Events And Activities

Breast Cancer Survivors will not meet in the month of July.  We will resume meeting the first Tuesday night of August.

The 5th Annual Vinton Shellsburg United Special Olympics Benefit Ride rolls into town on Saturday, August 16th!  Starting with registration at the Ron da Voo at 10 a.m., and covering approximately 130 miles, the ride raises money to support local Special Olympics athletes from Vinton-Shellsburg, CPU and Benton Community school districts.  1st Avenue will be blocked off until 11:30 a.

Another totally fun and enjoyable day is in store at Garrison’s annual Fun Day Celebration on Saturday, July 12.  This event is also the community’s annual celebration. Activities will be held at the park, on Main Street and at the Hitchin Post. The day begins with the 2nd annual Howard Schoonover Memorial and Cancer Awareness Poker Run Fundraiser with Registration at the Hitchin’ Post at 8 AM a.

The second annual Shellsburg Firemen’s Auxiliary Backdraft 5K Run/Walk will take place at 8 a.m. July 19, at Shellsburg Park. Registration fee is $20 before July 1 and $25 after. "This is our 2nd annual race," said member Laurie Ortner. "The funds we raise go to buying things for Fire Prevention Week for the kids, bought some chairs for the SFD used at fires, stock water, Gatorade and whatever else the SFD may need.

The line-up is set for another splashing successful Dunk Tank at this year’s Party in the Park.    The dunk tank will be run by G.o.V.S. and they have got a great list of characters that should want to make everybody dig in to their pockets and throw some softballs for a great cause. Here are the victims:                         12:00-12:30- Alex Vasquez                               12:30-1:00-   Mindy McClintock                               1:00-1:30-     Rich Haisman                               1:30-2:00-     Roger Roseberry                               2:00-2:30-     Megan Albertson                               2:30-3:00-     Aaron Zuspann                               3:00-3:30-     Jim Womochil                               3:30-4:00-     Mark Erickson  G.

T-shirts available at Nick's TV and Theisen's indicate that Vinton car lovers are preparing for the 30th Annual Vinton Cruise. The event will take place Saturday, July 19, at the traditional time and place. Registration begins at 3 p.m. on the Benton County Courthouse lawn; the cruise begins at 7.  The public is invited to come to the area to see the 400-500 cars expected to fill the downtown area.

The first Block Party of 2014 is coming up fast!  Grab your Family & Friends tonight, Thursday, June 19th from 5-8 p.m. and join in the fun on the 100 Block of West 4th Street.  This will be a great time for fun, relaxation, games, and music!  Our local businesses will be throwing together all kinds of fun and we encourage you to grab a friend or two and join us.

Two Stockman & Stewardship  workshops featuring Dr. Ron Gill from Texas, will be held in eastern Iowa June 25.  The Stockman & Stewardship sessions teach cattle handling methods that improve animal movement and cattle performance by reducing the stress on livestock.  Gill bases his presentation on four simple principles of cattle behavior; cattle want to see you, go around you, be with other cattle, and can only process one thought at a time.

The Vinton Red Cross Community Blood Drive will be held Thursday, June 19, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Vinton Skate Center.  Appointments can be made by calling Kristie at 472-4292.  Walk-ins are welcome.

A free Lewis & Clark Hunting, Fishing and Survival Camp for students in grades 3-6 is planned for July 4-5 at Rodgers Park. We ask that all non-campers register with Benton County Conservation. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to noon both days. Non-campers can register by emailing mjorgensen@bentoncountyparks.com or calling