Events And Activities

The Iowa State Fair Board, the governing body who oversees the Iowa State Fair, today voted to postpone the 2020 Iowa State Fair until August 12-22, 2021, amid ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. The decision was made to protect the health and safety of all Fairgoers.After a thorough review of possible options, while carefully reviewing current health guidelines and examining operating limitations, it became clear that holding the 2020 Iowa State Fair, which attracts approximately one million people over 11 days, would not be responsible.

The Vinton Lions Club, one of the largest in Iowa, resumes its regular Wednesday noon meeting schedule next Wednesday, June 17, at Pizza Ranch.  For the protection of members and guests the meeting room will be sanitized and [st] up for safe distancing, and attendees are encouraged to practice handwashing before eating.  For now Vinton Lions’ familiar food trailer won’t be serving up great tenderloins and funnel cakes at local events.

The Shellsburg American Legion is BACK serving Saturday morning breakfast. The hours are the same, 8 - 10 am. We ask people to social distance at the tables (families, of course, can sit together) and wear masks if you choose.  The breakfast will be served to keep handling items to a minimum.  The legion will continue the breakfast as the state allows dining of 10 or more in restaurants.

Do you know someone who could use help with a project from July 9-11? Faith in Action was brought about by several local churches desiring to bring the love of Jesus to those in our community by meeting tangible needs. Jesus taught us to love one another not just in word, but also in deed, and so our desire is to put our faith into action by practically loving our neighbors, through things like helping with yard work, home repair projects and even cleaning.

Entries are now being accepted into the 2020 Capture the Heart of America photo contest.From day-to-day life on the family farm to the ever-changing industry, agriculture has proven to be one of America's most compelling stories. Through the contest, photographers from across the country can share their own piece of this important story as they see it through their camera lens.

he Vinton Public Library Children’s Summer Reading Program for 2020 welcomes children ages 15 and under. The program will begin on June 15th and run through August 15th.Stop in at the Library for the Children’s READO sheet and have fun! Earn chances for mysterious prizes behind three doors!The Vinton Public Library will also hold an Adult Summer Reading Program for 2020.

We are so excited to be able to partner with Classical Conversations: Explorers Digital Camp! For those of you who are not familiar with Classical Conversations, it is the world’s largest classical homeschooling organization, which is why the fact that they’re offering such a high-quality, digital camp experience is no surprise to us. They know how to capture children’s attention and engage them in having fun while learning! The camp is broken up into six sessions, each one 90-120 minutes, and includes downloadable resources, games, activities, trivia, science experiments and recipes that cover all kinds of educational topics such as geography, history, math, science, and more.

Benton County Shelter In Relay For Life: Sunday, June 7thThe American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Benton County, now Shelter in Relay for Life,will be Sunday, June 7th on National Cancer Survivors Day. With the spread of COVID-19, cancer patients are more vulnerable than ever and in desperate need of our help. Benton County resident Steve Gibney describes his current situation:“I am in year 15 of cancer survivorship and currently undergoing chemotherapy infusions.

Date: June 19, 2020Time: 5:00-7:00 pmDress Code: Semi-Formal to Formal, Students may wear their Prom or favorite "Quarantined Twenties" attire.Invitations: Designed by Eli Powers and printed by Cedar River Ink.Prom Court: Organized by Kyla Jeffery and will be done all online.Local Businesses: Are invited to decorate their windows or store fronts using the theme "Quarantined Twenties" (Originally the theme was "Roarin' Twenties")Locations: Students will start at Farmer's Savings Bank where they will receive a map and instructions for the Drive Through Prom.

The Church of Grace is sponsoring An outdoor worship and song service. May 31st. 10:30 AM  at 301 1st. Street Shellsburg.  Nic Tayor from Drop Inn Ministries will be speaking.Bring your lawn chairs or stay in your car.for this time of worship and song. EVERYONE is invited to attend.Rain location: The Church of Grace, (inside).