Ripley United Church of Christ

Winding Stairs Festival Activities
2026-08-06
Thursday’s Schedule:
Taylor Park Landscape & Beautification Committee and City of Traer invite you to gather from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at Taylor Park for a memorable evening celebrating community, history, and patriotism during the Winding Stairs Festival. Highlights: ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Open Air Picnic Shelter, unveling of the contents of the Taylor Park Time Capsule (buried in 1976) a patriotic salute by Traer American Legion in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, and a special performance by local Vacation Bible School children as they sing” Happy Birthday” to America. Stick around for free birthday cake served to all attendees!

Traer Library invites you to attend Kevin Wood in Concert. Free will offering to support the Traer Public Library. Kevin Wood, a Traer native, will perform, accompanied by Reinbeck native Mark Forbis, pianist. Concert will be in held at the Traer Public Library Kupka Cultural Center at 5:30 pm.

Winding Stairs Festival Activities
2026-08-07
Friday Activities:

Shop local!
Visit the world famous Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery Open 1-4pm
The day’s activities will include a magic show, new carnival rides, food vendors and live music by Black Jack, a small town artist turned Nashville recording artist backed by some of the best musicians in the area!
Social gathering for honored reunion classes at the Traer Memorial Building. Event starts at 7pm Honored Classes : 2001 1986 1981 1976 1971 1966 1961 1956

Winding Stairs Festival Activities
2026-08-08
Saturday’s activities:

Community Breakfast at Traer United Presbyterian Church to benefit CHAT. 8am – 11am 307 Walnut Street
North Tama School tours 11 am. Meet Principal Howard at the Gym entrance for a tour of Phase I addition and improvements.
Kid’s activities will be available throughout the day; stroll downtown for games, food vendors and a new carnival venue.
Visit community owned and operated Traer Theatre, The Traer Historical Museum & Sunrise Hill Care Center & Assisted Living Center.
PARADE at 4 pm
Honored class reunion social hour at 6pm and dinner at 7pm in the Traer Memorial Building.
Katie and the Honky Tonks will be providing entertainment 8pm-12pm . Katie and her band are the 2025 Iowa Music Award winner of the Country Artist of the Year!

August Soul Stitching TBD
2026-08-08 | Ripley UCC Fellowship Hall, 400 South Main Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Due to The Winding Stairs Festival – Soul Stitching Saturday will be rescheduled. Watch the Ripley Calendar for updates.

Soul Stitching!
In 2023, Soul Stitching Saturday was introduced. When it was noted that those who work could not attend, it was determined that one Saturday a month would be designated as Soul Stitching Saturday. The nucleus of those who Soul Stitch also stitch on Thursdays. Friends and family members drop in to help tie and to learn more about the mission.
Open to all, Soul Stitching provides the feeling of the good ‘ole fashioned quilting bees. Fellowship is enjoyed over potluck lunches and sometimes special occasions are celebrated as well!
Over 300 quilts are constructed a year and given to those in need. Baby quilts – twin and double sizes. The group also makes burp clothes, dog beds and wheel chair caddies. They do their best to use all supplies donated and are always thankful for those who think of them and their mission.
Mission charities and programs that have benefited from the quilts made by the Ripley stitchers include:

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Ames Chapter
• Marshalltown Veterans Home

*Tama County Maternal Health and Wellness
• Christian Hands Across Traer, better known as C.H.A.T.
• Cedar Valley Hospice
• Americans for Independent Living
• Salvation Army
• and many more!

Winding Stairs Festival Community Breakfast
2026-08-08 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Traer United Presbyterian Church, 307 Walnut Street, Traer, IA, 50675, United States
Community Breakfast hosted by Traer United Presbyterian Church
with support from Traer Methodist Church and Ripley UCC.
If you are interested in supporting the community breakfast with your time.
Please contact Ronda Pususta.

Ample parking is available in the EAst lot on on 3rd and 4th streets near the church.

Free will donation will be accepted and given to “Christian Hands Across Traer” CHAT.

Donations to Traer Food Pantry will be gladly accepted during the breakfast at UPC.
Ripley members enjoy breakfast at UPC
Maryan Steffeny serves refreshing drinks for breakfast.
Hosted and directed by Traer UPC.

Winding Stairs Festival Activies
2026-08-09
Sunday’s activities:

Sunday Brunch hosted by The Country Club. 8:30 am – 11am at the Traer Golf Course.
Community Church Service featuring message and music by Salt Light. 10:30am at the Traer Memorial Building.
Golf tournament at the Traer Golf Course, hosted by The NT Booster Club. Starts at 10am. 319-478-2700 for registration.

Traer Winding Stairs Festival Salt Light Community Service
2026-08-09 10:30 - 11:30 | Traer Memorial Building, 414 2nd Street, Traer, IA, 50675
Gather for Music and Message Sunday morning at the Traer Memorial Building.

Service will begin at 10:30am
