Things to do around Dallas County include a nature hike, Spend Smart, Eat Smart cooking class

Shake Your Winter Blues

10-11:30 a.m. OR 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at Kuehn Conservation Area, Earlham.

Looking for a fun way to get out of the house and off the screens? A change of scenery and a shock to the senses are sure ways to stimulate the mind and body. Learn about some of the features and animals unique to this area, and then explore the outdoors with a hike on- or off-trail with a naturalist or on your own. Register to be notified of weather cancelation through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Spend Smart, Eat Smart Cooking Class

1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 15th and Otley (one block south of Willis), Perry.

The Perry Area Food Pantry and Iowa State Extension are sponsoring a free "Spend Smart, Eat Smart" cooking class from 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church. Tom Keinert, instructor and a former chef, will lead the class. It is limited to 20 participants. There will be food samples using products from the food pantry shelves. Child care will be available on site. Call or text 515-570-0627 for reservation or stop by food pantry Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon to sign up.

Winter Craft Swap

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at Perry Public Library.

Storage space overcrowded with unused craft supplies? Looking to start a new hobby? Ready to let go of supplies from an old hobby? Hoping to add to your classroom art supplies? Want to share the love of crafts with others in your community? Then, the Perry Public Library Winter Craft Swap is the perfect event for you! Clear out space, swap for new supplies and help other crafters! How to Participate: Donate your unwanted craft supplies in good, usable condition through Thursday, Jan. 19. What can you donate? Yarn, paint, brushes, fabric, floral, craft papers, stickers, buttons, fabric, knitting needles and crochet hooks, markers and pens, ink, stamps and stamp pads, scrapbooking supplies, jewelry supplies, beads, sewing notions… if you can create with it and it’s in good, usable condition, it will be welcome at our swap. Swap craft supplies from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. Don't have anything to donate? That's okay! Feel free to stop by and bring home supplies too. Any leftover supplies will be used by the library for programs or donated.

Build Your Own Rain Barrel

9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at ISU Extension Office, Dallas County Fairgrounds, Adel.

Dallas County Conservation Board is partnering with the Dallas County ISU Extension Office to provide this program. Learn about water quality in Iowa, and build your own rain barrel to do your part to reduce flooding and stormwater pollution on your property. The cost is $50. All materials provided. Registration is required through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Waukee FamilyFest

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Hope Lutheran Church-Waukee

Waukee Parks and Rec will have businesses and organizations from Waukee and surrounding areas who will host games and activities for FamilyFest attendees from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Hope Lutheran Church-Waukee. Come learn about services and programs that might be useful to you while having some fun and letting the kids burn off a bit of energy!

Soup Supper/Pie Auction

5-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Washington Township School (corner of P58 and F31 south of Perry).

The annual Soup Supper/Pie Auction will be held from 5-7p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Washington Township School. The pie auction will start at 6:15 p.m. Proceeds will go towards upkeep and restoration of this 100-year-old former schoolhouse.

Jake Doty and the Swensongs

2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at Perry Performing Arts Center, 1200 18th St, Perry

The Perry Fine Arts Series will be presenting Jake Doty and the Swensongs at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22 in the Perry Performing Arts Center. Jake Doty and the Swensongs are a dynamic group of musicians playing a wide variety of your favorite songs from classic rock, pop and country artists. The group features Jake Doty on acoustic guitar and vocals; Dave Swenson on electric guitar, keyboards, fiddle and vocals; Austin Lutes-Swenson on bass and vocals; and Paul Navara on drums. Perry Fine Arts concerts are free and open to all. Donations are accepted. The Perry Performing Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

Conversation with an Owl

6 or 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 and 26, Feb. 7 and 9 at Hanging Rock Shelterhouse, Redfield.

Join the Dallas County Conservation Board for a fire glowing in the hearth and meet Strix, a barred owl. Participants will come face-to-face with Strix during a naturalist- led conversation examining the owl species common to Dallas County, their adaptations to nighttime hunting, and an introduction to their calls. Will include an Owl Prowl hike on the trails to see if we can strike up a conversation with one of the local barred owls. Registration required to choose date/time through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Mobile Food Pantry

8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Crossroads Church, Perry.

Crossroads Church will host a mobile food pantry from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.

MERT Soup & Pie Fundraiser

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at Minburn United Methodist Church, 705 Chestnut St., Minburn.

The Minburn Emergency Rescue Team (MERT) will hold its annual ‘soup & pie’ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. onSaturday, Jan. 28 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. Dine in or carryout will be available. Proceeds from this annual event help fund equipment, training and facility purchases for MERT, which is the emergency medical services division of the Minburn Volunteer Fire Department.

2023 BRR - Perry’s 46th Annual Bike Ride to Rippey

Saturday, Feb. 4 starting at Hotel Pattee, Perry.

Perry's 46th Annual Bike Ride to Rippey will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4. As the biggest annual fundraiser for the Perry Chamber of Commerce, The Original Winter Ride is held regardless of weather. Registration and check-in at the Hotel Pattee will be held from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Feb. 4. The group start will be at 10 a.m. from Willis Avenue and 2nd Street. Registration includes: 46th Annual BRR Pin (first 300 pre-registrants), 46th Annual BRR Long-Sleeve Shirt, free hot chocolate at Hy-Vee's Famous Hot Chocolate Stop, sag wagon and support services, chance to win Perry Bucks and special discounts from local merchants. For more information on BRR, contact the Perry Chamber at 515-465-4601 or visit www.perryia.org/brr. To register, visit www.2023brr.eventbrite.com.

To submit events to be included in the Around the County or Happenings in and around Perry round-ups, email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com.

This article originally appeared on Dallas County News: Things to do around Dallas County include a nature hike, Spend Smart, Eat Smart cooking class