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You are here: Home / Archives for summer in waukee

Community Summer Festivals In Waukee

July 11, 2018 by Elyssa_ Appleton

While many local residents look forward to Waukee’s summer festivals and events, most are likely unaware of the extensive preparation that goes into each event throughout the preceding year.

Lead organizers from several of the area’s staple summer activities discussed with us the behind-the-scenes work necessary to pull off the fun-filled and well-attended events.

If you happen to run into one of the local volunteers or city employees who help make these events possible, be sure to express your appreciation. These activities contribute to Waukee’s quality of life, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Iowa.

Celebrate Waukee (June 2)

Held in Centennial Park, this annual event officially kicks off the summer season, bringing people together to celebrate the town, schools and local businesses. The daylong celebration includes festivities like a pancake breakfast, 5K run, face painting and inflatables, and ends with evening fireworks.

Celebrate Waukee was originally called Waukee Fest. The Waukee Leadership Institute’s class of 2015 decided to rebrand and restructure the event with the help of the city and others in the community. Their first run at the celebration was held during the summer of 2016.

The following year, Waukee Community Festivals — a 501(c)3 non-profit group — took on Celebrate Waukee in hopes of growing the event and putting the profits back into the community.

While the nonprofit’s board of five now does most of the planning, Jerry Slaughter, the Waukee Community Festivals Committee chair, said it takes nearly 60 people to help make the event run smoothly.

Their checklist includes requesting sponsorships, looking for musical acts and acquiring a permit and/or license for the beer garden and fireworks. The board starts making arrangements in September or October of the year before the event.

Slaughter would like to see Celebrate Waukee evolve in a way that embraces the city’s growing, diverse community.

“Having more people of different ethnicities in town presents an opportunity to welcome and learn about different cultures,” he said. “We would like to find more ways to bring people together and get to know one another in an entertaining atmosphere.”

Waukee Arts Festival (July 14)

The Waukee Arts Festival might not be what it is today if Cody Kilgore, president of the Waukee Area Arts Council, hadn’t been told he couldn’t do it.

“I really dislike being told I can’t do something. That became a ‘hold my beer’ moment for me, and we were off and running,” he said.

The idea for the festival came together when fundraising efforts for the Waukee Area Arts Council started to suffer.

“We were looking at creating an event that would have a large impact and raise funds for the organization,” said Kilgore. “It was kicked around in several board meetings for a while. Everyone thought it was a great idea, but we also knew it was going to be a huge project and we didn’t know where to start.”

During its first year, the Waukee Arts Festival showcased 23 artists on a Sunday afternoon. “I spent about three months nearly begging artists to join and arranging the food, music and other vendors and courting sponsors,” said Kilgore.

Preparing for the arts festival continues to be a large undertaking. Kilgore said that he and the board of directors never really stop planning for it.

“It’s like putting together a puzzle,” he explained. “A lot of time is spent building the artist base, finding the musicians to play, and arranging the concert band and sound production. Then we look at food. We want it to be unique. Once those pieces are in place, we fill in the details of support logistics, like recycling and refuse systems, extra restrooms, tents, golf carts for shuttles, signage, parking, mapping out artist spaces, civic organizations we want to invite to exhibit and support, and promoting the event.”

Kilgore said they’re already planning for 2019 concert acts, too. “We’re working with bands that require booking far in advance,” he said. “We’re also looking at working with another organization that will improve our recruitment of artists from across the Midwest and the country. So, we may begin accepting applications for the 2019 festival as early as a week or two after the 2018 event is over.”

Waukee Fourth of July (July 4)

Danae Edwards, recreation supervisor for the city of Waukee, has seen Fourth of July attendance grow as more people move to the western suburbs. Because of the newcomers, the Parks and Recreation board is always looking for ways to make the event more attractive. Next year, that includes the addition of a carnival, which will replace inflatable activities. They also pushed the start of the parade back to 3 p.m. so little ones can have their nap time before lining the streets.

