Back to School Open Houses, School Supply Lists: This Week in Johnston

Summer is over for students in the Johnston school district, even if the Iowa State Fair does run all week. So, what's the biggest thing happening in town this week?

Iowa State Fair: Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair, which runs through Aug. 18. There are hundreds of free activities, from old-time fiddler demonstrations to contest in cow-chip throwing and husband-calling, plus the Bill Riley Talent Search, daily horse shows, food on a stick and more. You can find a list of 100 State Fair freebies to try online.

Pig out: Johnston Farmers Market: From organic food to one-of-a-kind clothing to specialty foods, an array of offerings are for sale every Tuesday at the market. The vendors are open for business from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot on Merle Hay Road. Did we mention the food? From barbecue to nuts to kettle corn, plus fabulous baked goods like cakes, cinnamon rolls, pies and cookies – Yum.

Hit the Books: Classes resume Thursday, Aug. 15, in the Johnston school district for all grades. You can find grade by grade and building by building school supply lists on Patch.

Back to School Open Houses: Summit Middle School will hold new student orientation from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, with an open house and meet the teacher event for seventh-graders from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the school.

• Johnston Middle School will hold eighth- and ninth-grade orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the school cafeteria.
•  Elementary school new family orientation will be held from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at all the elementary buildings, followed by meet the teacher sessions from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Johnston High School’s Back to School Night is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the school.

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