5 Things Waukee Residents Should Know: August 11

1)     Spaghetti for a Cause

Join the American Legion Auxiliary as they host a spaghetti dinner to support the Girls State Candidates, veterans, deployed soldiers and their families. The dinner is from 4 to 7 p.m. at Waukee Veterans Hall, 410 Sixth St. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids.

2)     Brookview Kindergarten Mixer

Brookview Elementary is hosting a kindergarten mixer for parents and incoming kindergarteners at Brookview Park tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. Families are asked to bring their own picnic dinners and share in the fun of getting to know their new classmates and their families.

3)     The Iowa State Fair Starts Today

Celebrate 100 years of the Butter Cow at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. The Grounds open at 7 a.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at 8:30 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for ages 6-11, and children 5 and under are free.

4)     Republican Presidential Debate

Tune into Fox News tonight at 8 p.m. to watch the Iowa presidential debate. Bone up on all the important issues for Saturday's Straw Poll. You're going to need it.

5)     Happy Presidential Joke Day!

On this day in 1984, before his regular radio address, then-President Ronald Reagan joked into the microphone: "My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes." Unknown to him, the microphone was live. This incident led to the creation of "Presidential Joke Day."