To add an event to the community event calendar, send a press release to news@crestonnews.com.
‘Keep-a-Kid-Warm’ coat giveaway (Oct. 22)
The Annual Kiwanis “Keep-a-Kid-Warm” coat giveaway will be from 5:15 until 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at United Methodist Church, 400 N. Elm St. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed.
'Bright Eyes'
(Oct. 24)
The 21st Annual Bright Eyes fundraiser for Creston Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) in Creston is now a drive-through only event, starting at 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Stone Street (between Historical Complex and McKinley Park). The line will begin at West Adams and McKinley Streets going south toward Stone Street. Entry fee is $5 for each child receiving candy. Fee will be collected and candy bag will be distributed on the corner of McKinley and Stone Streets. All proceeds go to C.A.R.E.
Haunted Halloween Hike (Oct. 24)
Ringgold County Conservation is hosting a Haunted Halloween Hike Oct. 24 at the Dragoon Trace Nature Center at Poe Hollow Park (east of Mount Ayr on State Hwy 2). A less scary version of the hike for younger participants will begin at 5 p.m. with the regular hike starting at 7 p.m.
Registration for the hike will be at the Dragoon Trace Nature Center and a guide will lead you to the beginning of the trail. Groups of 10 or less will leave every 10 minutes from the nature center and travel through Poe Hollow to the Ringgold Trailway and come back on the east trail into Poe Hollow and end at Hawkins Hideaway Shelter (enclosed shelter) where you will receive a hayride back to the nature center.
Scary movies, cocoa, cookies, carnival games, popcorn and a food truck will greet participants at the shelter house at the end of your hike. Entry Fees for this event are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Masks are required inside the nature center and social distancing is recommended.
Creston trick-or-treating (Beggar’s Night) (Oct. 31)
Mayor Carroll has designated Creston’s Beggars’ Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Residents should follow all COVID-19 and CDC social distancing guidelines; maintaining 6-foot distance, candy should be handed out in individualized Ziplock or brown paper bags), masks/face coverings should be worn.
Cover crops field day (Nov. 4)
Local farmers and agronomy professionals will be on hand to give advice and answer questions on cover crop farming from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the Hickory Hills Herefords Farm, located 3 miles west of Lorimor on REA Road, 1/4 mile west on 120th St., 1 and 1/2 miles south on Grand River Dr. (Signs will be posted). A complimentary meal will be served after and RSVP’s would be appreciated for meal count. RSVPs can be made to Union County Soil and Water Conservation District at 641-782-4218, ext 3. This event is coordinated by the North Thompson River Watershed Project and the Adair, Madison and Union SWCDs. If accommodations are required to attend, please call 641-782-4218 by Oct. 31.
Blood drive (Nov. 11)
A Red Cross blood drive will be held 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 11 at Creston Community High School. Schedule an appointment online at redcrossblood.org.
Blood drive (Nov. 18)
A Red Cross blood drive will be held 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at Orient-Macksburg School. Schedule an appointment online at redcrossblood.org.
The Great Union County Scavenger Hunt (Nov. 28)
The Gibson Memorial Library is hosting the Great Union County Scavenger Hunt, Nov. 28. This event is to search, scavenge and socially distance from your car. For registration details and other information about the event visit the Gibson Memorial Library Facebook page, website www.creston.lib.ia.us/, email aricbishop@gmail.com, or register using this link: https://bit.ly/30Bye2T.
Santa in Creston (Dec. 3)
Santa Claus will be greeting children 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 through the drive-thru window at First National Bank on West Adams Street. Letters for Santa may be brought to him at this event and slipped through the teller drawer. Alternatively, letters to Santa can be mailed to his home address: Santa Claus, North Pole.
Creston Lighted Christmas Parade (Dec. 3)
Creston Chamber of Commerce is hosting its lighted Christmas Parade 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in Uptown Creston. No registration is necessary and all entries must be lighted. For more info, contact the chamber office at 641-782-7021.
Holiday lights in the Park (Dec. 4)
Ringgold County Conservation and the Ringgold Conservation Foundation are hosting a holiday lights in the park event at Poe Hollow Park. Visitors will be able to drive through Poe Hollow Parkand marvel at lighted displays in its winter wonderland. Entry fee for this event is $5.00 per vehicle.