Community Calendar of Events for November

FAIRFIELD AREA

A Charlie Brown Christmas LIVE On Stage!, Saturday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m., at the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.

Relive the magic of Charles Schulz’s beloved holiday classic with A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! This heartwarming stage adaptation brings to life the timeless story of Charlie Brown and his friends as they discover the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring live actors, an iconic soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi, and beautifully crafted sets, this production is a festive treat for the whole family.

From Snoopy’s antics to Linus’s profound speech, every moment is designed to capture the essence of the original animated special. Perfect for creating new holiday memories, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! is a must-see for fans young and old.

Group discounts and special youth ticket pricing is available by calling the Box Office at (641) 472-ARTS.

Information courtesy of Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.

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Lure Making, Friday, Nov. 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Jefferson County Park Nature Center. Phone: 641-472-4421.

Courtesy of Jefferson County Conservation:

“Learn about all of the fun lures that you could make right in your own home. Cory Klehm and Ron Umlauf will show some examples of the lures that they make and discuss the processes that they go through. You’ll then get the opportunity to practice what you learn by making a bottle cap lure of your own. All supplies for lures provided.

This event is free, but we are asking you to please register so we know how many lure kits to have prepared.“

‘The Dinner Party,’ play by Fairfield Area Community Theatre, at The Walton Club, at 7 p.m. Nov. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17.

Courtesy of Visit Fairfield Iowa:

“You are cordially invited to our performance of ‘The Dinner Party’ by Neil Simon! Starring Celeste Siemsen, Ken Malloy, Gretchen Layli Jentz, Fred Hucke, Amber Burroughs, and Tommy Brower; directed by Diana Flynn and assistant directed/stage-managed by Rachel Biggs. Look for tickets to be on sale at Adela’s! There will be plenty of delicious desserts, a cash bar, and lots of laughter! Come extra early and order dinner to make a night of it! Thanks to The Walton Club for providing a wonderful venue!”

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Outdoor Adventure with Iowa Science Phenomena, Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon, Jefferson County Park.

Courtesy of Iowa PBS:

“Iowa Science Phenomena from Iowa PBS offers a growing collection of local standards-aligned phenomena, unique and relevant to the students and teachers of Iowa. You are invited to contribute to this collection by joining this one-day outdoor event.

On November 16, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Iowa PBS and Jefferson County Conservation will host an outdoor adventure with a guided tour of Jefferson County Park. Prior to the tour, we will offer valuable tips and tricks to help improve your own amateur nature photography skills. Don’t miss your chance to connect with nature and explore Jefferson County Park. The images you capture may be used in our Iowa Science Phenomena collection.

This experience is for all ages and is family-friendly. Registration is not required.“

Fairfield Indoor Farmers Market, every Saturday from November through April, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Golden Magnolia Sanctuary.

Fairfield Cultural Alliance’s Arts & Culture Celebration, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. at ICON Gallery.

Visit Santa in Fairfield, every Friday and Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, 6-8:30 p.m., Central Park.

Courtesy of Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce:

“Santa will be waiting for you in his house where you can get your photo taken with him then travel over to his workshop and add your photo to an ornament.

Hot cocoa and cookies for all as well as candy canes and books for the children.

Stroll around the square and enjoy all the holidays have to offer.

Don't forget to sign-up and win Chamber Bucks!“

For more information, contact (641) 472-2111 or info@fairfieldiowa.com.

WASHINGTON AREA

Washington Mennonite Dessert Theater Nov. 15-17

Join an evening of snacks dessert, drama and musical entertainment at the Washington Mennonite Church, 815 East Polk Street.

Tickets are $25 per person, and proceeds support the missions of the Washington Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church USA. Show time is 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Hy-Vee Holiday Food and Wine Tasting Show Nov. 22

Hy-Vee invites you to join in its dining room as the store showcases wines, drinks, and party foods for you to taste and enjoy. Local vendors will be available for wine tastings. Food sampling is provided by the Hy-Vee Kitchen.

Event runs from 5:30-7 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Hy-Vee’s store, 528 Hwy 1 in Washington.

15th Annual Holiday Market and Open House at Halcyon House Nov. 23

Shop handmade crafts, food, décor and more from over 40 vendors! Tour featured Halcyon homes of Jane Evanovich and Yaro & Mary Chmelar. Enjoy lunch and a Bloody Mary/Mimosa bar set up by Circa 59.

