Around the area

EMMETSBURG — VFW Fish Fry is 5 to 7 p.m. TODAY at the VFW, Emmetsburg. To place a pick-up order, call 712-298-0883. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.

OTHO — Otho United Methodist Church, Otho, is holding its annual Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. SATURDAY in the church basement. The menu is made-from-scratch pancakes, eggs, sausage and drinks for a freewill offering. The church is handicapped accessible.

EMMETSBURG — Legislative Town Hall meeting with Rep. Megan Jones, Sen. Dave Rowley and Rep. John Wills is 8:30 to 10 a.m. SATURDAY at the Emmetsburg Chamber/Welcome Center, Emmetsburg.

EMMETSBURG — Palo Alto Pheasants Forever annual Banquet is 5 p.m. SATURDAY at the VFW, Emmetsburg. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a meal at 6 p.m. and followed by an auction at 7 p.m. For ticket information, call 712-480-3632.

In Fort Dodge

FORT DODGE — Iowa Central Community College Music and Theatre Department presents “The Little Mermaid” at 7 p.m. TODAY and SATURDAY in Decker Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students and free for ICCC students with ID. Tickets are available at the Iowa Central Bookstore or by calling 515-574-1081.

FORT DODGE — Fort Dodge Chili Lovers Society is holding its 39th annual Chili Cook-Off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. SATURDAY at the Fort Museum Opera House, One Museum Road. Admission is $5 per person. There will be a DJ from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., best dessert contact judging at 11:30 a.m., bag tourney at 10 a.m. with $20 per person entry fee, speed eating chili contest at 1 p.m. and award ceremony at 3 p.m. The first 250 people get a special chili mug.

FORT DODGE — The Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show is 3 to 7 p.m. TODAY, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. SATURDAY and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. SUNDAY at the Iowa Central East Campus, 2031 Quail Ave. Admission is free.

FORT DODGE — Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. TODAY at Corpus Christi Center, 405 N. Eighth St. Dinners include fried fish, baked fish or shrimp, baked potato or fries, homemade cole slaw, roll, ice cream and beverages. The meal will be served dine in or carryout. Dinners are $12; combo dinners are $14. Kids grilled cheese meal is $5.