The Iowa-based band will be the featured entertainment during the Aug. 11 event, which is a fundraiser for the retirement community’s Good Samaritan Fund.

Hilltop Fest 2023 will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Friendship Haven, 420 Kenyon Road.

“We are thrilled to welcome back The Punching Pandas,” said Jen Lane, the director of engagement at Friendship Haven. “They pack their show with energy, humor and, of course, all your favorite songs.”

The Punching Pandas plays a wide variety of music including, but not limited to, hits by Santana, Green Day, Elton John and K.C. and the Sunshine Bnad.

-Messenger file photo
Lillian Kright, of Fort Dodge, dances with Ray Wininger, of Fort Dodge, to the Punching Pandas during the 2022 Hilltop Fest at Friendship Haven.

The group calls Grimes home. Its instrumental lineup includes a trumpet and trombone in addition to the guitars, bass, keyboard and drums.

This is the second consecutive year that The Punching Pandas have played at Hilltop Fest.

Dinner at Hilltop Fest 2023 will be served by Olde Boston’s Restaurant & Pub.

Raffles will be held during the event, with prizes including $2,500 in cash, a $2,000 travel certificate and a $250 fuel card. Raffle tickets can be purchased at hilltopfest23.givesmart.com.

All the proceeds from Hilltop Fest 2023 will go to Friendship Haven’s Good Samaritan Fund. That fund pays costs for Friendship Haven residents who can no longer afford to live there. Because the fund exists, no one has been asked to move out of the retirement community.

-Messenger file photo
Mason Stewart , then 6, of Callender helps his mother Kaitlyn Stewart set up the dessert table during the 2022 Hilltop Fest at Friendship Haven.

“Even when unforeseen circumstances have forced residents to exhaust their resources, they can continue to live a life filled with faith, passion and purpose here thanks to Friendship Haven’s charitable mission,” Lane said.

“Our charitable care mission is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Friendship Haven family and community friends,” she added.

If You Go:

What: Hilltop Fest 2023

When: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 11

Where: Friendship Haven, 420 Kenyon Road

Tickets: $15 or two for $25. They can be purchased in advance at the Friendship Haven Welcome Center or at the gate the night of the event.

Spirit week

Hilltop Fest 2023 will conclude Spirit Week at Friendship Haven. During each day of Spirit Week, the residents and staff will be encouraged to wear something fun to reflect that day’s theme.

Monday

Team Spirit

Wear something that reflects their favorite sports teams.

Tuesday

Pajama Day

Residents and staff will be encouraged to wear their PJs

Wednesday

Derby Day/Hat Day

Wear their fanciest hats

Thursday

Hawaiian Day

Wear Hawaiian shirts, shorts

Friday

Hilltop Fest Day

Wear Hilltop Fest Light Up the Night T-shirts