13 things to do this weekend in Dallas County include Memorial Day programs, a rodeo
Minburn/Perry Poppy Distribution
Last week of May in Minburn and Perry.
During the last week of May, the American Legion Auxiliary distributes red paper poppies that are a reminder of the sacrifice our service men and women have made for our country. These poppies are handmade by disabled veterans living in Iowa and will be given to any individual who wants to wear or display a poppy "to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn the uniform." The Minburn ALA will distribute poppies at various locations in Perry and Minburn such as Hy-Vee, Fareway, Casey's, Circle K, etc. Please seek us out and wear your poppy with pride! Free-will donations will be used to help veterans and their families.
Adel American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Distribution
May 24-25 at Adel Fareway.
Everyone who visits the Adel Fareway Store on Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25 will be able to receive a poppy in honor of the service of military veterans from the Adel American Legion Auxiliary Unit 464. All poppy donations help the ALA assist veterans, the military and their families. Inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Col. John McCrea, the custom of wearing the poppy can be traced back to WWI. The Adel American Legion Auxiliary encourages residents to wear a poppy proudly.
Perry Community Blood Drives
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, May 24 at Dallas County Hospital.
LifeServe Blood Center, with support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, will host a significant community event on May 24 aimed to remind people of the importance of emergency preparedness and emphasizing the critical need for a stable blood supply. As a part of the day’s events, LifeServe will recognize organizations who responded to the challenges of Jan. 4, 2024. LifeServe will also be serving a meal and encouraging community members to give the gift of life at one of the two blood drives happening at DCH. Blood drives will be held from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the bloodmobile in DCH South Parking Lot and from 12:30-5 p.m. in the DCH Community Room. Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.
Rotary Plaza Dedication
4-7 p.m. Friday, May 24 at Rotary Plaza, Adel.
The Rotary Club of Adel will celebrate its 100th Year Anniversary on May 24 with a dedication ceremony of Rotary Plaza. The community is invited to enjoy an ice cream social, face-painting and live music from 4-7 p.m. The Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce will help the Club formally dedicate Rotary Plaza at 5 p.m.
Perry Firefighters Association Grab-n-Go Dinner
5-6:30 p.m. Friday, May 24 at 908 Willis Ave., Perry.
The Perry Firefighters Association will serve a Grab-n-Go Dinner on Friday, May 24 in the Perry Fire Department parking lot. The menu includes hot dogs for $5, cheeseburgers or pork loin sandwiches for $8 and steak sandwiches for $12. Each meal comes with chips and a drink.
Honey Creek Series Rodeo
May 25-26 Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel.
Honey Creek Series will be hosting youth rodeos at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 at the Dallas County Fairgrounds, featuring bulls, broncs, barrels and more. Other activities throughout the weekend include a variety of clinics, including goat tying, barrel, saddle bronc and bareback, bull riding and more. A free-will pancake breakfast will be held from 8-10 a.m. on Sunday, May 26, followed by Cowboy Church at noon. Find more information on the Honey Creek Series Facebook page.
Incredible Minerals
1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26 at Forest Park Museum, Perry.
Join Forest Park Museum staff and volunteers as we show off some of the incredible mineral collection owned by Dallas County Conservation Board. Staff will explain the collection history and many beautiful and extremely rare specimens. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions after the presentation and bring specimens for identification.
Memorial Day at Iowa Veterans Cemetery
8 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Memorial Day ceremony at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery on Monday, May 27. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook page.
Adel Memorial Day Ceremony
9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Oakdale Cemetery, Adel.
The Adel American Legion Penoach Post 464 and Auxiliary Unit 464 would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27 at Oakdale Cemetery. This day is our opportunity to give thanks to the heroes that died and the loved ones left behind to make sure that their sacrifices are remembered and that their service to this nation will always be honored. Please bring a lawn chair, since no seating is available. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will not be held.
Fairview Memorial Day Program
9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Fairview United Methodist Church, 2162 Deer Ave., Perry.
Fairview's annual Memorial Day program will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 27. The program will honor veterans with music, readings and a short message. Perry Boy Scout Troop 127 will present the flag. The program will conclude with a gun salute in the cemetery by The Rippey American Legion.
Minburn Memorial Day Programs
Starting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 27 around Minburn.
On Memorial Day, the Minburn American Legion will be honoring fallen veterans at four locations: 9:30 a.m. at Brown Cemetery; 10 a.m. Kimrey Cemetery; 10:30 a.m. Elmwood Cemetery followed by the Raccoon River Bridge Ceremony. Directly following the Minburn Legion Auxiliary will be serving a hot dog/chili dog lunch at the Skating Rink Food Stand until 1 p.m. Free-will donations will be accepted with proceeds to help fund the Minburn Fourth of July celebration.
