Features

Rotary Club Uses Funds from WaukeePalooza to Give Back

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

WaukeePalooza has encountered some challenges over the years. The event was rained out in only its second year, and like many other events, it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. But this year, with restrictions easing and many activities resuming, WaukeePalooza is back and better than ever.

Formerly known as the Bar-B-Kee Bash—a barbeque competition, followed by a concert in the evening—the event has undergone a rebrand, according to Devin Boyer, Director of Fund Development for the Waukee Rotary Club and WaukeePalooza Chair. “We rebranded to be more connected with Waukee,” he explained. “We wanted to keep it simple and find a family-friendly event that could bring people together.”

WaukeePalooza is the major annual fundraiser for Waukee’s Rotary Club, and all proceeds from the event “go right back into the Waukee community,” said Boyer. However, WaukeePalooza is far from the only way the organization is involved in the Waukee community. The club is part of Rotary International, a non-profit worldwide organization that focuses on service to others and promoting goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business and community leaders. Members join together to learn, grow and make their communities better places to live.

Since its founding in 1998, the Waukee Rotary Club has raised and invested over $400,000, both locally and internationally. The club provides scholarships for students in the Waukee School District each year, said PR Chair Keegan Wilkening, in addition to an annual coat drive for disadvantaged students. It also supports local nonprofits, such as the Waukee Area Christian Services Food Pantry, and community projects, such as a planned butterfly garden for residents to enjoy. Whether it’s packing meals with Meals From the Heartland, hosting a bags tournament for derecho relief, purchasing 1,000 face masks for medical workers in Africa, or coordinating a sock drive for the Dallas County Community Closet, Waukee’s Rotarians find ways to give back, even during challenging times.

WaukeePalooza will help the Rotary Club continue those efforts. With a focus on fun for the entire family, the fundraising event will feature food trucks on site, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be activities for kids.

Originally, the plan for WaukeePalooza was to spotlight youth bands and showcase young, amateur talent. “It was our original plan to have youth acts perform from noon to 6 p.m., with Big Time Grain Company [this year’s headlining act] coming on at 7 p.m.,” said Boyer. However, according to Wilkening, over the last year, music programs and music teachers haven’t had the opportunity to get together. So organizers pivoted. “We’re looking at more of a musical festival feel, starting around 4 p.m.,” said Boyer. Details are still being confirmed, but organizers are “very close” to announcing the opening act for WaukeePalooza, said Boyer, with the possibility of one or two amateur performers hitting the stage first to kick things off.

Attendees will then be in for a treat when Big Time Grain Company, one of the fastest-rising country bands in the Midwest, takes the stage as the headliner. The band has opened for artists like Travis Tritt, Dan & Shay, Big & Rich, and Luke Combs, and they were the only act to perform in front of 800,000 people at the Kansas City Royals World Series Celebration Rally. “They’re going to provide a great show,” said Boyer. “Given that country music is very popular here, we thought they’d be a good fit.”

Boyer notes that in a recent interview with WHO Radio, the band commented that Iowa has always been a part of their success. “Over half their shows will be in Iowa this year,” he said. “They’ve found a connection here.” The band itself echoed the sentiment: “Iowa is Big Time, and we always feel like we are with family in Iowa. We are absolutely excited for WaukeePalooza!”

You can catch Big Time Grain Company at WaukeePalooza on Saturday, August 28, in Waukee’s Centennial Park. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. and will run until 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 apiece and can be ordered through the event website at waukeepalooza.com. Tickets will also be available on the day of the event for an additional $5 apiece, said Wilkening. Make sure to check out the WaukeePalooza event page on Facebook for more information.

“It’s going to be a fun event,” said Boyer. “It’ll bring together the community at a time when people want to get together.”

If you’re interested in joining the Waukee Rotary Club, Boyer says to reach out to board members through the club’s website at waukeerotary.org. You’ll be invited to attend a weekly meeting—held every Thursday morning at Des Moines Golf and Country Club—as a guest. “You can come a few times to see if you want to join,” he said. You can also find a new member application on the club’s website if you’d like to formally apply. “We’re always open to new members,” said Boyer. “Come and see what we’re all about!”

Waukee Trails: Connecting Neighborhoods and Providing Recreation

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Summertime is prime time for Waukee’s 23 miles of trails (and growing). That’s nearly one mile of paved trail for every 1,000 Waukee residents! City officials invest in trails and greenways in an effort to make it easier for residents to travel by foot or bike in their own neighborhoods and beyond, fostering a greater sense of community.

“Our trail system grows as the community grows,” said Waukee Parks & Recreation Director Matt Jermier. “As the City Council invests in widening and improving major Waukee corridors, they also invest in trails that run adjacent to these main streets. Developers are also responsible for adding neighborhood trails.”

In terms of new City trails, the Kettlestone Greenway Improvements Phase 2 project is currently under construction. Caliber Concrete, LLC is actively building the approximately one-mile-long trail, which will connect the Kettlestone Commons Ponds/Holmes Murphy area through the Grand Prairie Parkway pedestrian underpass to the Kettleview Development. The trail will also connect these areas through the Westown Parkway pedestrian underpass to the Grant Park neighborhoods. Expanding the trails will help keep up with the high demand for outdoor recreation.

“The number of cyclists and runners on the trails is mind-blowing some days,” said runner Bruce Huckfeldt. He would know, as he’s a regular on Waukee’s trails.

“I’ve been a runner for around 10 years now. There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature,” said Huckfeldt. “I think the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is the best around. It’s always well maintained, and the quality of the pavement is top notch. I’m currently training for Ironman Des Moines, so I’ve logged a good majority of my running and biking miles on the RRVT this year.”

Huckfeldt brings his American flag along while running. He’s known to some people as “the flag runner,” and he said he appreciates the honks and waves from passersby. He often runs to raise money for charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project, the Dallas County Community Closet and others. He said he’s grateful to be able to give back and also for the convenience of Waukee’s trails.

“Between working two jobs, balancing family and chauffeuring my children to their activities, I have to squeeze in time for my training and charity initiatives whenever I can,” said Huckfeldt. “People in other communities may have to drive 20, 30 minutes, or even an hour to find a good trail, but Waukee’s trails are only a few minutes away, so excuses aren’t even an option for me.”

Whether training for an Ironman, or just getting outdoors with the family, Waukee has several trail options, including the Heart of the Warrior Trail, the Raccoon River Valley Trail, the Sugar Creek Trail and the Kettlestone Trails.