Danae said planning for the event begins in early January, and it takes a village to coordinate the fireworks display at the end of the night. The Fourth of July team consists of several full-time staff members, a special-events team with about two people from Parks and Recreation, police, fire, city administration, marketing and communications and public works, as well as nine board members and about five part-time staff and volunteers.
Organizing the event begins with coordinating logistics at the start of the day, from lining up parade participants to navigating road closures and ensuring police are situated at each intersection on the route. Next is planning for all the vendors to set up in Centennial Park, along with the inflatables, a band, the stage, and the grand finale—the fireworks.
Edwards said the event is meaningful to her because “it’s a great way for the city of Waukee to give residents an event to create traditions and memories.”

Waukee Farmer’s Market (Every Wednesday from June 6 through Sept. 26; 4-7 p.m.)

Des Moines’ downtown farmer’s market is one of the best in the country. But if residents don’t want to make the drive and/or maneuver the crowded streets, they can still scoop up some locally grown produce in Waukee’s farmer’s market in the downtown triangle.

The family-friendly market is managed by local businesses that take turns overseeing the event week-to-week. Planning typically begins at the beginning of the year and involves contacting vendors to participate, scheduling live music, and working with the Parks and Recreation department on street closings.

To participate in the market, vendors are required to grow at least 51 percent of their produce. In addition to fresh veggies, residents can find floral arrangements, baked goods, specialty items, crafts, prepared food and various other items. Attending the Waukee Farmer’s Market is a great way to check out some of the area’s mom-and-pop shops, too.

Lyn Schafer, owner of Classic Floral Design in Waukee, said she hopes the farmer’s market continues to cultivate an atmosphere in which local families can enjoy themselves.

Filed Under: Activities, Family, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, Waukee Tagged With: summer festivals, summer in waukee

Your Guide To Summertime In Waukee

May 10, 2018 by admin

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 the City 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 Program

Registration Starts May 1

waukeepublicibrary.org

“Rock & Read” at the Waukee Public Library this summer!  Children of all ages, teens and adults can read or listen to books and earn prizes from June 1-July 31.  This year’s theme is focused on music, though you don’t have to be musically gifted to participate. There will be many fun programs and events held throughout June and July; be sure to check the library website for events that require registration.  These activities are made possible with generous support from mi-fiber, LLC.

Movies in the Park

Friday, June 2 and Friday, July 21

Waukee.org/moviesinthepark

Join Waukee Parks & Recreation for free screenings of Hollywood’s biggest hits under the stars at Centennial Park!  Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.

Friday, June 1 – Turbo (PG)

Dusk (Approximately 8:45 p.m.)

A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.  PLUS – join Iowa State University as they present the Insect Zoo in conjunction with the movie from 2:30-4 p.m. and also from 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Friday, August 10 – The Greatest Showman (PG)

Dusk (Approximately 8:45 p.m.)

See the original movie musical inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, starring Hugh Jackman.

Celebrate Waukee

Saturday, June 2

celebratewaukee.com  

The Waukee Community Festivals Committee is gearing up for Celebrate Waukee!  Saturday morning festivities begin with the Waukee Club of Rotary’s Pancake Breakfast and a 5K run.  Activities continue at Centennial Park where attendees will find a wide range of activities for all ages, including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, inflatables, food, drinks, live music from bands Dick Danger and 5 Below, fireworks at dusk and more!

Waukee Downtown Farmers Market

Wednesdays from June 6-September 26; 4-7 p.m.

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.

BACooN Sizzles Waukee             

Friday, June 15

Waukee.org/bacoonsizzles

The Waukee Community Festivals Committee invites bacon lovers to unite! BACooN Sizzles Waukee is the pre-party and community event held at Centennial Park the night before BACooN Ride 5: Ride for the Cured!  Residents, friends, bacon enthusiasts—everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious bacon delicacies from vendors, a beverage garden and live music from Pie in the Sky.

Fourth of July Celebration

Tuesday, July 4; 3-10 p.m.

