Public invited to Peter Mayer Concert, 5K Grotto Gallop and Color Run at Camp Ewalu

Local news doesn't happen by accident. Support the people who make it happen. STRAWBERRY POINT, Iowa — Camp Ewalu welcomes the public to an outdoor Peter Mayer concert and two running events as part of the ministry's 65th anniversary weekend, Aug. 28-29, at the camp's main site, 3 miles west of Strawberry Point. Peter Mayer, a Minnesota folk-style singer-songwriter with a nationwide following, will perform an outdoor concert beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the camp's main site. With 11 albums to his credit over a 30-year career, Mayer writes songs about interconnectedness and the human journey. 2MIT Burgers, a food truck from Elkader, will be at the venue beginning at 5 p.m. serving dinner. Attendees are encouraged to bring a camp chair or blanket for the concert, as well as cash for the food truck. There are no tickets for the concert, but a freewill offering will be accepted. Two running events on Saturday morning, Aug. 29, are also open to the public. The Grotto Gallop Trail 5K will start at 9 a.m. at the camp's Family Campground, with same-day registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. This year's course follows the brand-new Ewa-Loop Trail, a 2.5-mile single-track trail through Camp Ewalu's forest. The course is primarily dirt single-track, with a short section of wider prairie trail to complete the 5K. Registration for the 5K is $25, with preregistration available through RunSignup. Following the Grotto Gallop, a free Kids Color Run will take place at 10 a.m. at the same starting location at Ewalu's Family Campground. The event will feature several color stations along a quarter-mile course through Ewalu's Pioneer Village. Kids can go around the loop as many times as they wish. Free white T-shirts will be provided to those who preregister for the Color Run through RunSignup. Camp staff will be on hand to direct participants to the starting location. The events are part of a celebration weekend marking the camping ministry's 65th anniversary. At 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, the newly renovated Cedar Lodge will be dedicated with a Celebration Worship and Dedication service, which the public is welcome to attend. The camp has raised more than $3 million to renovate the lodge, which was built in the early 1960s, and expand and modernize its commercial kitchen. With an enlarged dining area and a new entryway addition featuring accessible restrooms, Cedar Lodge is now available to host retreats and events of various sizes, including wedding receptions of up to 250 guests. Details about renting the renovated facility are available on Camp Ewalu's website or by calling the camp office at 563-933-4700. About EwaluCamp Ewalu is a year-round Lutheran Christian ministry that serves nearly 200 Lutheran congregations in eastern Iowa. More than 800 youth participate in its summer programs, with hundreds more participating in Day Camp programs at churches across the region. Busy day? We've got you covered. Get local news delivered to your inbox.