By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Lake Panorama Ski Show was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but high winds made performing too dangerous. The show moved to Sunday, when blue skies and calmer water finally gave those talented skiers the stage they deserved. It was warm along the south shore, but longtime spectators know sunshine is simply part of the ticket price. Photos courtesy of the Lake Panorama Ski Team.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
A popular event at Panorama Days is the kids’ fishing derby. Many fish of all sizes were caught and released, along with at least one turtle. The annual event saw a record-setting 136 kids participate this year. A perfect morning yielded many fish and even more smiles. Award winners included:
The shore at the marina was lined with young fishers.
Adam Perry releases a turtle that was accidentally caught.
Reed and Adam Perry enjoy father-son time at the derby.
Allison Stanley helps Brynley Birch show her catch.
By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Panorama Days classic car show was held Saturday on Main Street immediately after the parade and until 4 p.m. Roger Dorr coordinated the show, which had a record number of cars on display, lining several blocks of Main Street. Dorr said he personally reached out to car clubs and convinced many owners to make the trip. He said a little sunshine and the lack of rain helped, too.
This says it all.
Tom and Ellen Campbell and their 1941 Desoto
1980 Chevy C-3 Corvette
Shady Stoy and his 1976 Chevy Corvette Stingray
1956 Chevy Bel Air
1956 Chevrolet 210 Townsman 4-door station wagon
Classic cars filled Main Street during the 2026 Panorama Days car show.
A record number of classic cars were on display Saturday.
1969 Chevy Camaro SS
By Luann Waldo | Special to the Times Vedette
Main Street Dance Studio hosted the Bill Riley Talent Show on Friday evening of Panorama Days with a full slate of performers vying for the honor of advancing to the Iowa State Fair in a few days. The competition was stiff with many talented individuals performing from all over the state.
Bill Riley Jr, who hosts the event at the State Fair, was in attendance and commented on how well the young women and men performed. He urged everyone who was not selected to advance to try again, as they were all “winners” in his eyes and deserve the opportunity to compete at the next level.
Taking top honors in the sprout division were, from the left: Faith Scott, 10 years of age, of Johnston with a piano solo, third place; Brielle Coil, 11, of Stuart with a lyrical dance, second place; and Zara Fortney, 7, of Des Moines with a vocal solo, first place, along with Riley.
The senior division winners were, from the left: Mariann Rose Scott, 13, of Des Moines with a violin solo, third place; Nella Rivas, 16, of Panora, lyrical dance, second place; Camden Lewis, 18, of Des Moines, first place with a classical flute solo and Riley.
Fortney and Lewis will perform at the Iowa State Fair.
Judges of the event were Emily Clouser, Riley Ferris and Andrew King, who indicated it was a very difficult decision in selecting the winners.
By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Panorama Days bags tournament was held Saturday on Main Street and started at noon just down from the classic car show. Bingo, live music, a ski show, a golf cart parade and the first day of the Panorama Days Pickleball Tournament were also part of the schedule.
By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Pastor Ryan Meyer and his family recently moved to Guthrie Center. As of July 26, he now serves as pastor for both Immanuel Lutheran Church (Guthrie Center) and St. Thomas Lutheran Church (Panora).
Pastor Meyer shared the path that brought him to Guthrie County.
“I grew up in Lincoln, Illinois. I went to seminary in St. Louis,” he said. “Then, when I became a pastor, I was in Nebraska for 10 years, then to St. Peter, Illinois, for the past nine years. I am married, and my wife and I have five children.”
Pastor Meyer shared his hobbies and pastimes.
“I’m a little bit of a history buff, so I like reading about history and visiting historical places,” he said. “I also like to grill and spend time with my family. On cooler days, we’ve been taking walks around town just to get to know the area.”
Pastor Meyer shared that, as luck would have it, he and his family were settling into their new community at the same time that Guthrie Center swelled with thousands of RAGBRAI bicyclists. The Meyers helped at Immanuel’s church dinner, which he said was a great way to meet many cyclists and local citizens.
“I’m looking forward to my work here and getting to know the people of Guthrie Center and Panora,” he said. “I’ve already met quite a few, and it’s been awesome.”