Waukee.org/fourthofjuly

Each year, Waukee Parks & Recreation hosts an all-day celebration of our nation’s independence.  Activities start at 3 p.m. with a parade from Triangle Park to Centennial Park. After the parade, bring your friends and family to Centennial Park for inflatables, live music from the band Mud Dogs at 5 p.m., food vendors and a great fireworks show after dusk (usually beginning shortly after 9 p.m.).  Note: The Boys Scouts will also host their annual Fourth of July Fun Run at 8 a.m.

Waukee Arts Festival

July 13 & 14

waukeeartsfestival.org

Sponsored by Stivers Ford Lincoln and held at Centennial Park, the Waukee Area Arts Council’s annual event will kick off on Friday evening this year with a free concert by The Nadas from 6-9 p.m.!  On Saturday, enjoy 90+ artists and exhibitors, a Waukee student art exhibit, food truck vendors, kids’ activities, a beverage garden and live music. Artist booths will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays in Centennial

Saturdays in July from 6:30-8 p.m.

waukeearts.org

Join the Waukee Area Arts Council for these free concerts held in Centennial Park:

Saturday, July 21 – The DM Project (Singer/songwriter)

Saturday, July 28 – The Host Country (Fusion of folk, rock and blues)

These concerts are sponsored by Stivers Ford Lincoln and the Waukee Public Library.

Waukee Public Safety Day

Tuesday, August 7; 5-8 p.m.

Waukee.org/publicsafetyday

The Waukee Police and Fire Departments will join forces again for Waukee’s Public Safety Day.  The popular annual event will feature activities and demonstrations including tours of the Waukee Public Safety Building, the chance for kids to use a fire hose, the opportunity to try Fatal Vision Goggles (which simulate what impaired driving feels like), and a child ID station.  Meet members of the departments and feast on grilled food and ice cream.

The Waukee Ten

Saturday, Sept. 15; 7 a.m.

waukeeten.com

Just Go Faster welcomes runners to take a 10-mile run through Waukee in the Second Annual Waukee Ten!  The race route boasts 10 beautiful miles of fast flats, challenging climbs, cheering neighbors and a triumphant finish at the Waukee Stadium.  If you are preparing for a half-marathon distance, there’s no better test of your fitness than this race! This event is open to anyone, and it will offer a 5K route, as well.  

Do you have an event you’d like to submit to the “Summertime in Waukee” calendar? Visit Waukee.org/summertime for more information.

Filed Under: Activities, City of Waukee, Guide To Waukee, Waukee Tagged With: city of waukee, summer in waukee, summertime

Disc Golf Is Alive At Waukee Centennial Park

April 25, 2018 by admin

The spring is in full effect and it’s almost summer! That means the weather is getting warm with sunny, hot vibrant energy! The Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee has so much to offer and surely is a place you don’t want to miss. Make sure to grab your friends, bring your discs and stop by for some disc golf. In this featured video above, you will see Thomas Wiggins and his friend TJ Hendricks doing what they love to do and discin’ it up! The park contains its city’s popular 9 hole course located on the east side. Tee boxes are the round markings and the baskets are indicated by the arrows. The Waukee Centennial Park is located on the corner of Ashworth Dr. & SE Universite Ave across from the Waukee High School. This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors! The park has an amazing atmosphere where you may enjoy picnics, kids playgrounds, sandboxes, music festivals, family events, baseball, other sports and so much more. Don’t waste your time sitting at home and wishing you could be out doing awesome things. Get out with your friends and family to Waukee Centennial Park for some outdoor fun!