Waukee Park Board Member and avid cyclist Ethan Owens said he hits the trails with his family or friends a few times a week to get in his physical activity and also for the social aspect.

“As our daughters get older, we use the trails more and more. We even rode up to Dallas Center and back for ice cream,” said Owens. “It’s one way our family chooses to spend quality time together.”

Trails connect neighborhoods and even provide business opportunities. Owens said he frequents many trailside or trail-adjacent destinations, including Mickey’s Irish Pub (a hot spot for cyclists), the new Kinship Brewing Company along the RRVT, and others.

In 2022, Owens and his family will have one more stop to add to their itinerary.

“The addition of the Triumph Park trails will continue to make Waukee a great place to live,” said Owens. When it opens in 2022, three miles of trails will connect cyclists in the 66-acre Triumph Park, with underpasses installed for easier accessibility.

The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy states that trails and greenways create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible places to bike, walk, hike, jog, skate or ski. In doing so, they make it easier for people to engage in physical activity.

Invite your friends, your kids, your dog or whomever you want to join you on one of Waukee’s trails today! For a trails map and more information, visit Waukee.org/trails.

Baby Steps to Improve Your Health

July 12, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, Erin Good, shares three small actions to take every day to improve your health and fitness levels in BIG ways.

Baby Step: Planning your meals
Even better: Planning your snacks! Since the pandemic, around 41 percent of consumers under age 35 say they’re snacking more than normal. Bump things up a notch and focus on eating real foods instead of bars or processed foods. Healthy snacks contain carbohydrates and protein such as fresh fruit with nuts or seeds (Erin’s pick: cherries and pistachios), raw veggies and cream cheese, or a hard-boiled egg and whole grain crackers.

Baby Step: Buying baked chips or crackers
Even better: Substituting those with crunchy nuts, chickpea puffs, green pea crisps or popcorn. Don’t be fooled by veggie-named products! Check the food label and pick a salty snack with at least 2-3 grams of fiber to help you feel full and satisfied longer.

Baby Step: Eating fruits and veggies every day
Even better: Eating a rainbow of colors every day including dark greens (spinach, kale, broccoli), red or yellow (carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, watermelon), white (cauliflower, onions, water chestnuts, bananas, apples), and blue or purple (red cabbage, eggplant, blueberries).

New! Hy-Vee Dietitians Host “From Bump to Babe” Classes
Whether you’re a new mom (or planning on becoming pregnant), these new classes are for you! Providing the right nutrition is the best gift you can give your baby while you anticipate their wonderful arrival.

For more details and easy registration, simply scan the QR code!

Prenatal Nutrition Tour: Learn the basics of eating for all stages of pregnancy, including postpartum, as well as the best foods to build a healthy baby.

Fuel Your Fertility Nutrition Tour: Learn the basics of eating to support your fertility, whether you’re planning for pregnancy or simply want to maintain a healthy cycle.

Virtual Group BEGIN Class
10-Week Healthy Lifestyle & Weight Management Program
Wednesdays from 4:00 – 4:30 PM, starting August 4

Prioritize your health, gain more energy and boost your confidence alongside a nutrition expert! BEGIN is not a diet. BEGIN is a plan to help with lifelong wellness. Learn the necessary tools to tackle your health. For pricing and registration, visit hy-vee.com/health/begin-program/.

Follow Erin on Hy-Vee’s Healthy You series on HSTV.com – for weekly meal and snack inspiration.

Erin Good, RD, LD
Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian
egood@hy-vee.com

May 3, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Summertime in Waukee is shaping up to be another one full of fun in the sun, exciting annual events, family activities and more! Residents and visitors of all ages can find something entertaining and enriching in Waukee this summer. Here are a few highlights. Be sure to mark your calendars, and check waukee.org/summertime over the next few months for updates and more information.

Summer Reading Challenge 2021

Registration starts May 1
waukeepubliclibrary.org

The Waukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2021 with a fun “Tails & Tales” theme! Find out what’s special about the animals that roam the lands, soar through the air and swim in the oceans. And, children, teens and adults can read or listen to books and earn prizes from June 1-July 31. Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns, events will be held entirely online.

Waukee Farmers Market

Wednesdays from June 2-Sept. 29 • 4-7 p.m.
Downtown Triangle, Ashworth Drive & 6th Street
waukeedowntown.com

Presented by the Waukee Triangle Businesses, the Farmers Market is held in the Downtown Triangle every Wednesday evening during the summer and features local food vendors, fresh produce, handmade items and live music.

Movies in the Park

June 4, July 3 & Aug. 13
Centennial Park
Dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.)
waukee.org/moviesinthepark

Join Waukee Parks & Recreation and NCMIC for free screenings of Hollywood’s biggest hits under the stars at Centennial Park! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. The three great films on deck for summer 2021 are:

Friday, June 4: “Aladdin” (PG)

Saturday, July 3: “Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13)

Friday, Aug. 13: “Black Panther” (PG-13)

Fish Waukee

Saturday, June 5 • 9-11 a.m.
Kettlestone Commons Ponds, 2727 Grand Prairie Parkway
Waukee.org/registration

The Rotary Club of Waukee, the Waukee Parks & Recreation Department and Iowa State University Extension & Outreach of Dallas County are hosting a fishing event using the Fish Iowa! curriculum. Participants in K-6th grades will learn key fishing skills such as baiting, casting, reeling and fish and wildlife ethics through rotating stations. “Free fishing” areas will be available for children and adults of all ages. The event is free; however, the youth workshops do require advance registration.

Bacoon Ride

Saturday, June 19
bacoonride.com

Like to ride bicycles? Like bacon? Like the Raccoon River Valley Trail? Put it all together and you have the Baccoon Ride. Enjoy a 71-mile bike ride on the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail featuring bacon-related specialty foods along the way. This ride supports the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Waukee’s Celebration of Independence

July 2-4
Centennial Park
Waukee.org/july

Each year, Waukee hosts a celebration of our nation’s independence. This year, it’s expanding to three days! Here’s the line-up:

Friday, July 2

Carnival
Adult trivia/entertainment
Food trucks

Saturday, July 3

Adult coed sand volleyball tournament
Carnival and vendors
Movies in the Park: “Jumanji: The Next Level”

Sunday, July 4

Parade (new route!)
Carnival and vendors
Adult bags tournament
Des Moines skydivers
Live music: AfterShock
Fireworks

Discount carnival tickets will be available for purchase June 1-30. Visit Waukee.org/july for event times, carnival ticket information and other details.

