church for their Second Annual Vendor Fair and Car Show and Shine. The vendor fair is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baked goods and home-canned items will be available. Walking tacos will be available for lunch. The quilt raffle will feature two quilts — first ticket drawn gets first pick. Stop by, shop the vendors, check out the cars, grab lunch and enjoy the day.

Badge Bowl Sept. 20

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department Badge Bowl flag football game will be Sunday, Sept. 20. Kids in third through sixth grade in any Guthrie County school are eligible to register. Registration is open until Sept. 11. Cost is $30 per kid. More details can be found on the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff.

Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24

Everyone is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5 x 80 Club House in Menlo. This year’s gathering will celebrate a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers with beverages available for purchase. Each community is encouraged to submit a historic photo and a current Main Street photo to showcase the growth and character of our towns through the years. There will also be a community-themed trivia night game. For more details, go to www.midwestpartnership.com.

Author talk Sept. 25 in Panora

Panora Public Library will host author Ann Hanigan Kotz’s presentation about suffrage and World War I, 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. See more details on the free event and sign up at https://panora-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5733429?method=embed or call the library, 641-755-2529.

 

Third Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26

Grab your flannel and shop Panora from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear a flannel and shop participating businesses for chances to win a $125 local gift card prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.

Concert on the Hill Sept. 27 at The New Homestead

Kile Jackson will be playing live music from 4-6 p.m. at the Independent Living campus at The New Homestead on Sunday, Sept. 27. The event is free, and the public is welcome to bring a lawn chair and a favorite beverage. Apartment tours will also be offered.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk.

Civil War presentation Oct. 5 in Panora

The Panora Public Library will host a presentation by Barry Grove at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Grove will tell about the daily experiences of a Civil War soldier. For more details or to sign up, contact library staff or call 641-755-2529.

Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 16

Start Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 3-mile run/walk along the South Shore Trail at Lake Panorama beginning at 8 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. $35 Early Bird Registration is available, with price increases starting Nov. 1. Pre-registered participants will get SWAG. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.

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.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

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 Center farmers market canceled Sept. 5

Because of the ongoing Guthrie County Fair, and the fair parade Saturday morning, there will not be a farmers market in Guthrie Center on Saturday, Sept. 5. It will resume on Saturday, Sept. 19 as usual.

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. Registration will open that day at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K to begin at 8 a.m. Proceeds will support the ACGC cross country teams.

Panorama Homecoming parade Sept. 11

The parade will begin at 2:15 p.m. The pep rally will follow at 3 p.m. at the football field. The Homecoming theme is “Panorama Nights.” Come out, enter the parade, decorate your business or simply help cheer on the Panthers.

Cy-Hawk Tailgate at The New Homestead Sept. 11

The annual Iowa State versus Iowa football game is set for Saturday, Sept 12, but The New Homestead invites everyone to kick off the excitement the day before with fun and food. Attendees can participate in game from 11 a.m. to noon, then enjoy a freewill donation meat from noon to 1 p.m. Wear team colors and show your team spirit. Meals are also available to go.

ACGC Car and Truck Show Sept. 12

The fourth annual ACGC car and truck show will be held at Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center. There is a $20 entry fee for exhibitors with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. All makes and models are welcome. Spectators are admitted free. For more information, contact ffa@acgcschools.org.

Drive-through meal Sept. 16 in Guthrie Center

Dan Tallman recently suffered significant damage to his home in a fire, so a benefit meal will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16 to benefit him. The meal will include choice of hamburger or hot dog, chips and a cookie for a freewill donation ($10 per meal is suggested). The event will be held at Riverside Park on School Street (near the high school football field).

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.

Car show, vendor fair and quilt raffle Sept. 19

Join Panora First Christian Church for their Second Annual Vendor Fair and Car Show and Shine. The vendor fair is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baked goods and home-canned items will be available. Walking tacos will be available for lunch. The quilt raffle will feature two quilts — first ticket drawn gets first pick. Stop by, shop the vendors, check out the cars, grab lunch and enjoy the day.

Badge Bowl Sept. 20

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department Badge Bowl flag football game will be Sunday, Sept. 20. Kids in third through sixth grade in any Guthrie County school are eligible to register. Registration is open until Sept. 11. Cost is $30 per kid. More details can be found on the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff.

Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24

Everyone is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5 x 80 Club House in Menlo. This year’s gathering will celebrate a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers, with beverages available for purchase. Each community is encouraged to submit a historic photo and a current Main Street photo to showcase the growth and character of our towns through the years. There will also be a community-themed trivia night game. For more details, go to www.midwestpartnership.com.

Author talk Sept. 25 in Panora

Panora Public Library will host author Ann Hanigan Kotz’s presentation about suffrage and World War I, 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. See more details on the free event and sign up at https://panora-ia.whofi.com/calendar/event/5733429?method=embed or call the library, 641-755-2529.

 

Third Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26

Grab your flannel and shop Panora from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear a flannel and shop participating businesses for chances to win a $125 local gift card prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.

Concert on the Hill Sept. 27 at The New Homestead

Kile Jackson will be playing live music from 4-6 p.m. at the Independent Living campus at The New Homestead on Sunday, Sept. 27. The event is free, and the public is welcome to bring a lawn chair and a favorite beverage. Apartment tours will also be offered.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk.

Civil War presentation Oct. 5 in Panora

The Panora Public Library will host a presentation by Barry Grove at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Grove will tell about the daily experiences of a Civil War soldier. For more details or to sign up, contact library staff or call 641-755-2529.

Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 16

Start Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 3-mile run/walk along the South Shore Trail at Lake Panorama beginning at 8 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. $35 Early Bird Registration is available, with price increases starting Nov. 1. Pre-registered participants will get SWAG. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.

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.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

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.

Sip, Shop and Stroll Sept. 3

The first Thursday of the month means it’s time to Sip, Shop and Stroll in Panora. Visit participating local businesses from 4-7 p.m. for specials, drinks, drawings and shopping. Grab a friend and spend the evening supporting local.

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. 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

Panorama Homecoming parade Sept. 11

The parade will begin at 2:15 p.m. The pep rally will follow at 3 p.m. at the football field. The Homecoming theme is “Panorama Nights.” Come out, enter the parade, decorate your business or simply help us cheer on the Panthers.

ACGC Car and Truck Show Sept. 12

The fourth annual ACGC car and truck show will be held at Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center. There is a $20 entry fee for exhibitors with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. All makes and models are welcome. Spectators are admitted free. For more information, contact ffa@acgcschools.org.

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.

Car show, vendor fair and quilt raffle Sept. 19

Join Panora First Christian Church for their 2nd Annual Vendor Fair and Car Show and Shine. The vendor fair is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baked goods and home-canned items will be available. Walking tacos will be available for lunch. The quilt raffle will feature two quilts — first ticket drawn gets first pick. Stop by, shop the vendors, check out the cars, grab lunch and enjoy the day.

Badge Bowl Sept. 20

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department Badge Bowl flag football game will be Sunday, Sept. 20. Kids in third through sixth grade in any Guthrie County school are eligible to register. Registration is open until Sept. 11. Cost is $30 per kid. More details can be found on the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff.

Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24

Everyone is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5 x 80 Club House in Menlo. This year’s gathering will celebrate a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers, with beverages available for purchase. Each community is encouraged to submit a historic photo and a current Main Street photo to showcase the growth and character of our towns through the years. There will also be a community-themed trivia night game. For more details, go to www.midwestpartnership.com.

3rd Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26

Grab your flannel and shop Panora from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear a flannel and shop participating businesses for chances to win a $125 local gift card prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk.

Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 16

Start Thanksgiving morning with a scenic 3-mile run/walk along the South Shore Trail at Lake Panorama beginning at 8 a.m. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. $35 Early Bird Registration is available, with price increases starting Nov. 1. Pre-registered participants will get SWAG. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.       

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Open House at Tori’s Angels Aug. 28

On Friday, Aug. 28 from 4-6 p.m., the public is invited to the new office of Tori’s Angels. The office is at 110 East Main St. in Panora, and the location is shared with the office of BH Real Estate and Consulting. Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Come and learn more about how Tori’s Angels supports Iowa families who have a child facing life-threatening conditions.

Springbrook 100th Celebration Aug. 28-29

The public is invited to help celebrate 100 years of Springbrook State Park (2437 160th Road, Guthrie Center). Events include (at campground gazebo unless noted otherwise):

Friday, Aug. 28

  • 8:30 p.m.: Fire and marshmallow roast (meet at the CCC shelter)
  • 9 p.m.: Full moon guided hike (meet at the CCC shelter)

Saturday, Aug. 29

  • 9 a.m.: Guided exploration hike and learning the history of Springbrook State Park
  • 10 a.m.: Rose’s Krafty Korner
  • 11 a.m.: Kayaking at the beach (kayaks and life jackets provided or bring your own). No experience needed; kids younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • 2 p.m.: Ambassador animals meet and greet
  • 2 p.m.: Slack line and crafting
  • 3 p.m.: Insect investigations
  • 4 p.m.: Atlatl (spear throwing)
  • 5 p.m.: Music jam/folk circle (bring a chair, and an instrument if you wish)
  • 6 p.m.: Free picnic (brats, hot dogs and chips provided; bring beverage and chair)

Dexter Fest this weekend

Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30, there will be fun galore in Dexter. Friday includes the community dinner from 5-7 p.m. serving choice of pulled pork or hot dog, sides, cookie and beverage, all for a freewill donation. The pie auction begins at 6 p.m.

Saturday events include the 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., parade at 11 a.m., and fun at the park (bouncy houses, food trucks and vendors) after the parade and going until 3 p.m. There will be a noon lunch at the Legion, car show noon to 2 p.m., cribbage tournament at 1 p.m., kids’ water fights at 2 p.m., bags tournament at 3 p.m., and a street dance 9 p.m. to midnight. There is a $5 cover charge for the street dance and a beer garden will be open.

Sunday offers breakfast and church beginning at 10 a.m. at the roundhouse, followed by the horseshoes tournament at noon.

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

Saturday, Aug. 29, from 4-7 p.m., great music and food will be on tap at Lake Panorama’s Boulder Beach. Attendees may 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. 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

ACGC Car and Truck Show Sept. 12

The fourth annual ACGC car and truck show will be held at Mitchell Park in Guthrie Center. There is a $20 entry fee for exhibitors, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. All makes and models are welcome. Spectators are admitted free. For more information, contact ffa@acgcschools.org.

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.

Badge Bowl Sept. 20

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Department Badge Bowl flag football game will be Sunday, Sept. 20. Kids in third through sixth grade in any Guthrie County school are eligible to register. Registration is open until Sept. 11. Cost is $30 per kid. More details can be found on the Facebook page of the Guthrie County Sheriff.

Alzheimer’s Walk Oct. 3

The Raccoon River Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Panora. The two-mile walk begins shortly after 9:30 a.m. at Michael Mills Park. For more details or to register, go to https://act.alz.org/panorawalk

Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.