Come join us next week as we celebrate the Courier’s 160 years of business. Some of us thought 150 years was a big deal, and we threw a one-day splash of activities including a building tour and offered some great free music in Central Park.

Now, it’s 10 years later, and we’re celebrating again.

We’d like everyone to try and attend one of our Courier picnics next week throughout the city.

Here’s the schedule:

Monday‚ Foster Park.

Tuesday, Union Park.

Wednesday, Memorial Park.

Thursday, Wildwood Park.

Courier staff will be on hand from 4-6 p.m. each day at the parks. We’ll provide the hot dogs and condiments. Come tell us what you like about your newspaper and in what areas we can improve. We’re counting on you to help make the Courier even better.

On Friday, Aug. 29, we’re sponsoring a free night at The Beach Ottumwa. From 5 to 8 p.m., the public is invited to swim at The Beach, free. Our district managers will be on hand to answer any newspaper questions and to offer subscriptions.

Our big event is Saturday, Aug. 30, when we’re sponsoring the Nadas in concert at 9 p.m. on the patio at Bridge View Center.

Tickets are $10 in advance — get yours at the Bridge View Center box office, the Courier, Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce, West Music, KOTM, Classic 96, Hy-Vee North, Hy-Vee South and Hy-Vee Drug Store or KMGO.

Tickets at the door are $15.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with the opening band, She Swings, She Sways.

The Courier first started publishing Aug. 8, 1848. So, this is the month we celebrate our years of business and being the oldest business still operating in Ottumwa.