Waukee Arts Festival

Friday, July 16 from 5-10 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Centennial Park
waukeeartsfestival.org

The Waukee Area Arts Council and Stivers Ford Lincoln present the popular Waukee Arts Festival. It will kick off Friday evening with live music from Bonnie Finken and opener Not Quite Brothers. Saturday, enjoy Decoy in concert with opener Dickie. The event also features dozens of local and regional artists, a student art exhibit, food vendors, kids’ activities and a beverage garden.

Battle of the ‘Burbs

Saturday, Aug. 7 • 9 a.m.
NCMIC, 14001 University Ave. in Clive
ncmicgroup.com/summerbreeze

The rematch is on! Run the Battle of the ‘Burbs 5K or 10K on Saturday, Aug. 7. Choose the ‘burb you will represent while running (Waukee, obviously). NCMIC passes along 100 percent of the registration fees to the Waukee Betterment Foundation. And, the community with the most runners wins bragging rights! There’s also a Kids Fun Run.

Waukee Public Safety Day

Tuesday, Aug. 3 • 5-8 p.m.
Public Safety Day, 1300 SE L.A. Grant Parkway
Waukee.org/publicsafetyday

The Waukee Police and Fire Departments will join forces again for a modified version of Waukee’s Public Safety Day. The details of this year’s event are still being determined. Check waukee.org/publicsafetyday for updates.

Waukee Palooza Music Festival

Saturday, Aug. 28 • Noon-10 p.m.
Centennial Park
waukeepalooza.com

The Rotary Club of Waukee is hosting its annual musical event in Centennial Park. Previously known as the “Bar-B-Kee Bash,” this event has rebranded to focus on fun for the whole family! Enjoy metro area youth music groups and solo acts, food and beverage vendors, and kids’ activities. One of the Midwest’s fastest-rising country bands—Big Time Grain Company—will headline the event in the evening. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the event.

https://mywaukee.com/4879-2/

Smart Strategies for Summer

May 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Warmer weather signals the arrival of summer, and with it comes many reasons to celebrate! But often good weather also brings on some of the most tempting eats and drinks around—ice cream, blended coffee beverages, and potato and pasta salads galore, just to name a few.

Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Erin Good shares her top three warm-weather tips to help you make the healthy choice an easy choice this summer. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you!

1. Grill something new and seasonal, like stone fruits. Stone fruits include apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Simply cut in half and remove pit; grill on medium heat cut-side down, flip once; and remove from grill after five minutes, or when fruit is softened and just charred. Enjoy for dessert, or add to a green or grain salad!

2. Hydrate happier at the pool or baseball game. Plan ahead and make your own fruit-infused waters. Your beverage will not only look delicious, but it’ll taste refreshing while keeping you hydrated. Simply combine thinly sliced strawberries and lemon slices with cold water or try cilantro, lime wedges and watermelon cubes in sparkling water served over crushed ice.

Infused detox water with watermelon, mint and blueberry. Ice cold summer cocktail or lemonade in glass mason jar

3. Plan a picnic everyone can enjoy. Swap potatoes with cauliflower and mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to save some serious calories and carbohydrates. Be sure to make extra, as I guarantee this side dish is sure to be popular!

Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
Serves: 5

All you need:
1 lb cauliflower florets, chopped into ½ inch pieces, steamed and cooled
6 hard-boiled Hy-Vee large eggs, peeled and sliced
¼ cup dill pickle, finely chopped (or sub Hy-Vee dill relish)
1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup red onion, chopped
½ cup Hy-Vee nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp Hy-Vee Dijon mustard
1 ½ tsp dried dill
1 Tbsp pickle juice (or sub dill relish liquid)
Paprika for garnish

All you do:

Add cauliflower and eggs in a large bowl. Add pickle, celery, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and red onion.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mustard, dill, pickle juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour yogurt mixture over the cauliflower; toss gently to coat. Garnish with paprika. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 113 calories, 6 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 320 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 11 g protein

Connect virtually with Erin at hy-vee.com/health and follow her on Hy-Vee’s Healthy You series on HSTV.com – for weekly meal and snack inspiration.

Erin Good, RD, LD
Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian
egood@hy-vee.com

A Cut Above: Old Station Craft Meats

May 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Many of us found ourselves cooking at home more often as a consequence of spending more time there during the pandemic. Whether it’s trying out new recipes, or just throwing meat and veggies on the grill, cooking more of our own meals has become not just a necessity for many of us, but a real source of enjoyment. And Old Station Craft Meats, located on the historic Downtown Triangle in Waukee, aims to contribute to the success—and tastiness—of your next barbecue.

Old Station co-owner Nick Lenters comes by his passion for meat honestly. Born and raised on a third-generation farm in Sioux Center, Iowa, where his brother (and fellow co-owner) Adam still lives and raises cattle, the brothers were exposed to the meat industry from a young age. “We’ve always gotten all of our meat directly from the farm. It’s the way we grew up,” said Lenters. “You bought a whole animal directly from the farmer and put it in the freezer.”

As adults, the brothers began buying and owning cows together as a hobby, and a few years ago, they began to entertain the idea of opening their own butcher shop. After throwing the idea out to family and friends, it was Lenters’ dad who finally “pushed me off the fence,” he explained.

His dad challenged him to reach out to people in the butcher industry—at least one person in the following two weeks. Predictably, that person referred Lenters to another person, and so on, until Lenters had eventually accumulated a “network of people who kind of filled in all the gaps for me,” he said. Inspired by whole animal butcheries in the Denver area—places “that kind of hailed back to the old, traditional butcher shop,” according to Lenters—the brothers began to move in that direction themselves.

When it came time to find space to house their venture, Lenters, who’s lived in Waukee for 18 years, says his community stood out. The brothers looked at other areas in the metro and different demographics, but Waukee’s progressive community made it a good choice. “We figured if this concept was going to work, it would work in a place like Waukee,” he said.

Initially looking for space to rent, the brothers stumbled across a building for sale at 450 6th Street that seemed to be the perfect fit. “I like the building because it’s a 100-year-old building, and we’re doing a business that’s kind of a lost craft,” he said. “The building fits really well for what we’re doing now.”

