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.