Bring the family to Waukee FamilyFest, enjoy a spaghetti lunch this weekend in Dallas County

Kids throw bean bags at one of the stations during a past Waukee FamilyFest.
Kids throw bean bags at one of the stations during a past Waukee FamilyFest.

Perry Public Library Updates for Week of Jan. 15

In light of recent events, all Perry Public Library Programs regularly scheduled for this week are canceled. We are open during our regular business hours and welcome the community to visit for library services, such as checking out books and using computers. Heart of Iowa will also be available at the library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 19 with free community counseling services. Additionally, the Perry Public Library is available as a warming center for the community. For more information, come to the library, visit www.perry.lib.ia.us, or call 515-465-3569.

Waukee FamilyFest

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 in atrium at Lutheran Church of Hope – Waukee, 305 NE Dartmoor Drive.

Families are invited to have some fun at Waukee FamilyFest on Saturday, Jan. 20. This free event includes inflatables to help kids burn off some energy as well as games and activities from local businesses and organizations. Area businesses provide free kid-friendly activities, from crafts to bean bag tosses. Attendees can also meet some staff from the Waukee Police and Fire departments, do a craft with the Waukee Public Library, learn about protecting water quality and sign up to get notified of programs from Waukee Parks & Recreation. For more information, visit Waukee.org/FamilyFest.

Community Spaghetti Luncheon

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 at Perry Elks Lodge, 2823 Willis Ave., Perry.

The Perry Community is invited for a spaghetti luncheon on Sunday, Jan. 21. The menu includes spaghetti, red/white sauce, lettuce salad, bread sticks and desserts. To-go meals will be available. A free-will donation will be taken to benefit Perry Schools to help with the needs of the students. If you have any questions, contact Janet Hick at 515-321-7380 or Vicki Klein at 515-979-7710.

A Conversation with an Owl

6-7 p.m. or 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 and Thursday, Jan. 25 at Hanging Rock.

Join us in the shelter house at Hanging Rock to meet DCCB's Barred Owl, Strix. Strix was rehabilitated after a wing injury but could not be returned to the wilds. Instead, she has become our best teacher on the topic of owls. Participants in this program will come face to face with Strix during a naturalist-led conversation examining the owl species common to Dallas County, their adaptations to hunting at night, and an introduction to their calls. To conclude, we will go on an "Owl Prowl" hike on the trails of Hanging Rock to see if we can’t strike up a conversation with one of the local Barred Owls. Registration is required through DCCB's Eventbrite page.

January Sip & Shop

4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Perry businesses.

Enjoy an after-hours shopping experience at Perry businesses on Friday, Jan. 26. Shop warm-weather apparel, holiday décor, gifts and more while sipping complimentary refreshments at each location. Refreshments and in-store offerings vary per location. Find more information on the Perry Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Mobile Food Pantry

8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Crossroads Church, Perry.

Crossroads Church will host a mobile food pantry from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27.

MERT Soup & Pie Lunch

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Minburn United Methodist Church, 705 Chestnut St., Minburn.

The Minburn Emergency Rescue Team (MERT) will hold its annual Soup & Pie Lunch on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Minburn United Methodist Church. This free-will donation event features homemade chili, potato and split pea soups along with a variety of desserts and drinks. Proceeds will be used to fund emergency equipment and training for Minburn first responders.

Community Chili Dinner

4-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at National Guard Amory, 2930 Willis Ave., Perry.

Join Perry Hy-Vee on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the National Guard Armory for its Community Chili Dinner benefitting Perry Community Schools. Free chili and beverages will be served. Free-will donations will be accepted, with 100% of the proceeds going to the victims, staff and students of Perry Community Schools. Special thanks to the National Guard and Pepsico for making this event possible.

Life in the Dead of Winter

1-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 at Voas Nature Area.

Winter appears to turn Dallas County into a cold, desolate snowscape, yet life persists! Get your body moving on a hike with Dallas County Conservation Board to look for signs of life and discuss how some of our native plants and animals survive Iowa’s winters.

Stargazing and Constellation Stories

6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Kuehn Conservation Area.

Our night skies are filled with stories written in the stars. Each constellation holds a story and a connection for you to our place. Join a DCCB naturalist for this stargazing program where you will learn to build and read a star chart, measure distances in the sky to locate and identify common constellations, and share a few of the sky's stories. Register through DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Vegetable Garden Workshop

6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 at Dallas County Extension Office, 28061 Fairground Road, Adel.

Dallas County Master Gardeners will host a workshop on Feb. 1 titled "Starting a Vegetable Garden." The workshop aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to create thriving vegetable gardens. Discover essential tips on optimal planting locations, ideal planting times and the distinctions between direct sow and transplants. Unlock the secrets to achieving multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Learn about different vegetable families, understand the importance of crop rotation and gain a wealth of knowledge to ensure your garden flourishes. Limited seats are available for this workshop, and early registration is encouraged. To reserve your spot, visit go.iastate.edu/B3CPPO or contact Megan Will at mwill@iastate.edu

Mother and Son Bowling

6:30 or 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Adel Family Fun Center.

Join the ADM After Prom for a fundraiser for all the mothers and sons out there! Two shifts are available at 6:30 or 8 p.m. The cost is $25 per couple (just $10 for each additional son), paid the day of the event. The cost includes one hour of glow bowling and shoe rental. Make all reservations by calling the Adel Family Fun Center at 515-993-3350 Don't delay, space is limited for each shift!

Daddy Daughter Dance

7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Adel High School Commons.

ADM After Prom will host a Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 3. The dance is open to girls in grades preschool through sixth grade. The cost is $25 per couple with pre-registration (or $30 walk-in registration) plus $10 per additional child. Refreshments will be served. Complete the Google form to pre-register. Questions can be sent to AfterPromADM@gmail.com. All proceeds will go to support ADM After Prom 2024.

Mike and Glenda Magic Show

2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 at Performing Arts Center, 1200 18th St, Perry.

The Perry Fine Arts Series announced that The Mike and Glenda Magic Show has been postponed to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11. The Mike and Glenda Magic Show provides clean family entertainment. Glenda astounds the audience with her polished magical presentations, and Mike jokes with a variety of his puppets using ventriloquism. This adds comedy and diversity to their presentation. This team approach is original and fast paced. All ages appreciate their performance. Perry Fine Arts concerts are free (donations are accepted) and open to all. The Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

To submit events to be included in the Around the County round-up, email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Things to do this weekend in Dallas County include Waukee FamilyFest