By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
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.
Guthrie Center harvest meals scheduled
This fall, Guthrie Center is the place for great food. A series of harvest dinners has been announced. The first of the annual harvest dinners in Guthrie Center will be on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (713 North 12th St.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a freewill donation, diners will enjoy a pork sandwich (plain or barbecue), cheesy potatoes, baked beans, brownie and homemade ice cream. Meals are available for dine-in, carryout or by delivery. For delivery, call 641-332-2918.
Midwest Partnership Fall Gathering Sept. 24
The public is invited to attend Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the 5×80 Clubhouse at 1086 State Highway 25, Menlo. This year celebrates a special milestone as Adair and Guthrie counties commemorate their 175th anniversaries. Attendees will enjoy complimentary appetizers with beverages available for purchase. 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. Attendees are encouraged to wear boots and gloves, and to bring water, and pruners (if available).
Third Annual Fall Flannel Fest Sept. 26
Wear your flannel and shop Panora 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participating businesses offer chances to win a $125 prize package. Businesses interested in participating should contact sarah@tribeclothingboutique.com.
Concert on the Hill Sept. 27 at The New Homestead
Kile Jackson will play 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 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.
Barrelhouse Rockets to perform at Greenfield Oct. 3
The Barrelhouse Rockets will play their rockabilly music at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square, Greenfield). The show begins at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3. Tickets are $25 for adults and free for students (high school and younger). For more information or tickets, visit www.warrenculturalcenter.com.
Civil War presentation Oct. 5 in Panora
Panora Public Library will host a presentation by Barry Grove at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Grove will tell of the daily experiences of a Civil War soldier. For more details or to sign up, contact library staff or call 641-755-2529.
French Toast in Stuart Oct. 10
The Stuart Fire Department Boosters will host the annual French toast supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the fire station (211 Front St.). There will also be a raffle and auction items. Proceeds benefit the fire department.
Little Charger Fundraiser Nov. 7
On Saturday, Nov. 7, Little Charger Early Learning Center will hold its annual fundraiser at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center. Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased at Guthrie County State Bank or by Venmo (@Little Charger). Happy hour will be 5-6 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. Live music by Burnin’ Sensations will follow, along with live and silent auction items.
Haunted Village in Panora Oct. 11
The Guthrie County Historical Village’s annual “Haunted Village” event is set for Sunday, Oct. 11, 5-7 p.m. The free event is geared toward kids in fifth grade and younger, but all are welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. The event includes games, fortunes, tattoos, stickers, treats, stories, crafts, a hayride and the haunted museum. The movie “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” will be shown, with free popcorn. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes, and kids should bring a bag to carry home treats and candy. The Historical Village is located at 206 West South St. in Panora.
Reshape’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 26
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 receive swag. Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/139987/reshape-fitness-studio-turkey-trot.
Send your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.