Event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Halcyon House, 1015 South Iowa Avenue in Washington.

Free Dinner at Cornerstone Church Nov. 24

Cornerstone Church in Washington will offer a free meal celebrating Thanksgiving on Sunday, Nov. 24, following Sunday Worship which starts at 10:35 a.m. at 322 South D Avenue. Admission is free.

Blood Drive at Riverside Casino Nov. 27

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort’s employee volunteer program, Winning Hands, will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 12-4 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred. Please visit the link in the online version of this article to sign up for a donation time. Donors will receive a free pair of FRIENDS + Red Cross custom socks in celebration of the hit shows 30th Anniversary. Please contact Kara Humphreys, Executive Assistant with questions or assistance in signing up at 319-648-1234 Ext. 1005.

Free Community Lunch in Brighton Nov. 28

Tommy’s Helping Hands and Junkyard Dogs invite you to a free tradtional Thanksgiving dinner at Brighton City Hall (100 East Washtingon Street in Brighton.) Meals are takeout only, and reservations can be made by contacting Tommyshelpinghands1@gmail.com

Free will donations are appreciated.

Wonderland Holidays in Washington Nov. 30

MT. PLEASANT AREA

Winter market and craft show

Saturdays at the Presbyterian Church Nov. 2-Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Veterans Breakfast

Every third Friday at the Mt. Pleasant Veterans Hall from 8:30-9:30 a.m. All are welcome for this free-will donation breakfast.

Fall Vendors Show

Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Golf and Country Club

“Come explore a wide variety of local vendors offering everything from handcrafted goods to the latest trends in fashion, home décor, beauty products, and much more!” a flier for the event reads. “Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, you’ll find something special at the annual Mt. Pleasant Golf & Country Club Fall Vendor Show!”

The vendor show will feature 27 vendors, fun activities, giveaways, and raffles along with an opportunity to meet local artisans and entrepreneurs. Delovely’s Delicious Mini Donuts and Wilson Bros. BBQ food trucks will sell food in the parking lot.

Clock Program

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Winfield VFW

This clock program, put on by Winfield Historical Society and Museum, will feature antique clock collector and restorer Michael Lynch. Attendees may bring their own clocks for Lynch to look at, but he will not provide appraisals at this program.

A free-will donation soup lunch will follow the program.

Fall Luncheon

Sunday, Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. at Hillsboro City Hall

Hillsboro Chrisitan Church will host their annual Fall Luncheon. The luncheon is a free-will donation meal. All donations will be given to Veterans Freedom Center in Dubuque. Happy Memories will share music at the luncheon.

Festival of Trees

Every weekend starting Nov. 22 from 5-9 p.m. in the Union Block

This new event hosted by Main Street Mt. Pleasant will feature trees and wreaths decorated by businesses, organizations, families, and individuals which can be viewed by the public for a $5 entrance fee for individuals and $10 for families.

Following Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance’s Lighted Parade Dec. 5, the trees and wreathes will be sold in a live auction at approximately 8 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to EveryStep Hospice.

Help to Others Vendor Show and Luncheon

Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Manning Hall at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

Santa will make an appearance at this holiday craft and vendor show. The show will feature many vendors with a large variety of crafts and merchandise for holiday gifts. The luncheon menu will include cinnamon rolls, hot turkey dressing sandwiches, hot chicken sandwiches, soups, chili, and bread pudding with hot butter sauce.

Iowa Civil Rights History workshop

Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9:30-11 a.m. at The Belle Center

This workshop will feature Kristin Watson, J.D., Human Rights Investigator Office of Equity and Human Rights. For more information call or text (319) 217-8841

Introduction to Shamanism

Saturday, Nov. 23 4:15-6:15 p.m. at Holistic Gypsiez

Holistic Gypsiez will host a two-hour Introduction to Shamanism class with Debora Hunt. This class will cost $25 per person and is limited to 8-10 participants. Visit Holistic Gypsiez or send them a message on Facebook to register.

Café Concert

Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at Winfield-Mt. Union Community School

This annual music event will feature “Songs from the Small Screen TV Favorites.” Reserved seating with treats cost $10 in advance. General admission/bleacher seats will cost $5 at the door.