Despite the onset of the pandemic, the brothers pushed forward with their plans to open. “My dad asked me, ‘Are you still moving forward with this?’” said Lenters, referring to the timing. His response? “Yes, we are.” True to their word, Old Station Craft Meats opened this past December.

The shop focuses on whole animal butchery, a butcher experience more akin to how things were done 100 years ago than the experience you’d get at a big box store today. “A long time ago, when most communities had their own butcher, they’d bring in a live animal or a carcass to that butcher, and the butcher would break down the animal and sell it,” explained Lenters. “Whole animal butchery means that when I bring in a lamb, I get a whole lamb carcass. It doesn’t have organs or the hide anymore, but it still looks like a lamb.”

Butchers at Old Station then break down the carcass. “You’ll see us processing the whole animal” if you stop in, said Lenters. “We’re taking it down to the component parts.”

While Old Station does still bring in some boxed meat, the shop focuses on whole, single-sourced animals where possible. “When you go to the grocery store and buy ground beef, it could be from multiple animals. Our ground beef is all from a single cow,” said Lenters.

Old Station partners with local producers and processors to source their meat, enabling them to “support local lockers and give them a fair price, based on the quality of their product,” said Lenters. All of Old Station’s meat—beef, pork, and lamb—comes from Iowa, and as close to Des Moines as possible, with the exception of poultry, which is difficult to source locally, according to Lenters.

Proper feeding programs and humane animal care also factor into the raising of the meat. For example, pork and poultry, specifically, are antibiotic-free.

Their whole animal philosophy extends to the sale of the meat as well. “We try to use the whole animal. We try to market the whole animal and celebrate the life of the animal,” explained Lenters. Old Station doesn’t just sell animal meat, but organs as well, including liver, heart, tongue and even the bones. “Sometimes we’ve made our own bone broth and sold that, and our own beef tallow,” said Lenters.

The most important aspect of their business, he said, is the transparency involved throughout the process of getting the meat from the farmer who raised it to the customer who’s purchasing it—something that’s become increasingly important to consumers over the last few years. “We know all of the people involved—I talk to all of them on a regular basis,” said Lenters. Want to know the provenance of the pig whose meat will make up tonight’s pulled pork sliders? “I can give you the address of where the animal came from, and you can go talk to the farmer,” he explained.

Those relationships with farmers enable the staff at Old Station to better advise their customers on not only product quality, but the production process itself. Grass-fed meat, for example, will taste different from grain-fed meat. “What you feed your animals can determine how they taste,” said Lenters. “If you’re looking for a more health-conscious product, grass-fed may be the way to go. However, the trade-off is in flavor. I can explain that to the consumer.”

That background knowledge can push customers to try new things. Lenters cites lamb as an example, noting that most lamb in restaurants or big box stores comes from New Zealand or Australia, where its diet contains significant roughage and makes for a much gamier flavor than lamb raised here. “The lamb we sell, people are surprised at how similar it is to ground beef,” said Lenters.

Old Station can not only provide you with the meat for your grill, but with the actual grill itself—a product of Lenters’ past frustration with having to visit multiple locations to buy different components for the grilling experience. “I wondered, ‘Why is all this stuff not just in the same store?’” he said. In addition to being a Big Green Egg dealer, Old Station also sells charcoal and smoking wood, as well as locally-sourced beer and wine. They also look to cross-market with other local businesses whenever they can. For example, Old Station’s beer brats are made with beer from Barn Town Brewing, just a couple miles away. “We’re always looking to lift up other local businesses,” he said.

What’s next at Old Station? “We’re very near going into goats,” said Lenters, adding that goat meat may be tested out this summer. “It’s very difficult to find high-quality goat meat, but based on our diverse population, I believe goat meat can be very successful here.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Lenters said that Old Station’s whole animal focus insulates it in large part from the meat shortages many grocery stores faced months ago. “If we were to have another pandemic, I can continue to get beef,” he said. “I’m processing it myself. I’m not dependent on big processing plants.”

Pandemic or not, Old Station Craft Meats’ dedication to providing high-quality, locally-sourced meat—and supporting local producers in the process—sets it apart. Lenters notes that customers are “paying to support the local economy, and also paying for improved land stewardship. When you support small, local producers, they want to continue to have their farm be productive, so they’re taking care of the land and the animals.”

That level of care translates to the customer experience at Old Station, as well. “We try to make it an experience for you when you come in,” said Lenters. “We really want to engage every one of our customers and help them with their selection. I want them to think, ‘Wow, I learned something today,’ or ‘I’ve got a new idea about what I want to eat or how I want to prepare it.’”

Above all, Lenters said he wants every customer to walk away satisfied. “I like the customer engagement piece of it. That’s where I find my pride—when people say they had a great experience.”

Everything Spring

March 1, 2021 by Darby Brincks

This winter has been brutal. At the time of writing, the temperature was below zero, with no immediate relief in sight. But spring will be here soon, believe it or not, and with it will come warmer temps, sunnier days and the chance to be outside once again. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space or in the market for outdoor recreation, there’s plenty to look forward to this spring!

Home Improvement
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house—it should extend to your landscaping, as well. If fall and winter were challenging for your lawn, it might be time to think about installing sod. Spring is the busiest season for sod installation, says Abby Stensland of Stensland Sod in Granger. “It’s a great time to lay sod, since the temperatures aren’t that hot and there’s more rain, which means less watering for the homeowner or builder,” she explained.

Sod is often installed for new construction, but it can also be a great option for established lawns that are in need of a little TLC. Stensland says some homeowners have particular trouble spots in their yards that can benefit from being replaced, such as areas damaged by pets or snow plows. You can even replace your entire lawn if needed. “We’ve torn out yards that have been killed for various reasons and replaced them completely,” said Stensland.

Another way to jazz up your outdoor space is to plant a garden, and you’d be in good company if you did. Tara Dudley, owner of Plant Life Designs in Van Meter, says 2020 brought a big increase in the number of first-time gardeners. “We discovered this past year gave people more time to explore the beauty and benefits of gardening,” said Dudley. “The pandemic seemed to push our clients to move forward with projects they had been thinking about in the past and had always wanted to do.”

