To add an event to the community event calendar, send a press release to news@crestonnews.com.
Union County Evening of Prayer at McKinley (tonight)
The public is invited to attend a county-wide prayer event 6 to 7 p.m. July 13 at the McKinley Park band shell. There will be another hour-long prayer at the city park in Afton from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.
This community prayer event is not affiliated with any denomination or organization.
So what will this event look like? All pastors (or designated representatives) from Union County are welcome to get up and pray at one or both locations. A PA system is available at both locations so everyone can hear clearly. Those in attendance who are not pastors are welcome to pray along silently.
Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and respect social distancing guidelines. A live stream of these events will be on Facebook event page (Union County: An Everning of Prayer) to allow those restricted to their homes to join in.
In addition, a week-long virtual event coinciding with the evening of prayer will take place. On Facebook, people will be encouraged to pray at home about a specific topic each day. Below is a tentative topic schedule:
Monday, July 13: Leaders (spiritual/political)
Tuesday, July 14: Youth
Wednesday, July 15: Families
Thursday, July 16: Economy (local/national)
Friday, July 17: Those who serve us (law enforcement/military/veterans/schools/health care)
Saturday, July 18: Asking God to draw people to the Lord.
Creston Farmers’ Market (Mondays)
The Creston Farmer’s Market is 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays at the southeast corner of McKinley Park.
Fridays after Five (Fridays)
Elks Lodge will feature a different musical artist 5:08 to 7:08 p.m. Fridays until Sept. 4.
Senator Grassley in Creston (July 14)
Senator Charles Grassley will be in Creston 8 to 9 a.m. July 14 at the O’Riley Center, 417 Wyoming St., Creston for his annual 99 county meetings. This will allow Senator Grassley the opportunity to hear how COVID-19 has affected Creston and local businesses as well as answering questions. Social distancing guidelines will be observed.
Shrek Jr. youth musical at Corning Opera House (July 15-16)
Shrek Jr. will be performed 7 p.m. July 15 and July 16 at the Corning Opera House. Cast members are from area elementary schools, including: Corning, Creston, Lenox, Mayflower Christian, Nodaway Valley, Southwest Valley and Storm Lake.
For more information contact De Heaton 12:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 641-418-8037, visit Facebook or www.corningoperahouse.com.
2020 Queen and princess coronation and parade at the Union County Fair (July 16 to 22)
Union County Queen Coronation livestreamed on www.ksibradio.com 6 p.m. Thursday July 16. Queen parade is 5 p.m. July 18 at the fairgrounds. For the full fair schedule, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/union.
Uptown Story Walk, Scavenger Hunt and A ‘Ducky Walk Around Town’ (July 16, 23 and 30)
A 1920’s themed display of select buildings highlighting the history of our uptown buildings. For more information, visit the Union County Development Association Facebook page or contact the UCDA at 641-782-2003.
Concert at Union County Fairgrounds (July 17)
Off the Cuff will perform at 7 p.m. followed by Oreo Meat Wagon at 9 p.m. July 17 at the Union County Fairgrounds. For the full fair schedule, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/union.
Truck and Tractor Pull at Union County Fair (July 18)
The truck and tractor pull will take place 7 p.m. July 18 at the Union County Fairgrounds, 301 S. Grace St, Afton. For the full fair schedule, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/union.
Demo Derby at the Union County Fair (July 19)
A demolition derby will take place 6 p.m. July 19 at the Union County Fairgrounds, 301 S. Grace St, Afton. For the full fair schedule, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/union.
Iowa History 101 – Iowans at Play: Iowa State Fair (July 23)
Join the State Historical Society of Iowa for an online series about Iowans of the past at work, home and play. For this episode, State Curator Leo Landis will share a few stories from “the best state fair in our state.” Register at https://bit.ly/2WOt1Du.
Fridays after Five (July 24)
The concert series held on the east lawn of the Elks Lodge will feature a different musical artist each Friday from 5:08 to 7:08 p.m. until Sept. 4. This week’s musical guest will be Abby Hullinger, and will be sponsored by Berning Inc. and Creston Archery Team.
Front Porch Fridays (July 24)
Hometown Insurance and Realty is hosting a free hot dog lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its east porch. Hot dog lunch complete with a bag of chips and a water. Come and go as you please. It is requested that social distancing guidelines be followed.
American Red Cross Blood Drive in Creston (July 29)
Blood drive will take place at SWCC’s instructional building, 1501 W. Townline St. from 12 to 6 p.m.
