If you’re still figuring out Memorial Day weekend plans, I rounded up a list of places to check out around Granger and nearby towns, plus a couple veteran events happening on Monday 🇺🇸
And as always, you’ll also find the usual mix of local events happening throughout the week, business news, and community updates below.
Thank you for being here!
📅 Things to Do This Week
Friday, May 22
National EMS Week:Hands-Only CPR & AED Awareness
Community Center | 9-10 a.m.
Free training. Stop by anytime during the hour to learn CPR basics, AED awareness, and how to respond during a cardiac emergency. No registration required. All ages welcome.
National EMS Week: Granger Fundraiser
Support the Granger Public Safety Auxiliary this Friday and Saturday by rounding up your purchase at Fareway Store in Granger or ordering from Vintage Road Coffee Co.’s special EMS Week menu, with donation proceeds benefiting the Auxiliary.
Register Today for Family BINGO
Family BINGO is Thursday at the Granger Public Library from 6:30–7:30 p.m., but you can sign up today! There are prizes for all ages, and registration can fill up fast.
Saturday, May 23
Whistln’ Donkey Live Music
111 N. Main St. in Woodward | 7-10 p.m. | No cover
Luke Farland is performing as a one-man-band, using loop pedals and live layering to sound like a full band by himself while playing upbeat country, rock, pop, and crowd-favorite hits.
Sunday, May 24
Adult Sand Volleyball Registration Closing
Registration closes TODAY! Get your teams in now so you don’t miss your chance to be on the summer schedule. League play runs Sundays from June 7–August 16 at the Centennial Park Sand Volleyball Courts. Cost: $100 per team.
Live Music and Dancing
Lake Robbins Ballroom | 5-8:30 p.m. | $13
Live music from Gaylin Sudik & Friends Big Band featuring big band music. Be ready to dance!
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day—No School
Memorial Day at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
Camp Dodge—7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston | 5 a.m.- 12 p.m. |
It’s only about 10 miles from Granger and a chance to grab a free military-style breakfast, enjoy live entertainment, listen to Simon Conway’s live broadcast, and take part in a community blood drive this Memorial Day.
Iowa Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
34024 Veterans Memorial Dr., Adel | 8 a.m.
This event is part of the official State of Iowa Memorial Day recognition ceremony and includes military honors, remarks from Col. Eric Soults following his recent deployment overseas, and thousands of flags placed throughout the cemetery in honor of Iowa veterans.
Tuesday, May 26
Adult Yoga
Granger Community Center | 10-11 a.m. |
Yoga for adults with beginner to intermediate experience.
Wednesday, May 27
Woodward-Granger’s Class of 2026 celebrates their last day of school!
Music BINGO
Whistlin’ Donkey in Woodward | Time TBD check Facebook page
Join Funny Guy Trivia for outdoor Music BINGO — instead of B-10, your card will feature artists and songs, and instead of a caller, you’ll hear 45 seconds of music to match!
Thursday, May 28
Senior BINGO
Granger Public Library | 1:00-3:00 p.m. |
Granger seniors, it’s BINGO time—just for you. Enjoy prizes, fun, and socializing.
Family BINGO
Granger Public Library | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | All Ages |
Bring the whole family for an hour of fun, games, and prizes. Thanks to the Granger Public Library for hosting this event the last Thursday of every month!
🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend Spots to Check Out
⛳ Jester Park Mini Golf
11949 NW 118th Ave., Granger | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., | No reservation, first come first serve
Play 18 holes of mini golf at Jester Park, featuring water features, flower beds, practice greens, and evening play under the lights. Open daily throughout Memorial Day weekend!
🎣 Fishing at Jester Park
If you head out fishing and run out of bait, worms are back in stock at the Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center for $3 per dozen. Available during regular business hours: Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday: 12–4 p.m.
🍨 Ice Cream in Granger
Vintage Road Coffee Co. | 4-9 p.m.
Starting Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), you can walk, bike, or drive uptown in Granger for ice cream! They’ll be open EVERY DAY for the season through Labor Day.
🍦Swoops & Scoops
Home Depot, 10850 Plum Dr. Urbandale | Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Woodward’s famous ice cream truck will be serving up favorites near the garden center.
🐮 Picket Fence Creamery
14583 S. Ave Woodward | Friday, Saturday, Memorial Day 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Sunday
Stock up on homemade pies, chocolate milk, cheese curds, ice cream, and other local favorites for Memorial Day weekend!
🏪 Local Business Spotlight
With Love; Addy was created to honor the life and legacy of Addy, a Woodward-Granger student remembered for her kindness and light. Today, her mom Amy of Woodward continues that mission by helping spread kindness, hope, and mental health awareness so no child feels alone.
The With Love; Addy online shop includes tees, hoodies, and crewnecks with messages like “You Matter,” “Choose Kindness,” and “Stay — You Are Loved” meant to spark conversations that matter.
Their website also includes a deeply personal blog where Amy shares incredible reflections about grief, motherhood, mental health, and loss.
As Mental Health Awareness Month wraps up, consider supporting With Love; Addy and the kindness and mental health initiatives behind it. And bonus — use code BLOOM15 at checkout for 15% off your order!
👋 Around Our Community
• 🎓Grad party season is here!
If you’re heading to graduation parties soon, here are a few gifts grads will use:
• Cash is never boring
• Gift cards for gas, food, and essentials
• Practical items for college or apartment life
• A heartfelt handwritten card (with cash inside 🙂)
💬 Community Feedback
• A quick update on the Homestead area story project — I’ve already heard from several community members, and I’m excited to keep learning more about the history there, including the time capsule and stories from longtime residents.
Granger Homestead in 1936, Library of Congress
I haven’t written the full story yet, so if you live in the Homestead area or know more about its history, I’d still love to hear from you. Hit reply and let me know!
📌 Community Board
• Have a valid driver’s license and a little extra time? Volunteer drivers are needed to help provide rides for appointments, groceries, and errands—keeping local residents independent. Call 515-978-8114 or visit their website for more info.
• Afternoon part-time job opportunity available at Janning Family Chiropractic in Granger. Hours are Monday–Thursday from 2–6 p.m., with possible Friday hours as well. Send your resume and a brief bio to [email protected].
• The community refrigerator at the Granger Public Library is accepting donations. Items like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables and protein are always needed.
• Do you have a volunteer opportunity, job posting or another local announcement you’d like included here? Reply to this email and let me know and we’ll share with our readers!
— Stephanie, Hello Granger
Know something going on? Just hit reply and email me with the info!