Looking to make some basic updates to your outdoor space? Dudley recommends starting with a deep-clean of any existing flower beds and some rejuvenation pruning of woodier shrubs if necessary. (This involves cutting back the shrub by two-thirds). Once you’ve cleaned up your beds, adding in plant material, such as groundcovers, grasses or perennials, will help with weed suppression and provide color. “We also recommend expanding your bedlines to create some depth and to accentuate your house a bit more,” said Dudley. “This usually just requires a bit of sweat equity!”

Container gardens can also be a great way to add color to patio spaces and garden beds, says Dudley. “A fresh coat of mulch can also do wonders in the spring when you’ve cleaned everything up,” she added. Plus, a little planning can set you up for even greater success next spring. “Planting bulbs in the fall can ensure early spring color,” explained Dudley.

Recreation
Once you’ve put in the work on your lawn and garden, it’s time to unwind, and one way to do that is on your bike! If you dusted off your old Schwinn last summer, you’re not alone, says Dave Hammer, manager at Kyle’s Bikes in Waukee.

“We’re seeing our first bike boom of this century,” said Hammer. The store had its best spring on record in 2020. However, since most bicycles, parts and accessories are produced in Asian countries, the industry as a whole has faced shortages for months, which continues to affect inventory. Hammer cautions that the bike industry is looking at an 18-month recovery period before there will be normalcy in terms of production and availability.

If you’re thinking about doing some biking, you’ll need more than just your bike, of course. “We ask every customer that purchases a bike from us to have a quality bike helmet, and that it not be any older than five years old,” said Hammer. Other things to consider purchasing, according to Hammer, are a water bottle and cage—essential during Iowa’s hot, humid summers—and a repair kit. If you’ll be doing any night riding, you’ll want to think about lights for your bike, too. New riders should also consider bike-specific clothing. “A padded cycling short will increase your joy of biking immensely,” advised Hammer. He also recommends cycling-specific shoes for better performance.

A professional bike fitting ensures the rider’s optimum comfort and alignment in three touchpoints: the seat, the feet and the hands. Hammer even recommends a fitting for purely recreational riders. “We’re using physiology to fit people to their bikes, and sizing principles and fitting principles to make sure they’re comfortable on the bike,” he explained.

Once you’re comfortable on your bike, says Hammer, the world is yours to explore! “Cycling is one of the top three exercises that anybody can do at any age,” he explained. Biking is a great way to increase your heart health and conditioning, even for people with limited mobility. Above all, “there’s a sense of freedom a bike gives you that nothing else will. You cover so much more ground and see so much more scenery than you can walking or running,” said Hammer. “It makes you feel like a kid again!”

Whether you’re on your bike or on foot, Waukee’s community parks provide a great place to get some fresh air. This spring, residents will be able to take advantage of two additional parks: Alice Nizzi Park, located on Dellwood Drive, and Glynn Village Park and the Glynn Village Trail Amenity in the Glynn Village neighborhood. Starting this spring, both parks will be open for use, according to Matt Jermier, Waukee Parks & Recreation Director. “People are excited about it, especially after this winter,” he explained. “Two new parks will be a great thing for our community.”

This year will include the construction of Triumph Park, which will be located north of Hickman Road and east of North 10th Street. Scheduled to open in June of 2022, the 66-acre park will feature a sports complex with numerous fields and practice areas, as well as a 15,000-square-foot, EPIC Inclusive Playground, according to the Parks & Rec website. Triumph Park “will serve the community’s needs, most importantly,” says Jermier, “but it will also serve as a regional destination.”

Jermier also commented that the department’s numbers on its trails and the use of its parks indicate that both are being used safely by residents even more than in the past. “We know how important those [the parks and trails] are, not only to physical health but to mental health,” said Jermier. “We’ll have the parks and trails ready.”

Waukee Parks & Rec is currently finalizing its programming for spring/summer 2021. Registration for the majority of summer camps opens March 1, and online registration is available at waukee.org/registration. Check out some of the offerings below!

Mini Sluggers T-Ball
Mini Sluggers T-ball, sponsored by Farmers State Bank, will run for five weeks with separate leagues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Mini Sluggers gives kids the opportunity to participate in a summer T-ball league while teaching them basic fundamentals through practice and games. Foam bats and balls must be used in this league and will be provided for each team. Teams will be formed at random. Children must be 4 years old by July 1, 2021. Volunteer coaches are needed!
Dates: June 1-29 & June 3-July 1
Times 5:45 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Fee $42 (includes a t-shirt)
Ages 4-5 years old

Pickleball League
Pickleball is played on Monday evenings at the Fox Creek Park Pickleball Courts. The league has space for 16, two-person teams. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Teams may be split into competitive and recreational divisions depending on numbers.
Dates: May 3–June 14: $48.15

Introduction to Soccer
Introduction to Soccer is designed to teach kids the basics of soccer while having fun. Game play will be 4 vs. 4 with four quarters of eight minutes continuous clock with no goalie. Teams will consist of seven or eight players with plenty of playing time for each player. Children must be 4 years old by Oct. 1, 2021. Registration is open June 1-Aug. 1.
Dates: Aug. 24-Sept. 21
Time 5:45 p.m.
Fee $42 (includes a t-shirt)
Ages 4-5 years old

Home Alone Awareness
Thinking of leaving your child at home alone this summer? Make sure they are safe! This class is taught by members of the Waukee Police and Fire Departments. They will provide educational tools and safety tips to help keep your child safe and aware of dangers in and around your house. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Date: Saturday, April 24
Time: 8:30-11 a.m.
Fee $10
Grades K-5th

Kids Yoga
Move! Breathe! Stretch! Grow! Students will practice breathing, stretching and moving their bodies in mindful and playful ways as they learn basic yoga poses from a certified kids’ yoga instructor and former elementary school teacher. This class is fun for students who are new to yoga and those with experience. Students should bring a yoga mat or beach towel and a water bottle. Parents/guardians are encouraged to accompany kids ages 3-5.
Dates: Tuesdays, March 2-30; Wednesdays, March 3-31; Tuesdays, May 4-25; Wednesdays, May 5-26
Times: 10-10:45 a.m. & 4:15-5 p.m.
Fee $40
Ages: 3-10 years old

Kiddy Keys
Enroll in this virtual, four-week class to play, sing and learn! Kiddy Keys is a modern and engaging approach to teaching piano skills and music concepts. Registered participants will receive an email each week with a private, 30-minute virtual class, allowing families to participate according to their own schedules. Each class will consist of music and movement, piano play and improvisation, music theory, keyboard geography and exploration, composition and music history, color and shape recognition, life skills and character development. A keyboard/piano is not required in the program.
Dates: March 1-22, April 5-26, May 3-24
Fee $44
Ages 3-5 years old

Easter Coloring Contest
Help spread some Easter cheer to Waukee Downtown Businesses! To participate in the Easter Coloring Contest, please print a coloring sheet and entry form from Waukee.org/eastercoloringcontest or pick them up at the Parks & Recreation office. The contest will start March 1, and the last day to submit finished entries is March 26. Winners will receive an egg’cellent Easter basket filled with goodies, including a sweet treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes! Coloring pages will be displayed in Downtown Triangle Businesses.