Chamber 23rd annual Summer Golf Tournament (July 31)
There is still time to sign up for the Creston Chamber of Commerce's 23rd annual summer golf tournament, scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m., July 31 at Crestmoor Golf Club and Pine Valley Golf Course. The event begins with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. from both courses. A BBQ will also be served and prizes awarded to the winners at Crestmoor Golf Club. For entry fees, registration and other information contact the Chamber at 641-782-7021, email: chamber@crestoniowachamber.com, or visit their website: www.crestoniowachamber.com.
Stand up paddle boarding (Aug. 1)
Cass and Adair County Conservation are bringing a free stand up paddle boarding demonstration to Mormon Trail Lake Beach. Slots are available for 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Paddle boards and life jackets will be provided. Children must be 16 years or older. Paddler must weigh less than 250 pounds. Pre-registration is required due to limited spaces available.
To reserve a spot, visit the Adair County Conservation Board Greenfield Facebook page and register under their event.
2020’s ‘Relay For Life’ drive-thru event (Aug. 1)
American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life will be a drive-thru event this year, due to COVID-19. The event has moved from the Creston High School track to McKinley Lake for a drive-thru luminaria from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 1.
American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life will be a drive-thru event this year, due to COVID-19. The event has moved from the Creston High School track to McKinley Lake for a drive-thru luminaria from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 1.
KSIB 101.3 will be broadcasting the ceremony. Event participants who own a past "Relay For Life" T-shirt are asked to wear them. Cancer survivors attending can pick up a "2020 Survivor" pin to wear throughout the evening. There will also be luminaria pick-up and drop-off events at PCSB Bank's parking lot at 501 W. Taylor St., and luminaria bags available for pick-up from 4 until 6 p.m. on Hwy 34 July 11, July 18 and July 25. An online raffle will be taking place leading up to the relay on "Relay For Life of Southwest Iowa" Facebook page. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/southwestia, call 641-202-4488 or 641-202-0146.
Art in the Park (Aug. 5)
Adair County Conservation Board is hosting an outdoor painting class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lake Orient. Learn about wildflowers as you paint this prarie scene on a piece of wood. Supplies will be provided.
To reserve a spot, visit the Adair County Conservation Board Greenfield Facebook page and register under their event.
Four-person best shot golf tournament (Aug. 7)
The Southwestern Community College athletic department is hosting its 21st annual 4-person best shot golf tournament Aug. 7. Tee times are 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Tournament includes 18 holes, hole prizes and tee gifts. Golf carts will be provided. Tee-ups will be available for purchase. Food and refreshments will be served.
With any questions regarding registration or sponsorship, contact Doug North, athletic director, north@swcciowa.edu or Tracey Evans, evans@swcciowa.edu or 641-782-1437.
Rumley Brothers Jamboree Street Dance (Aug. 8)
Enjoy a night of music and dancing 8 p.m. to midnight at Malloy Park, 130th Ave, Murray. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Beer is available for purchase.
Dutch oven cooking class (Aug. 13)
Learn to make cobbler in a Dutch Oven and learn tips for cast iron cooking such as heating coals, seasoning the cast iron, and calculating temperatures 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Lake Orient Recreation Area. For more information contact the Adair County Conservation Board on Facebook.
Party in the Park (Aug. 15)
Creston Parks and Rec is hosting its annual Party in the Park Aug 15. Performing will be Off the Cuff and headline will be The i-Berry’s Band. Updates will be made on Creston Parks and Rec Facebook page.
Coon Valley Bass Anglers Open (Aug. 30)
For registration information, rules, scoring and additional details, visit CVBA on Facebook.
Suicide Awareness Skate Event (Sept. 19)
Skate for Awareness is hosting an event to help raise money for suicide awareness and prevention. Event includes yard games, volley ball, vendors, food, silent auction and bake sale. The event will conclude with candlelight vigil.
2020 Steak Fry (Sept. 13)
Hear from Iowa’s Democratic candidates and guest speakers 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2020 Steak Fry. This year’s event will be held at Des Moines Water Works, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines. For more information or tickets, visit
2020 Virtual Green 5K (Oct. 10)
The Iowa Donor Network is hosting its fundraising and awareness 5Ks, the Green 5K and Donor Dash in one virtual 5K event. The Green 5K and Donor Dash are not just races, but a way to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, celebrate life and recognize those who wait for a life-saving transplant. Sign up at www.thegreen5k.com.