Friday, July 31 is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day. This day honors lifeguards who ensure safety at beaches, pools and water parks. Celebrate it at a friendly competition between residents and lifeguards at the Chris Lyle Aquatic Center at 1 p.m.. Activities include volleyball with a twist, 'Do you think you are faster than a Lifeguard?' race, tube relays, cannonball contest, cardboard boat regatta and a huge inflatable water obstacle course. Normal admission is required to enter the facility, but anyone can participate and enjoy.
Hopkins Heroes is still collecting gently used uniform items – uniform skirts (all sizes), bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts), shoes and sweaters with zippers. Hopkins Heroes is also collecting hygiene product donations – shampoo and conditioner, body wash and soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant and other essentials – all new. These items will go directly to families and local schools once school is back in session. Drop off locations are: Nutrition Zone, 1100 Massachusetts Ave., Hopkins Park 620 E. 17th St., Furniture One, 2750 E. Irlo Bronson Hwy. and Living Well Health Center, 4039 13th St.
If you cannot drop off, contact Stephanie at www.Hopkinsheroes.com to set up a convenient meet-up.
Hopkins Heroes will also be providing backpacks filled with school supplies and their community wide Back 2 School Bash on Saturday. Aug. 8. To make a monetary donation, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/back-2-school-bash--2026. To ship items directly, go to https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/18846136lKLF?ref=wl_share.
First United Methodist Church, 1020 Ohio Ave., will hold it’s Back to School Bash 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. Join in for food, games, fun, back to school items and more.
The City of St. Cloud’s Adult 30+ 5v5 Basketball League registration is open until Friday, Aug. 14 for. Gather your teammates and get ready for a season of Monday and Tuesday night basketball beginning Monday, Aug. 17. Players must be 30 years old or over. Teams may have 8 to 13 players. The fee is $65 per resident player and $90 per non-resident player. Players register individually and must indicate the team they will play on. There is no fee to register a team. Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/4x0GTsB.
Registration is now open for Harmony Junior After-School Hoops for ages 5-8. This full school year program is built for young players to learn ball handling, shooting, passing, footwork, defense, confidence and teamwork. This after school hoops program takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. running Tuesday, Aug. 18 through Thursday, May 20.
Tuition is $120 per month. To pay for the entire school year, go to https://square.link/u/4yXWyCf7. To pay month to month, go to https://square.link/u/8oMt6zaZ.
Whether you’re launching a new business or growing an existing one, Business Connect Expo 2026 is designed to help you take the next step. Make connections with funding organizations, business mentorship and educational resources. Meet representatives from: US Small Business Administration (SBA), UCF Business Incubator, Florida Small Business Development Center and local Chambers of Commerce. Business Connect Expo 2026 will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the St. Cloud Community Center. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-connect-expo-2026-tickets-19879536826409.
Encourage your child’s love for reading with books and activities at Great Beginnings at the St. cloud Library on Thursday, July 30 from 10-11 a.m. This series is for children ages 18 months to 5 years.
Foam-Palooza happens on Thursday, July 30 from 6-7 p.m. End summer learning by getting messy and having fun. The evening includes dancing and playing in a mountain of foam. Wear loose fitting t-shirt, shorts, water shoes or sneakers (no flip flops). Towels and goggles are encouraged.
Baby and Me takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 10-10:30 a.m. Hug your little ones while sharing this special first-time experience. This is for children up to 18 months. This program introduces books with playtime and repetitive music.
Pre-School Playdate happens on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Pre-schoolers explore, create and socialize in a fun safe environment.
All Library programs are free and open to the public. The St. Cloud Library is located at 810 13th St.
If you have any St. Cloud news or information that you would like to share, call Lisa Goldmacher at 407-319-9700 or email lcgoldmacher@yahoo.com.
