The deadline for What’s Happening items is 5 p.m. Friday. Call Cheryl at the Eagle, 541-575-0710.

Saturday, Aug. 20

Litter cleanup

8 a.m., meet at McDonald’s in John Day

Anyone interested can help out with a litter cleanup along West Highway 26. The highway department will furnish litter bags and pick up the bags along the roadside afterward. If at least a dozen people participate, the cleanup should take only about an hour.

Free movie in the park

8:30 p.m., Sproul Park, Canyon City

Call Canyon City City Hall, 541-575-0509 for movie title.

Sunday, Aug. 21

Barbecue, concert at the Diamond Hitch Ranch

4 p.m., Diamond Hitch Mule Ranch, Kimberly

Performing at the outdoor event are Blame Sally, a quartet of ladies from San Francisco presenting their fresh, modern pop-folk sound, and local band Yarrow, strumming up a blend of country, rock, folk and blues. Admission is $20 a person.

The evening includes Painted Hills barbecue tri-tip pork and chicken, grilled vegetables, salads, corn, baked beans, baked rolls, coffee, tea and dessert for $8 a person. The Diamond Hitch is on Highway 19, at milepost 107, about 1 1/2 miles from Kimberly Center; watch for signs. For more info. contact Jody Foss at 541-934-2140 or diamondhitch@otcwb.com

Tuesday-Wednesday, Aug. 23-24

Red Cross blood drive

1-6 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Wednesday at the blood drive is designated as “Joan Bowling Day,” in recognition for all she does for the John Day community blood drives. To make a donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.MyEagleNews.com for a website link.

Thursday, Aug. 25

Gluten-free meeting

6:30 p.m., Johnnie Titus Room, 528 E. Main St., John Day

By popular request, Sandy Bupp will demonstrate “Spaghetti Carbonara.” Call 541-575-0322.

Monday, Aug. 29

GU booster club Kick-off barbecue’

6 p.m., GU parking lot

The community is invited to kick off the 2011-2012 school year with a barbecue, held by the GU Booster Club at Grant Union Junior/Senior High School. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided by the booster club. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish – salads for last names starting with A-M, and desserts for N-Z.

A raffle drawing will be held that night for those who purchase new or renewed memberships at $25, good for one year. Prizes include an activity pass ($100 value), a surprise from the Outpost Restaurant’s gift shop, and more to be announced. Call 541-575-0024 for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Mad Hatters gathering

6 p.m., Nancy Chase’s home, south of Canyon City

All ladies over 55 are welcome to a gathering of the Grant County Mad Hatters group, hosted by Nancy Chase, Joyce Nodine and Robyn Dahl. Attendees are invited to wear a red hat and bring a pot luck dish of your nationality. Beverages and table service will be provided. Watch for balloons on the right side of Highway 395, nine miles south of Canyon City. Call 541-575-0243 or 541-575-1918 for more information.

Regional events

Saturday, Aug. 20

Invasive Carp Awareness Day

8 a.m., Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Children’s activities and a bow-fishing demonstration mark the event in which people can learn about common carp and their impact on habitat and wildlife. An Oregon fishing license is required for those 14 and older. The refuge is about 35 miles south of Burns. Call 541-493-2612 for more information.