REMEMBER TO VOTE!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3RD

Remember to vote on Tuesday, August 3rd for the construction of a new County Law Enforcement Center.

Absentee ballots are also available right now at the Montgomery County Auditor's office, in the Montgomery County Courthouse.

Entertainment in the Park

Held in beautiful downtown Red Oak

Red Oak’s annual Entertainment in the Park series begins on Thursday, August 5th in beautiful downtown Fountain Square Park. This free series, organized by the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association, encourages citizens of Red Oak and surrounding communities to bring their lawn chairs and families and enjoy a great evening in beautiful downtown Red Oak.  In case of inclement weather, activities may be held under the Chautauqua Pavilion.

On Thursday, August 5th, celebrate “Arts in the Park” from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Numerous Montgomery County artists will display, demonstrate and even sell their artistic talents at various booths located throughout the park.  The Red Oak Senior Center will serve food as well as pie and ice cream during the evening.  The Touchstone Arts Council will entice all to display their own artistic talent by sponsoring a sidewalk chalk art contest.  The sidewalk chalk art contest will be open to kids and adults; individuals and families; professionals and those who just simply want to draw on the sidewalk. Come show your artistic talent during the sidewalk chalk art contest.  Entertainment will be provided on the stage beginning at 6:00 p.m.; this evening’s entertainer will be Tracy Joneson. 

The theme for Thursday, August 12th is “Family Fun Night.” This evening, which will also take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., will include a mini-carnival and bounce house sponsored by the Red Oak Junior Class.  Bring the family to Fountain Square Park and help the Junior Class raise funds for their 2011 After-Prom.  The Red Oak Masonic Lodge will serve food during the evening, while Nishna Production sells their Shaved Ice in downtown Red Oak.  The Red Oak Grand Theatre group will also be providing popcorn as well as information about reopening the Grand Theatre in Red Oak.  Entertainment will be provided on the stage beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 19th will host the annual “Community Pep Rally”.  Show your Red Oak pride by joining members of the Red Oak Community School District as well as fall sports teams and all sports staff for a Community Pep Rally beginning at 6:00 p.m. in beautiful downtown Red Oak.  The First Christian Church will serve food beginning at 5:00 p.m., while RMPKA sponsors a dessert fundraiser.  Proceeds from the dessert fundraiser will assist Dakota McMann and Colin Wise in attending the Youth Leadership Conference in Washington DC.  Bring your family and show your Red Oak Pride this evening!

The Entertainment in the Park series will take a break on Thursday, August 26^th and encourage the public to attend the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus sponsored by the Red Oak Kiwanis Club.  Contact any Kiwanis Club member for additional details on this event. 

On the final evening of Entertainment in the Park, Thursday, September 2^nd, the Association would like to THANK YOU for shopping Red Oak with our annual “Thanks with Franks”.  Shop at any Red Oak business from Thursday, August 26^th through Thursday, September 2^nd; obtain a receipt.  Then bring your receipt to Fountain Square Park on September 2^nd and receive a FREE hot dog meal beginning at 5:00 p.m. Shop for the whole family then treat them to supper!   Entertainment will be provided on the stage beginning at 6:00 p.m.; this evening’s entertainer will be Kipp Brower. 

During each of these evenings, make sure to stop by the Red Oak Farmers Market on the northeast corner of Fountain Square Park from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Come for the freshness; stay for the fun!

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, as available seating in the park is very limited, and enjoy an evening in beautiful downtown Red Oak.  For more information about this or any Association activity, contact the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association at 712.623.4821 or visit www.redoakiowa.com.

Iowa's 11th Annual Tax Free Holiday

Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th

The 11th annual Iowa Sales Tax Holiday will be held Friday and Saturday, August 6 and 7, 2010. Qualifying clothing or footwear with a selling price of less than $100 will be exempt from sales and local option tax. The holiday does not include Sunday. Businesses that are open on these days and sell qualifying items are required to participate.

Lists of taxable and exempt items are available on the Iowa Department of Revenue Web site at www.iowa.gov/tax/educate/holiday1.html. Information on how to apply the tax to layaway and mail order items, rain checks, gift certificates, coupons, and exchanges is also available. 

A sample of qualifying items includes:

§       Clothing and footwear considered appropriate for everyday wear such as shirts, pants, caps/hats, socks, shoes, sandals, underclothing

§       Uniforms for work and school

§       Adult and baby diapers

§       Coats

§       Bathing suits

§       Leotards and tights

§       Costumes

Items that remain taxable on these two days include:

§       Computers

§       Backpacks

§       School supplies

§       Jewelry

§       Fabric

§       Special clothing or footwear designed primarily for athletic activity or protective use and not usually considered appropriate for everyday wear

Statewide historic preservation conference

Friday, September 17, Saturday, September 18th and Sunday, September 19th

Red Oak, Iowa

Emmy Award winning Steve Thomas will be the keynote speaker for Vintage Red Oak on Saturday, September 18th!

Information and registration can be found at www.vintageredoak.com.