Call Lindsey Pogmore at (319) 257-7701 ext. 128 with questions

Festival of Lights

Holiday Light Stroll

Saturday and Sunday Nov. 23-24 from 5:30-8 p.m.

The Mt. Pleasant Festival of Lights will kick off Nov. 23-24 with the annual Holiday Light Stroll which allows visitors to the Midwest Old Thresher Campgrounds to take a leisurely walk through the 1.6 miles long light display for a $5 per person entry fee. Children four years of age and younger are free.

During these first two days that the lights are open to the public, no vehicles are permitted, though the electric tolleys will run. The Log Village will also open for these evenings and offer old fashion fun and refreshments.

Open for the season

The Festival of Lights will then open to normal vehicle traffic Nov. 27-Dec. 31 from 5:30-9 p.m.

Meet Santa

With admission to the Festival of Lights patrons can stop by Santa’s House at the end of the tour Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, and 20-23 from 5:30-9 p.m.

Advent Wreath-Making and Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church

This is a special parish event where families can come together to prepare for the Advent season by making their own family Advent Wreaths.

According to the church’s event page, “This gathering provides a meaningful way to begin the season, crafting wreaths that can be used for prayer at home. Families will also have the chance to share a meal and fellowship with others from our parish community, building connections and celebrating the start of this beautiful season together. All materials for the wreaths will be provided.”

Pre-registration is required for this event to ensure enough supplies and food for all participants. Register at https://form.jotform.com/213180379025149

24th annual T.T.T. Tour of Homes

Sunday, Nov. 24 from 1-4 p.m. tour these five Mt. Pleasant homes decorated for the holidays:

Gary & Sheila Allender 1382 James Ave.

Connie Baker 716 Burky Lane

Dee Brooks 1404 Ashford Circle

Brad & Renee Gillis 706 E. Washington St.

Becky Wright 700 E. Harvest Drive

Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at Brown’s Shoe Fit or through T.T.T. member. They are also available for purchase the day of the tour at any of the homes for $20.

All proceeds from the Tour of Homes goes to T.T.T. Chapter DD of Mount Pleasant to help them carry out their mission to send deserving young girls to summer camp who might otherwise not have the opportunity to go and make a positive difference in their lives. They also provide scholarships for campers who go on to further their education after high school.

Turkey Trot 5K

The REC Center and Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club will host their annual Turkey Trot 5K Thursday, Nov. 28 with activities kicking off at 8 a.m.

Registration and activities will begin at 8 a.m. at The REC Center in Mt. Pleasant. The race will begin at 9 a.m. Those that register ahead at https://www.mpreccenter.com/programs/61/turkey-trot-5k can pick up their race-day packets either the day of the race or Wednesday, Nov. 27 between 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registrtion is $20 and will include a race-day swag bag. Participants 12 years of age and under will not need to pay a registration fee and will be able to participate in all the activities and the run. They will not receive a t-shirt or swag bag. Youth wishing to receive the swag bags will need to register and pay the fee.

According to The REC Center, “A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Kiwanis Club to support their mission of serving the children of our community so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive. The Rec Center will use the other portion of the proceeds to help with scholarships for membership, as well as offering new events and programs at the Rec Center.”

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, Nov. 28 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Winfield Presbyterian Church

The Winfield Lions invite the public to this eat-in dinner which will include turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, desert and beverage. Those wishing to attend must make a reservation by Wednesday, Nov. 20. Call Corriene Culver at (319) 330-6108 to do so. Carry out and delivery is possible for those in Winfield with registration.

Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6-10 a.m. at Olds Fire Department

Olds Fire Department would like to cook for you the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The department will offer dine and carry out breakfast for a free-will donation. All proceeds from the meal will go toward any additional costs or accessories associated with the department’s new grain rescue system obtained through a grant.

Small Business Saturday

Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Saturday, Nov. 30 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Main Street Mt. Pleasant encourages shoppers to visit local businesses on Small Business Saturday with drawings for prizes in downtown Mt. Pleasant every hour. Tickets for entry into the drawings can be obtained by spending $10 at a participating merchant. Receive a ticket for the hourly gift basket drawings from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. by showing a receipt for $50.

Early birds can win even more at Small Business Saturday in Mt. Pleasant as the first 25 people to bring $100 in receipts to Main Street Headquarters will receive a swag bag worth $300 and an extra ticket for the grand prize drawings.