National Kids to Parks Day
National Kids to Parks Day is Saturday, May 15! Join Waukee Parks & Rec and Waukee APEX associates on a community-wide scavenger hunt. Look for clues, and then hunt your way through Waukee. Email dedwards@Waukee.org prior to May 10 for more information.

Mixed Couples Events
Spend Friday night at Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course. This nine-hole, two-person scramble event includes greens fees, cart, range balls, appetizers, dinner and prizes.
Dates: May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20
Tee-off Time: 5:30 p.m.
Fee $70 per couple

Brews for You & Your Kin Kinship Brewing Company

January 7, 2021 by Darby Brincks

One might think a global pandemic would be just about the last time during which anyone would want to open a brewery. With restaurants and bars still operating at reduced capacity, plus masks and social distancing, an owner could be forgiven for thinking twice. But while the pandemic may have altered schedules slightly for Kinship Brewing Company—which will be open north of Hickman in Waukee by the time you read this—it hasn’t altered what owner Zach Dobeck and his team envision for their space: a place where residents can enjoy a great beer, let their dog off the leash, and build a community everyone can enjoy.

Dobeck, born and raised 45 minutes outside Atlanta, Georgia, had an interest in branding from a young age. “I grew up in a family of storytellers,” he said. “When it comes to branding, that’s what you’re doing.”

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in political science, he initially considered going to law school. Instead, he ended up at a design agency, where he received valuable experience in advertising, marketing and branding. His path eventually led to a job as a project manager in software development. By this time, he’d met his future wife, Ann, who hails from Waukee and had moved to Georgia for school, and the two had immersed themselves in the Atlanta community.

But Dobeck, who’d been brewing beer at home with his brother as a hobby and creative outlet for years, couldn’t quite get the idea of opening his own brewery out of his head. “[The idea] was in my mind for probably 12 years,” he explained. Although the company where he worked was growing, Dobeck found himself questioning whether that was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “It wasn’t enough for me,” he said.

Finally, on July 27, 2017, after years of kicking the idea around, Dobeck made a bold declaration. “I said out loud to my wife, ‘I want to do this for real. I’m tired of talking about it.’” Ann’s response became the guiding philosophy behind building Kinship Brewing: “Do it right.”

“That has been the theme of this brewery—doing it right,” said Dobeck.

After transitioning out of his job in software development, Dobeck spent time working with several brewing industry mentors in the Atlanta area, supplementing his marketing and branding experience with business acumen. He wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible as he took his brewery—originally named Roots Brewing Company—from a hobby to a business. “You have to understand the business side of it,” he said, adding that he intentionally gave himself time to let a business plan evolve.

He had been impressed by how welcomed he felt on trips to Iowa to visit his wife’s family, and the couple eventually decided to relocate here and open the brewery in Iowa. After establishing contacts at several Iowa breweries, Dobeck set about finding a location.

He initially had his eye on downtown Des Moines, but “a small part of me was like, ‘Maybe you should consider Waukee,’” he said. Having heard about undeveloped land near the Raccoon River Valley trailhead in Waukee, Dobeck drove out to see it for himself, and said, “The location just felt right.”

At the time, the property didn’t have a road to it other than the bike trail. But Sunrise Drive was being built to the north of Hickman Road, and “that was my timeline,” said Dobeck. “Once that was completed, we bought it—we closed on the land.” After that, construction was able to get underway. “Now,” said Dobeck, “if I stand where I stood that day, I can see my brewery.”

At 13,000 square feet, Kinship’s substantial building sits on just over six acres of land. Most of that space will be dedicated to production. In addition, Kinship’s spacious taproom will hold up to 250 people, and there will also be a private event space. Outside of the taproom, the outdoor beer garden will eventually have 12 tap lines of its own, in addition to the 24 inside, said Dobeck. Also outside will be a dog park where local canines can safely play while their owners imbibe nearby.

The brewery is striking not only in size, but visually. Kinship tapped a local artist to do an ancient Japanese siding technique on the building’s exterior called shou sugi ban that preserves wood by charring it with fire. This makes the wood water-resistant and gives it a distinct black color. Once inside the brewery, visitors will see a large, colorful mural on one wall, featuring an imposing black and white tiger, mouth agape. (Fun fact: The tiger’s name is Sheila.) An Atlanta artist named Greg Mike agreed to do the mural after Dobeck, who’d admired Mike’s work while still in Georgia, reached out to him on Instagram. The artist’s message of “Live life loud” resonated with Dobeck, and the same message is featured on the Kinship mural.

According to Dobeck, the nature of the tiger’s expression—she could be yawning, roaring, singing or laughing—was purposely left up to the interpretation of the viewer. That creativity, he said, “is the epitome of what Kinship represents.” Also inside the space is a paint-by-numbers mural on a large canvas on an easel. Dobeck hopes the striking visuals, inside and out, will intrigue and entice visitors. “Hopefully, you’re already sold by the time you get to the beer,” he said.

The beer, of course, is at the heart of Kinship Brewing. Each of Kinship’s beers is named for a particular person or concept. “It’s fun to play and tell a story through that,” said Dobeck. Oh Billy, an homage to one of Dobeck’s friends, is a lighter beer, at 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Dear Annie—a beer that Dobeck describes as “a love letter to my wife”—is a hazy IPA brewed with mosaic hops that comes in at 6% ABV. Off the Leash, a 4% corn lager, is designed to appeal to a broad range of palates. And Kinship’s Russian Imperial Stout, Sheriff Dobeck, is a “big, bold beer” dedicated to Dobeck’s father. In addition to Kinship’s proprietary offerings, the brewery will also offer wine, spirits and cider options from local cideries.

