5 Good Things Goin’ ’Round Town ~ September 8~13, 2026

There’s a whole lot of good happening around Northeast Iowa this week ~ people lending a hand, history being preserved, families getting together and communities finding reasons to gather.

So put your hand up!

It’s time for another HIGH 5 for 5 Good Things Goin’ ’Round Town!

✋ 1. Waverly Is Getting to Work ~ Together!

Waverly • Friday, September 11

Grab the work gloves ~ Waverly is getting ready to lend a hand.

The Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way Day of Caring returns Friday, bringing businesses, employees, students, community leaders and residents together to tackle projects throughout the area.

And this isn’t a little volunteer effort.

The annual Day of Caring brings together more than 400 volunteers who take on 50~plus projects benefiting local nonprofits, schools, community spaces and neighbors who could use an extra hand.

Sometimes making a community better really does begin with rolling up your sleeves.

HIGH 5, Waverly! ✋

✋ 2. Ever Wonder What Happens Behind the Scenes at Seed Savers?

Decorah • Saturday, September 12

Most of us see the garden.

This Saturday, visitors can see some of what happens behind it.

Seed Savers Exchange is opening parts of Heritage Farm for special behind-the-scenes tours from 1~3 p.m.

Tours leave the Lillian Goldman Visitors Center at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and may take visitors through gardens, the preservation seed lab and the seed~processing shed.

It’s a chance to meet some of the people caring for seeds and preserving varieties for generations still to come.

Because sometimes saving a tiny seed is really about saving a much bigger story.

HIGH 5, Seed Savers! ✋

✋ 3. Saturday Is FREE at Vesterheim!

Decorah • Saturday, September 12

Here’s a good reason for a family outing that won’t cost anything to walk through the museum doors.

Vesterheim’s Free Second Saturday returns September 12 with free museum admission from 9 a.m.~5 p.m.

This month’s celebration marks the 250th birthday of the United States, with special activities scheduled from 11 a.m.~2 p.m.

Visitors can enjoy international treats, a craft activity, a guided tour, free books, special exhibitions and live music.

A little history.

A little creativity.

A little music.

And an opportunity for families to experience it together.

We think that’s worthy of a great big…

HIGH 5! ✋

✋ 4. There’s Something New Along Waterloo Creek

Dorchester Area • Saturday, September 12

There’s a celebration happening along Waterloo Creek Saturday.

Waterloo Hollow, a creekside mercantile and outdoor gathering place in Iowa’s Driftless Area, is holding its Ribbon Cutting & Vendor Market from 10 a.m.~3 p.m.

The market begins at 10 a.m., followed by the official ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m.

Visitors can browse local makers and vendors, hear live music by Tuesday X, watch a live woodcarving demonstration, enjoy food and outdoor games or simply bring a lawn chair and relax beside the creek.

Admission and parking are free.

And we especially like this part:

One local place celebrating its own milestone while giving other local makers a place to shine, too.

Now THAT deserves a…

HIGH 5! ✋

✋ 5. Turn Up the Music ~ and Help Feed Kids

Cedar Falls • Sunday, September 13

Sometimes doing something good sounds an awful lot like live music.

The Checker’s Stone Soul Picnic returns to Overman Park in Cedar Falls on Sunday from 11 a.m.~5 p.m.

The annual gathering brings the community together for music, food and family fun, but there’s an even better reason behind the celebration.

The event supports the Northeast Iowa Food Bank’s Children’s Programs and its work addressing childhood hunger.

So while people are gathering in the park and enjoying the day, they’re also helping put food into the hands of children who need it.

That’s music to our ears.

HIGH 5, Cedar Falls! ✋

✋ THAT’S FIVE!

Five good things. Five reasons to smile. And five reminders that good things are happening all around us ~ sometimes we just have to know where to look.

HIGH 5! ✋

PLEASE NOTE: Event dates, times, locations, activities and other details are subject to change. Information was believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Please confirm current details with the event organizer or official source before making plans to attend.

Deliverance Hope ~Word ’Round Town
Worth Knowin’… One Story at a Time
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