As summer begins to wrap up in the coming weeks, make sure to enjoy this nice Indian summer weather with some outdoor events.
Here are four activities to do this weekend:
1. Newton Varsity Football Game
Newton High School Varsity Football will play its first game of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday at H.A. Lynn Stadium. The Cardinals host the Ottumwa Bulldogs to start their scheduled return to the big, tough 4A class football.
Put on an old Newton Cardinal shirt and head down to the stadium to kickoff this year’s football season and show the team some Red Pride.
2. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Discovery Hike
I can’t get enough of the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and a mid-morning hike is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors. Volunteer naturalists will host a free Nature Discovery Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday at the refuge. It will take place along the half mile, paved Overlook Trail loop, but I recommend exploring more refuge trails once it’s over.
Learn about wildlife, wildflowers and management of the refuge along the guide. See the prairie in bloom and find out about our bison and elk herds. This hike is recommended for adults and children ages 12 and older.
Afterward, stop into town for a small ice cream treat or lunch at Goldie’s and enjoy their outdoor picnic table seating.
3. Colfax Classic Car Show
and Demolition Derby
Check out the annual Classic Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on West Front Street in Colfax and reminisce about the old days while looking at classic cars such as a Ford Thunderbird, Chevy Bel Air, Chevelle, Lincoln Continental, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am or a Corvette.
Trophies will give to the Top 20 and People’s Choice. There will be door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, music and craft vendors.
Don’t forget to return to the riot of a good time at the demolition derby at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Four classes will divide the field again: powder puff, minivan/pickup truck, small derby and large derby car. A power wheels derby will also return for another year.
4. Chichaqua Valley Bike Trail
Pack up your bikes (or just your walking shoes), head to Baxter and hop on the wonderful gift of the scenic Chichaqua Valley Trail. The trail runs for 27 miles between Baxter and Des Moines (north of Norwoodville), passing through Ira, Mingo, Valeria and Bondurant along the way. It is paved for its entire route and occupies an abandoned rail right-of-way that once was used by the Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad, built in 1885.
Stop at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant for food and a drink before turning around.
Enjoy the end of August breeze and get some sun before summer’s end.
Contact Kate Malott at
kmalott@newtondailynews.com