Things to do around Dallas County include a winter craft swap, FamilyFest, owl program

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.

Join the Perry Public Library this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the library's Community Room to find new crafting treasures donated by fellow community members. Everyone is welcome - you do not need to donate to participate. Come to the swap if you are: someone hoping to try a new hobby or craft, someone wanting to try something new without the risk of a big investment, an avid crafter, a new crafter, a teacher looking for classroom supplies, in need of some notions or basic sewing/crafting supplies, anyone looking for crafting inspiration. The swap will include items related to sewing, paper crafts, stamping, painting, jewelry making, fiber arts, floral arranging and more! Donations cannot be accepted after Thursday, so please just come enjoy the swap once it begins. No items can be held and librarians won't be able to give inventory updates over the phone. Part of the fun is discovering what's here for yourself. Please plan for enough time to browse before the library closes each day.

Waukee FamilyFest

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Hope Lutheran Church-Waukee, 305 NE Dartmoor Drive.

The Waukee Parks & Recreation Department and the Park Board will host the annual FamilyFest celebration from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at Lutheran Church of Hope - Waukee. This FREE, family-friendly event provides a chance for kids to burn off some energy during the winter. All activities are held indoors. Attendees will enjoy inflatables along with games and activities supplied by more than 30 local Waukee businesses and organizations. Snacks will also be provided. Bring the kids to play some games, jump and have fun while learning about the great businesses in the Waukee area!

Kinship Brewing Company, Everybody Wins! Iowa Event

4-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Kinship Brewing Company, 255 NW Sunrise Drive, Waukee.

Kinship Brewing Company in Waukee is hosting a family-friendly event to support Everybody Wins! Iowa on Saturday, from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. The public is invited to this event that will feature the opportunity for kids to create their own color book story and check out books from Everybody Wins! Iowa. Adults interested in learning about the mentor program can visit with current mentors and staff members.

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.

Bald Eagle Release

1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 at Kuehn Conservation Area (Earlham).

A bald eagle, rescued by Dallas County Conservation Board and rehabilitated by Saving Our Avian Resources, is soon to be released back into the wild! Hear the story of the bald eagle’s rehab process, the past and current status and threats to the species. Stories of the bald eagle by the First Nations peoples will be shared during the majestic bird’s ceremonial release. You will remember this unique experience for years to come! No registration required.

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.

The Life of Andrew Carnegie

6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Carnegie Library Museum, Perry.

The Perry community is invited to this free special presentation at the Carnegie Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Jan. 26. Follow the life of Andrew Carnegie, a philanthropist best known for his special emphasis on building local libraries, from birth to death. Discover how he became the richest man in the world, surpassing even John D. Rockefeller, and went on to give away almost 90% of his fortune to promote peace, education and libraries. No registration required. For more information, contact the Carnegie Library at 515-465-7713.

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.

Bird Watching Basics

1-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 at Waukee Public Library.

Do you enjoy watching birds but would like to improve your skills? This year Dallas County Conservation Board is working to up the birding IQ of our community, so come to learn the basics of bird identification. Naturalist Mike Havlik will guide you through field marks, behavior, and calls to help take the mystery out of backyard birds. A great hobby for people of all ages and a fun social activity that connects across generations. Register to be notified of weather cancelation through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

Iowa Pioneers and the Land

1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 at Forest Park Museum, Perry.

This is an entertaining look at the early pioneer experiences on the Iowa landscape. Museum curator Pete Malmberg will show museum displays and share stories about this interesting time in history. Register to be notified of weather cancelation through the DCCB's Eventbrite page.

English Afternoon Tea

4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Carnegie Library Museum, Perry.

Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum will present an English Afternoon Tea at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Come and enjoy a traditional English Afternoon Tea. The courses will include tea sandwiches, scones and tarts. A variety of tea will be served. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Carnegie or the Perry Public Library.

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.

59th Annual Stag Night

5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at Minburn American Legion, 319 Baker St, Minburn.

American Legion Osborne Post #99 will host its 59th Annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed on Saturday, Feb. 4. The menu will include beef and turkey oysters, baked beans and salad. The cost is $15 per person and a free-will bar will be available. A raffle drawing will follow supper (1 ticket for $2, 6 for $10, 12 for $20). Tickets are available around town at Minburn businesses.

Daddy Daughter Dance

7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at ADM High School Commons.

ADM After Prom will host a Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 4. The dance is open to girls in grades preschool through fifth. The cost is $25 per couple and $10 for each additional child. Registration will include entrance to the dance, snacks and drinks and photo opportunities throughout the evening. Complete the Google form to pre-register. Questions can be sent to AfterPromADM@gmail.com. All proceeds go to support ADM After Prom 2023.

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 winter craft swap, FamilyFest, owl program