Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky goes for a splash as the department raised funds for the Holiday Heroes Program Thursday. Photo by Mary Mansfield.

The theme of this week’s Thursdays in Pella was Around the World for the final event of the summer. Minute to Win It Games started the evening on the Tulip Toren, followed by a Retrieving Freedom presentation by Pella High School Alumna Jessa Bokhoven. Bokhoven has taken up training service dogs for the Waverly-based organization, and shared about her new-found passion with the audience.

Triumph Martial Arts had a showcase as well, followed by the final City Band performance of 2019. Several activities were held throughout Central Park, including a Pella Police Department Dunk Tank, Christian Opportunity Center’s Mini Golf Classic, several cultural booths, and activities hosted by Many Hands for Haiti, Pella Corporation, and the Work of Our Hands. The Pella Police Department was raising funds for the Holiday Heroes program, which pairs children with local first responders to go shopping for Christmas together in December. Pella Fire Department staff also helped with the tank. COC was celebrating 50 years as an organization with the mini-golf event.

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was at every Thursdays in Pella this summer. Family activities will return next summer, hosted by the Pella Area Community and Economic Alliance.