While the brewery’s primary emphasis is on beverages, Kinship’s food concept will lean toward smoked meats and pizza, courtesy of Des Moines’ 515 Pi and Up in Smoke food trucks, which will serve customers in the parking lot through the month of January. Kinship’s kitchen will be open after that. “We want to be able to feed the masses,” said Dobeck.

Kinship will have a series of soft openings during the week of December 26 and is aiming to open its doors to the public for the first time on January 1, 2021. Dobeck said there’s a certain symbolism to this: “It represents something about having a clean slate, a redemption year.”

He said his experience thus far with Kinship Brewing has reinforced for him that he made the right decision. “This is something I was meant to do,” he said. “I love the name Kinship. I love what it represents. It’s built on community. Kinship has already proven to me that people want to come drink beer here.”

That emphasis on community, said Dobeck, is what sets Kinship apart. “We want to be something different and change your expectation of a brewery,” he said. “We want people to walk away thinking, ‘Wow, this is something worth paying for.’ And, of course, we want you to come back!”

Apart Together

January 7, 2021 by Darby Brincks

Often, once the festive cheer from the holiday season has died down, January and February can feel a little bleak. This could be particularly true this year, as we’re all still spending more time at home in the midst of the pandemic. But staying home during this unusual winter doesn’t have to mean boredom. There are plenty of games and activities to keep even the most difficult-to-entertain family busy this season. Here are some options!

Waukee Public Library

Although the Waukee Public Library (WPL), like other metro libraries, is currently closed to the public, they are offering curbside pickup for library materials. Patrons can place holds on items online or by calling the library at 515-978-7944. When your items are ready, you’ll be notified via email, text, or phone, and you can schedule an appointment to pick up your materials.

In addition to books, the WPL is offering numerous craft and online activities for kids, teens, and adults alike. One popular activity for kids and teens, according to WPL Creative Services Librarian Leah White, is the library’s activity packs for Pre-K, Elementary, and Teen Makers. Register each month to pick up a bag of supplies to use to make various crafts and activities, designed for your child’s grade level. Kids and teens can complete the activities on their own using the provided instruction sheet, or they can save the supplies to do along with online videos featuring library staff twice each month. Recent activities have included making a straw pan flute and exploring the science of sound (elementary level) and making your own winter scene luminary in a mason jar (teen level). Patrons can pick up maker bags curbside as well!

The WPL also has various online and phone story resources through their Storytime Online and Dial-A-Story programs. Each Wednesday, the library shares a new online storytime for kids and families to enjoy, which includes a book reading, songs, and an activity to do at home. Patrons also now have the option of simply calling the Dial-A-Story phone line at 515-981-7800 at any time to hear a selection of books read aloud by library staff. New selections will be recorded each month, designed for infants through elementary-age students. Listen for as long or as little as you want! White notes that the Dial-A-Story theme for January will be winter, and February will be about feelings.

And for adults, the WPL features three different book clubs, all currently “meeting” online. Virtual Books on Tap, the Online Afternoon Book Club, and the Introvert Book Club all have Facebook groups for updates and discussion opportunities for each selection.

Smash Park Online Game Nights

COVID-19 has put a damper on most of our large social gatherings, and even just our nights out with friends. If you’re missing your weekly group trivia night, all is not lost! West Des Moines’ Smash Park offers virtual, 60-minute, private game nights, emceed by Event Manager Ashley Castellano. There are multiple game options, including Can You Draw This? (think virtual Pictionary), Jeopardy!, Trivia (with numerous theme options available, such as 90’s movies or Disney animated films), and Name That Tune!

Participants can divide into teams or play each other individually, using the Smash Park app on their phones or the web app on their computers. Castellano notes that Can You Draw This?, in particular, is a great option for folks who may not be very tech-savvy, as it requires only a Zoom link, a pencil, and paper. Participants still get all the great benefits of in-person game nights — friendly competition, laughs, and of course, heckling — with zero contact.

At only $9 per participant per session, Smash Park’s online game nights are a cost-effective option, too. Plus, all sessions come with a free, recorded copy of your event — always good for laughs later! Castellano says she’s hosted everything from corporate game nights, to Friendsgiving celebrations, to neighborhood block parties, to a moms’ night in. The top three individuals or teams take home Smash Park gift cards. Smash Park also offers 15% off a curbside carry-out food and beverage order with your session. So if you’re looking for a fun way to bring family or friends together virtually, this could be it!

Online Games

Another great way to bring family and friends together, even if you live far apart, is through online board games. Jackbox Games is a great place to start, according to Waukee resident and online game enthusiast Joe Ross, as the site offers a variety of word and trivia games. “One person needs to buy the game,” notes Ross, “but then can share their screen to others, who can play on their phones to answer the questions.”

Among Us is a popular game, designed for 3-10 people, which can be played online or through your phone. Players attempt to repair a spaceship, but be careful, warns Ross, as “some of your friends are not on your side and are trying to eliminate the good crewmates.” If you can catch them, however, you can vote them out — if you can convince the rest of the crew!

Ross notes that Code Names and Welcome To are great options that require little setup to play online. In Code Names, two teams (4-12+ people) compete in a word game that makes participants come up with ways of linking different words together. “There are a lot of different versions of this game, and many of them are great for kids or adults,” says Ross. In Welcome To, one of Ross’ personal favorites, “each of you tries to build a 50’s style neighborhood, complete with fences and pools.”

One game that many people have heard of already is Dungeons and Dragons, a roleplaying game which has become very popular over the last couple of years, due in part to shows like Stranger Things. Three to six players is the recommended group size, but Ross notes that any number of people can play. All you really need to run a game, says Ross, is a set of dice or a dice-rolling app. “Roll20.com is one free option that can help make playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons much easier,” he says.

Ross also notes that the Tabletop Simulator can be a great option to incorporate, as it essentially creates a virtual game board, including game components, for “just about any board game or card game there is.” Each participant does need to have their own computer, which isn’t always possible. But if it is, it can come in handy for virtually any online game night.

So if you and your family have been staring down the barrel of the next few months with nothing to do, don’t worry! With numerous library programs and offerings, plus more online board game (and game night) options than ever before, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained this winter!

