To add an event to the community event calendar, send a press release to news@crestonnews.com.
‘What’s On Your Nightstand?’ (Thursday)
Every Thursday at 5 p.m., join online via Zoom. This is a casual group to share a love of literature and perhaps find a new book to read. A list of books discussed will be printed off and posted at the library to help other patrons find their next read. For more information contact crestonlibrary310@gmail.com or call 641-782-2277.
Virtual ‘murder mystery’ (Oct. 5-Nov. 25)
Help! Library Director Aric Bishop has been murdered! (virtually.. that is). Help Gibson Memorial Library Detective Agency solve his murder. This is a free virtual murder mystery starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 25 and each Friday new information and clues will be released on the Gibson Memorial Library Facebook event page, as well as the library's website at www.creston.lib.ia.us.
‘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.
Union County ‘Trump Parade and Freedom Rally’ (Oct. 22)
Parade line-up starts at 5 p.m. from Union County Fairgrounds, 301 S. Grace St., Afton. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at the Afton Town Square for the Freedom Rally. the rally will feature David Young, invited officials and candidates. Bring your classic car, truck, tractor, ATV, motorcycle, golf cart or any vehicle. Get creative, decorate your ride to show your support and pride for America. For more information contact Mike Lang at 641-247-9276 or Laura Hartman at 641-344-8060.
‘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 Adans 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. Register for the hike at the Dragoon Trace Nature Center. A guide will lead the trail in rotating groups of 10 or less, with a hayride back to the nature center, where there will be scary movies, cocoa, cookies, carnival games, popcorn and a food truck after the hike. Entry fees are $10 for adults, $5 for students. Masks are required inside the nature center and social distancing is recommended.
United Methodist Church ‘grab-and-go’ dinner (Oct. 25)
The United Methodist Church at 400 N. Elm St. in Creston are hosting a “grab-and-go” dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25. Cost for a meal is $8 and they will be serving pork tenderloin, baked potato, roll, vegetable salad and apple crisp. There will also be pick-up bags of mixed nuts for $12, whole pecans for $11 and pecan pieces for $10.50. Just enter the church’s north parking lot and circle around to the basement door for payment and collection.
Adult book club (Oct. 27)
Gibson Memorial Library is hosting this month's adult book club via Zoom, 5 to 6 p.m., Oct. 27. This month's featured book is "Send Down the Rain" by Charles Martin. For more information visit the website www.creston.lib.ia.us, phone 641-782-2277, visit Facebook or email aricgbishop@gmail.com.
Crossroads ‘Educators’ Support Group’ (Oct. 28)
Crossroads Behavioral Services are hosting free support groups for educators to share their experiences and offer each other support. Group begins Oct. 28 from 5 to 6 p.m. Call 641-782-8457 to register. The sessions will be held in person and via Zoom. A certified mental health therapist will be on hand to offer assistance.
Crossroads ‘First Responders’ Support Group’ (Oct. 29)
Crossroads Behavioral Health Services are hosting free support groups for first responders to share their experiences and offer each other support. There will be three sessions, the first begins at 4 p.m. Oct. 29. Call 641-782-8457 to register. The sessions will be held in person and via Zoom. A certified mental health therapist will be on hand to offer assistance.
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.
Cromwell Harvest Fest (Oct. 31)
The City of Cromwell is celebrating Halloween with a block party and Harvest Fest from 3 to 5 p.m., Oct. 31 at Cromwell City Park. This is a free family-friendly event featuring kids’ games, a scavenger hunt, photo booth, food, a costume parade at 4 p.m., “trunk-or-treat” and much more. The event planners remind those who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to it in the last two weeks not to attend. In addition, observing social distancing, hygiene guidelines and wearing of masks are encouraged.
Blood drive (Nov. 2)
A Red Cross blood drive will be held noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at Trinity Lutheran. Schedule an appointment online at redcrossblood.org.
Prescott United Church ‘Election Day dinner’ pick-up (Nov. 3)
Prescott United Church will hold their Election Day dinner offering curbside pickup only from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. On the menu: Sloppy Joes with a fresh bakery bun, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, a cookie and bottled water. Call your order in prior to pick up at 515-669-5357 or 641-202-4222. Cost for adults will be $8, 5-12 will be $4 and under 5 is free.
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.
Crossroads ‘First Responders’ Support Group’ (Nov. 19)
Crossroads Behavioral Health Services are hosting free support groups for first responders to share their experiences and offer each other support. There will be three sessions, this the second group starts at 4 p.m. Nov. 19. Call 641-782-8457 to register. The sessions will be held in person and via Zoom. A certified mental health therapist will be on hand to offer assistance.
Adult book club (Nov. 24)
The November adult book discussion will be 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 24 on Zoom. The book being discussed is “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert. Copies of the book may be picked up at the library to be checked out. Visit link: https://bit.ly/34iIvmT to join, Meeting ID: 852 420 7703.
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 aricgbishop@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.
Crossroads ‘First Responders’ Support Group’ (Dec. 17)
Crossroads Behavioral Health Services are hosting free support groups for first responders to share their experiences and offer each other support. This is the third session, starting at 4 p.m. Nov. 19. Call 641-782-8457 to register. The sessions will be held in person and via Zoom. A certified mental health therapist will be on hand to offer assistance.