T-R PHOTOS BY LANA BRADSTREAM LEFT: Rhodes Engagement Committee Treasurer Chris Buck talks about preparing for the town’s 150th birthday in 2033. RIGHT: A lovely breakfast spread was prepared for attendees of Saturday’s Rhodes Engagement Committee meeting. They discussed ideas and plans for 2026 events.

RHODES – Plans and ideas for this year’s events and for the community’s 150th anniversary in 2033 were discussed during Saturday’s Rhodes Engagement Committee meeting and brunch.

REC Treasurer Chris Buck had a spread of savory and sweet breakfast foods for the people in attendance. As people enjoyed their cinnamon rolls, homemade toaster pastries and scrambled eggs, Buck took the reins and asked how the committee can improve the community events.

“It’s pivotal to us that we continue to provide meaningful experiences to our great community here,” he said.

Pouring energy and effort into such events are important to help Rhodes flourish, Buck said.

The committee is dedicated to building community in Rhodes, creating opportunities, having fun and fostering friendships.

“I think it’s super important in a small town that we create ways for our community members to get together, get to know each other, but also to do service and celebrate our community,” Buck said.

Some big events which he said the committee has in store for 2026 are a trivia event on Jan. 24 and another in February. Sometime in April, there will be a trail clean-up day so Rhodes can keep their section of the trail beautiful..

“I think it’s really important to continue to take care of our section of the Heart of Iowa Trail,” Buck said. “That has been a commitment of ours. Last year we had an amazing turnout and it went so fast. We were done in an hour.”

The last weekend of July, he said they will have Rhodes Pride Days.

“It’s our biggest community celebration, and it’s a big undertaking,” Buck said. “So the more people we can have involved the better to not only ensure we open up Rhodes to those not from here, but also give those here a great experience.”

One Pride Days suggestion was to host a motorcycle show, as the annual car show conflicts with other similar events in nearby towns.

He said they are also planning another Fall Fest in October, which is the event he is most passionate about. This year, the committee will introduce the Lantern Lit Trail. Half of the trail will be decorated with different displays of lanterns and people will be able to walk through and enjoy some Halloween displays.

“Hopefully we can get 200 pumpkins carved, because that’s the goal,” Buck said. “What will happen is, at the trailhead, people will get on a hayride and go to the cemetery road, unload there and walk back to the Heart of Iowa Trailhead. That’s going to be a big undertaking, so lots of people will need to get involved to make that three-day experience.”

He said they also want to bring back Rhodes to Christmas, an event people have inquired about. The plan is to have a small program and an ice cream social, and they would like to hire someone to hang and take down the lights from the tree.

The holiday event has not been held for four or five years, and Buck asked what people would like to see. A live nativity and a piano recital were suggested. Hosting the event earlier, serving as a kick off for the holiday season, was another suggestion as seeing the tree lit is a good way for people to start the holidays.

Another thing the committee wants to launch is preparations for the town’s 150th birthday in 2033. The plan is to launch a subcommittee dedicated to the big celebration in seven years.

“If you were here the last time we had a huge celebration, you know it was no joke with 3,000 people here,” Buck said. “It’s crazy that in 2033, we’re turning 150, and we want to do it right. We want people to have an experience where they’re like ‘This was the biggest Rhodes experience I’ve had.'”

He hopes children who attend the milestone celebration will remember it. One aspect Buck said he would like the committee to undertake is updating the Rhodes history book.

“That is not going to be an easy thing,” Buck said. ” . . . I know we sound really ambitious. We are, but we’re really excited for things to come in 2026 and beyond.”

He suggested attendees start thinking about features of the celebration, as they want it to be big. The committee will spend more money on it and Buck added they have started saving.

“The sooner we know what we’re shooting for there, the more we know what we need to save and fundraise,” he said. “If we want to have a rodeo that year, there’s a lot of coordination that goes into that. I also think it will be longer, kicking off that Thursday night. There’s lots to do and I advise you to start dreaming of what you want out of it.”

The floor was opened to questions and feedback. One question was if some of the Fall Festival could be held inside as it was disappointing in 2025 due to the cold weather. Buck said they are open to finding another venue, and added it is likely the weekend of the festival will change to an earlier time in October.

“We might luck out with some warmer days,” he said.

Acknowledging most of the children’s activities at Rhodes events are geared toward younger ages, it was asked what could be done to engage pre-teens and teenagers, such as bringing in a climbing wall or hosting a sports or chess tournament.

“If anyone talks to people in the community who want something they are interested in, that would be great,” Buck said.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or bradstream@timesrepublican.com.