Holiday Happenings 2020 : Kellyn Pappas

November 24, 2020 by Darby Brincks

It’s hard to believe, but the 2020 holiday season is fast approaching, in what has been a year of social distancing, masking and more uncertainty than most of us have likely ever experienced. Like everything else this year, the holiday season—and many of the traditional holiday events that come with it—will look a little different, and unfortunately, some events won’t be held this year at all. Just because we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, however, doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty to do in the metro over the holidays. Check out the list below and start planning your family holiday outings!

WinterFest on Wheels
Date: Friday, Dec. 4
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Location: Waukee Public Works Building, 805 University Ave., Waukee

The City of Waukee’s free, annual WinterFest celebration, normally held in Waukee’s historic Downtown Triangle, will go mobile in 2020. “We’re including many of the activities that families love during WinterFest, but they’ll look a little different this year,” said Danae Edwards, Waukee Parks & Recreation Supervisor. Families will drive through the Parks & Recreation bay at the Waukee Public Works building and receive treats and goodies from Santa Claus and his helpers. Participants won’t even need to leave their cars!

Attendees will also have the chance to watch the holiday tree lighting via Facebook Live and watch the ice sculptor hard at work on his beautiful masterpieces at the Public Works building. Charter Bank and Waukee Parks & Recreation will sponsor the giveaway of more than 700 books to children up through ten years old at the event.

WinterFest participants can also participate in a community-wide holiday light competition! Waukee homeowners will be able to enter their decorated residences into the competition, and participants will have the chance to drive around town and view houses on their own personal holiday light tour before voting.

Despite the alternative format, there will still be an opportunity to give back to the community during WinterFest, as always. Bring non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys to donate when you drive through. These items will be distributed to those in need throughout the community.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) Curbside
Date: Virtual Market open Nov. 9 – 22; Curbside pickup Dec. 3 – 6
Time: Dec. 3: 5 pm – 8 pm
Dec. 4: 11 am – 8 pm
Dec. 5: 9 am – 6 pm
Dec. 6: 12 pm – 5 pm
Location: Principal Park, Des Moines (curbside pickup)

Due to the pandemic, the Des Moines European Heritage Association made the decision over the summer to take the popular Christkindlmarket, a German-inspired Christmas market, virtual this year. In a typical year, the open-air market features regional vendors selling handcrafted wares and European foods and beverages from traditional wooden stalls. This year’s event will feature an online marketplace instead, which will open Nov. 9 and can be accessed through a link on the CDM website. Customers can purchase their favorite handcrafted items—such as hand-blown glass ornaments, nutcrackers and steins—through 29 vendor stores in the marketplace. After making their purchases, customers can choose from four drive-thru pickup times Dec. 3 – 6, when they can stop by Principal Park and pick up their purchases.

While it’s difficult to replace the festive, in-person atmosphere of the traditional Christkindlmarket, Director Suzanne Hull notes that this year’s virtual market will feature 30 percent new vendors and says the ultimate goal of the event remains the same. “[Our] goal is to provide holiday cheer to central Iowans and support our long-standing vendors,” she explained.

Festival of Trees and Lights
Date / Time: To be determined

This popular annual event—the largest annual fundraiser for Blank Children’s Hospital and an event that has become the traditional kickoff to the holiday season—typically attracts more than 20,000 visitors during its five-day run. This year’s Festival will take place virtually, according to Dr. Steve Stephenson, president and COO of Blank Children’s Hospital. “Festival may look different, but we are working hard to ensure it will continue to be a family-friendly, full of fun way for our community to support Blank Children’s Hospital and kick off the holiday season,” said Stephenson in a statement on UnityPoint Health’s website.

According to the statement, organizers are currently exploring a Festival app, which could be downloaded for a small fee that would support the hospital. The app would include a variety of fun family activities, and of course, lots of the Festival’s signature beautifully decorated trees. More information will be provided as plans develop and the date gets closer.

Jingle in the Junction
Dates: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17
Time: 5 – 9 pm each evening
Location: 5^th Street, West Des Moines

Visit Historic Valley Junction beginning Thursday, Nov. 19, for Jingle in the Junction! Take a free, horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Valley Junction, which will twinkle with over 150,000 lights. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, take in balloon art by Professor Von Air, and check out the ice carvings by Bill Gordish! Visitors should socially distance and wear masks as appropriate.

Jolly Holiday Lights
Date: Nov. 27 – Dec. 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Time: 5:30 – 10 pm each day
Location: Adventureland Park, Altoona

Entering its 25th year as Make-A-Wish Iowa’s largest fundraising event, Jolly Holiday Lights will once again delight families at Adventureland Park in 2020. Beginning Nov. 27, families can drive through Iowa’s largest lighting display, with more than 100 light displays over 2.5 miles. Tickets are $20 per car, or $40 if you’re planning to bring a limo or minibus, and customers can save $5 by purchasing their tickets by Nov. 25. Weekends are generally much busier than weekdays, so plan accordingly!

Living History Farms Family Christmas
Date: Dec. 5
Time: 12 – 4 pm
Location: Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd., Urbandale

Visit Living History Farms for a day of festive holiday traditions! Families can participate in the holiday traditions of a Victorian Midwestern family in the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill. Enjoy music, dancing and cookie decorating, and do a little shopping in the MarketPlace Museum Store while you’re at it! Visitors will be required to wear masks, socially distance and follow the prescribed one-way paths for foot traffic on-site.

Living History Farms will also be collecting new, unused winter weather gear, such as hats, mittens and coats, to support Youth Emergency Services & Shelter. Visitors can drop off their donations at the Visitor Center during the event.

Salisbury House Virtual Holiday Tea at the Castle
Date: Dec. 12
Time: 10 am – 1 pm (pickup of tea kits); 1 – 3 pm (virtual holiday tea)
Location: Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines (for pickup of tea kits); The tea itself will be virtual

Des Moines’ Salisbury House offers visitors the chance to enjoy a proper English afternoon tea from the comfort of their own homes! Customers can visit Salisbury House’s website to purchase a ticket for $40 ($36 if you’re a member), which will entitle them to receive a tea kit with all the trimmings, including two types of tea, finger sandwiches, tea cookies and more! Ticket holders will be emailed a private website link ahead of the event. On Dec. 12, between 10 am – 1 pm, ticket holders can pick up their tea kits at the north door of Salisbury House. They can then use the website link to log on from 1 – 3pm to view the tea at the castle programming while enjoying their tea and goodies at home! Ticket sales close Nov. 27, so make sure to snag yours before they’re gone!