Sundae in the Park, Plus Iowa State Fair Parade: This Week in Johnston

It's the last full week of summer vacation before Johnston students and staff head back to school. So, what's the best way to savor summer?

Sundae in the Park: Johnston families can savor the last weekend of summer break with free ice cream sundaes. Stop by the Green Meadows West gazebo between 6 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, for free ice cream. The site is located near Northwest 62nd Avenue and Northwest 86th Street.

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.

Happiness Is the Iowa State Fair Parade: Thousands of families will line Grand Avenue in Des Moines between Penn Avenue and 15th Street to watch the annual parade. It starts at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, and will be broadcast on Fox 17 and Iowa Public Television.

Iowa State Fair: Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair, which opens Thursday, Aug. 8, and 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.