Events And Activities

The 7th Annual Benton County Farm Bureau Cookout Contest is set for Saturday July 26th at the fairgrounds in Vinton.  This will be in conjunction with the Benton County Fair activities.  There is no cost to enter the contest; although pre-registration is requested.  Interested grillers are asked to call the Benton County Farm Bureau office at (319) 472-4710 or e-mail Benton.

On Saturday, July 26, The Vinton Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Cardboard Boat Races at the Vinton Community Swimming Pool. Boats must be made entirely out of cardboard and duct tape and are eligible to compete in one of the following race categories: 13 & Under (single-person boat), 14 & up (single person boat), and the Doubles Competition (two person boat - all ages welcome!).

On the morning of Saturday, July 26th, VPRD will be hosting its 5th annual 'Kids Triathlon.' The race is divided out by age divisions and gender. The 7-8 year olds will do a 50 meter swim, 1.2 mile bike ride, and a 0.6 mile run. 9-10 year olds will complete a 100 meter swim, 1.8 mile bike ride and a 1.2 mile run. 11-12, and 13-14 year old divisions will complete a 200 meter swim, a 3.

Below are the details about the upcoming Cross Country Camp: 2014 V-S CROSS COUNTRY  5-8th Grades Summer Running Camp July 29 & 31, August 5 & 7 (Tuesday &Thursday) Session 1: Going into 5-6th Grades 9:00-10:15  Session 2: Going into 7-8h Grades 10:15-11:30 Location and Cost: Vinton-Shellsburg High School. Each session is $30, $40 maximum for family.

The First Christian Church Vacation Bible School, with the theme "Workshop of Wonders," will take place from July 27-31, at the church, at 1209 W. 13th Street, Vinton.  The event is designed for children age three through fifth grade. The schedule is: July 27          

  3.5k Mud Run happening July 19, near Cedar Rapids. Bloomsbury Farm will again be hosting a 3.5k Mud Run to benefit the March of Dimes, on July 19. The Challenge Run features obstacles that will test your agility as you climb over hay bales, slither under netting, and splash through giant mud pits! After the run, participants can cool-off at the Beer Tent, grab a burger at the concession stand, and enjoy some rockin' music! New this year - a raffle drawing will be held for various sports merchandise as well as a 10-week membership to Farrell's eXtreme Body Shaping, and gift certificates to the athletic store Running Wild.

Vinton Parks and Recreation leaders are still finalizing the details, but the Party in the Park Spazmatics concert and fireworks that were postponed in June will take place Sunday, Aug. 24. More information will be available in the near future. About the Spazmatics The quartet proudly displays its nerdism while playing 80s-era rock favorites.

Today, Thursday July 10th is the Annual Love for Liv fundraiser at the VGH cafeteria boardroom.  It's from 11:30 to 1:30. Public welcome. All proceeds go to the American Heart Association. Born with a congenital heart defect, Olivia Spencer has had a life full of surgeries, hospital stays and doctor visits, and will face more as she grows.

Here is your chance to catch up with fellow Vinton residents and catch a baseball game at the annual "Vinton Community Night at the Cedar Rapids Kernels." The Kernels will take on the Lake County Captains on Friday, July 18th with the game getting underway at 6:35 PM. Best of all, the Vinton Parks & Recreation Department is distributing tickets to this game AT NO COST for community youth in high school or younger.

The Free Youth Soccer Camp is being offered again this year; sponsored by First Baptist Church of Vinton. The event is open to ages 4-12 and takes place July 14-17, from 6-8 pm. All youth must have a registration form signed by a parent or guardian to participate. To register: call 472-3881 or email vintonfirstbaptist@yahoo.com