A reminder: tonight from 5-7:30 p.m., the Perry community is invited to take part in “Blue Jay Night” at Hy-Vee to support the Dewey Field renovation project.

The evening will include activities such as: a grill out with brats, burgers, hot dogs, and ribeye sandwiches; music from the Perry High School Pep Band; face painting and temporary tattoos for kids; a silent auction; and a dunk tank, which will include Perry teachers and coaches, as well as Superintendent Clark Wicks. All proceeds from the auction and dunk tank will go to the renovation project, as will half of all food sales. Additionally, Hy-Vee is in the midst of a round-up fundraiser, where shoppers can round their total up to the nearest dollar, with the remainder going to the school district.

Wicks says the event came about through conversations between Hy-Vee Store Manager Matt Rohe, Perry Activities Director Tom Lipovac, and himself. However, he says it began much smaller than what it’s grown into. “This is something that we just brought up a little bit, like ‘Hey, maybe there’s a round-up that we could have for the Dewey Field?’ And all of a sudden, Matt and his crew have expanded it into this great event. So thanks to Matt, thanks to Hy-Vee, and thanks to those people coming out!”

Rohe adds, getting involved with the Dewey Field renovation project was a no-brainer for him, and he’s hopeful others will follow his example. “I know Clark and Tom went out and talked to businesses about supporting the project. And I, myself, being from Hy-Vee thought it was very important, very crucial and needed. So I would also challenge every other business out there to think about that. Because athletics in the town and town pride is very important.”

The Raccoon Valley Radio Big Red Radio will also be at Blue Jay Night. We will play music and relay important information.