Dallas Center Memorial Day Service
10 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Mound Park, Dallas Center.
The Dallas Center American Legion and Auxiliary will host the Memorial Day service on Monday, May 27. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the event. In case of inclement weather, it will be at the Middle School Gymnasium. Please plan to attend.
Perry Memorial Day Program
1 p.m. Monday, May 27 at Veterans Memorial Park, 8th and Bateman.
The Perry VFW Post 2060 will host a Memorial Day service at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 27 at Veterans Memorial Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Thankful Band Jazz Trio
1:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 at Woodward United Methodist Church, 108 W 5th St., Woodward.
The Woodward Public Library will sponsor The Thankful Band on Friday, May 31. Founded out of the prolific and prodigious Iowa jazz scene, fun and upbeat group The Thankful Band is a piano-based trio made up of some of Iowa’s finest jazz musicians. Drummer Chris Clausen, bassist Bridget Shoemaker, and pianist Nick Rueckert play a variety of styles and songs that traverse the history of jazz from the 1920s to now. With over 25 years combined professional recording and gigging experience, this accomplished group of musicians aims to spread a jazz message of positivity and good vibes wherever they play.
Dallas Center Roller Skate Rink Opening Night
7-9 p.m. Friday, May 31 at Mound Park.
Come “Blast into Summer” on Friday, May 31 for opening night of the Dallas Center outdoor roller skating rink.
The Dallas Center Roller Skate Rink at Mound Park opens for the season on Friday, May 31. Participation prizes will be handed out to anyone sporting something related to the opening night theme. The rink will be open from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays through August and 6-8 p.m. Fridays in September, weather permitting. Quad and inline skates are available to use for all ages at no charge, in sizes from toddlers to adults. Find the full schedule and theme nights on the City of Dallas Center website.
Woodward Friends and Neighbors Day
May 31-June 1 in Woodward.
The Woodward Friends and Neighbors Day will return on May 31-June 1. The event kicks off on Friday, May 31 with a beef burger supper, Little Mr. and Miss Woodward crowning, BYOB beer garden and live music. The event continues on Saturday, June 1 with a vendor show, parade, carnival games and cake walk, inflatables, cornhole tournament, pie auction, live music, fireworks and more. Check out a full list of activities on the Woodward Friends and Neighbors Day Facebook page.
Van Meter Raccoon River Days
May 31-June 2 in Van Meter.
The annual Raccoon River Days return to Van Meter on May 31-June 2. The event kicks off on Friday, May 31 with a Talent Show/Little Miss and Mr. Van Meter. The festivities continue on Saturday, June 1 with a 5K, parade, bags tournament, all school reunion, carnival, beer garden, pie auction, live music, fireworks and more. The weekend will wrap up with a non-denominational church service on Sunday, June 2. Find more details on the Van Meter Raccoon River Days Facebook page and at www.vanmeterlife.com.
Wild Waters Paddle
8-11 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at location TBD.
2024 is the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964. The wildest places in Dallas County are on and around the water, so let's celebrate Dallas County’s wildness together! Location will be communicated via email to those who register through the DCCB's Eventbrite page. Participants provide your own boats, paddles and lifejackets.
Banned Book Auction
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1 at The Proletariat, 1213 Second St., Perry.
Perry Area Democrats will be holding a Banned Book Auction on Saturday, June 1 at The Proletariat. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. State Senator Claire Celsi will be addressing the audience. Books signed by authors (some with inscription) will be auctioned through live auction by auctioneer Tom Burkgren. A variety of books will be on sale through a silent auction. From Dr. Seuss to Judy Blum to Jodi Picoult - books for all ages. Each book comes with an "I Supported Perry Area Democrats Banned Book Auction Freedom to Read - Freedom to Understand" bookmark. Cash or checks (made payable to Dallas County Democrats) only.
KidsFest
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at Perry Public Library.
Kick off summer with the Perry Public Library KidsFest on June 1. This exciting, family-friendly, budget-friendly event will launch this year’s Summer Library Program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” The event will include many age-appropriate activities for children like the Foam Blaster, creating bubbles, PBS Kids STEAM stations, balloon twister, family photos, dunk tank, giant Connect Four game and a petting zoo. The Perry Volunteer Fire Department will also cook pork loin sandwiches and hot dogs. Also included in the lunch are a bag of chips, bottle of water and a cookie. The meals cost $1 and is a fundraiser for the fire department. KidsFest is free and no registration is required.
To submit events to be included in the Around the County round-up, email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Things to do in Des Moines May 24-27: Memorial Day programs, rodeo