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Filed Under: Activities, Art & Scenery, City of Waukee, Family, Guide To Waukee, Iowa, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, PinPoints of Interest, School District, Sports, Waukee, Waukee Area Chamber Of Commerce, Waukee Chamber, Waukee History Tagged With: 2018, 2018 Activities, 2018 Centennial Park, 2018 Golf, 2018 myWaukee videos, 2018 myWaukee YouTube, 2018 Waukee Disc Golf, Best of Disc Golf, city of waukee, City of Waukee 2018, Disc Golf, entertainment, events, faces of waukee, Family, Great City of Waukee, indoor activities, iowa, local attractions, local events for adults, local events for kids, myWaukee, myWaukee Magazine, Outdoors, summer in waukee, Waukee Area Chamber Of Commerce, Waukee Chamber, waukee city council, Waukee Iowa, Waukee Sports

Little Warriors Came Out Full Force During 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt

April 15, 2018 by admin

On Saturday, March 31, 2018, many families gathered at the Waukee Centennial Park for this year’s ultimate Easter Egg Hunt. It was one of those chilly spring mornings that most of us who were there, will remember forever. Those that didn’t dress in full winter outfits really felt the icy breeze that day. And all I remember thinking was, “but isn’t it spring already?” The mystery behind the seasons baffles me to this day. With the uncontrollable winds hitting us from all directions, we couldn’t feel our cheeks. Some of us couldn’t feel our hands. The children on the other hand were on a mission and the weather could not get to them. It’s like if they were surrounded by their own energy and filled with adrenaline from pure excitement.  Even though it was a freezing morning, it did not stop these little warriors from seeing the Easter Bunny at Centennial Park for the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt. Watch (In the video above) those little smiles fill with happiness as they make their adventures into their young lives!

MyWaukee Magazine had a great time visiting the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt at the Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee!

Watch the video above to see some of the best moments we captured. We had the pleasure of taking some pictures as well that we are happy to share with you.

The parents battled through the cold to make sure their kids got to see the Easter Bunny.

With arms wide open, the Easter Bunny was very kind and every child absolutely loved their time spent seeing him.

Another photo of parents with their kids on a hunt to find the Easter Eggs.

Hugs from the Easter Bunny.

 

Parents and children patiently waiting in line to see the Easter Bunny.

A true basket of happiness for kids of all ages.

“Don’t mind us, we are here to see the Easter Bunny.”

Everybody loves our Waukee Fire Engines and Fire Trucks.

The Waukee Fire Fighters showing their full appreciation and support during the 2018 Waukee Easter Hunt.

For more great stories, videos, and local entertainment:

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Filed Under: City of Waukee, Faces of Waukee, Family, Guide To Waukee, Lifestyles, My City, Outdoors, Waukee, Waukee Chamber Tagged With: 2018, 2018 Centennial Park, 2018 Easter, 2018 Waukee Easter, 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt, city of waukee, City of Waukee 2018, Easter, entertainment, events, faces of waukee, Family, Great City of Waukee, indoor activities, iowa, local attractions, local events for adults, local events for kids, Outdoors, summer in waukee, Waukee Chamber, waukee city council, Waukee Easter, Waukee Iowa

Guide To Splash Pads, Spray Grounds and Fountains

June 29, 2017 by admin

Summer is officially here and the temps are rising! If you are looking for a fun way to cool-off or need a way for the kids to burn-off energy, check out one of the MANY local splash pads, spray grounds or fountains found right here in the Waukee / West Des Moines area!

Splash Pads

Urbandale Aquatic Playground
7201 Aurora Avenue
Open from May 30 to August 9th
Hours: Daily from 1 to 4 p.m.; Evenings Monday through Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Ashby Park Splash Pad
3200 38th Street
Open from May 27 to August 22
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Spray Grounds

West Des Moines

American Legion Park
301 Vine Street
Opens Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Raccoon River Park
2500 Grand Avenue
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Des Moines

Good Park
1103 17th Street
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Greenwood Park
4500 Grand Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Woodlawn Park
3126 Twana Drive
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Fountains

Evelyn K. Davis Park
1400 Forest Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sargent Park 
3530 E Douglas Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where is your favorite local spot to splash and cool-off?

Filed Under: Lifestyles, My City, Uncategorized Tagged With: local attractions, splash pads, summer in waukee, water fountains

www.mercydesmoines.org

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