June 5, 2008
So the kids have been out of school for all of about five minutes and they’re bored. You’ll find fun for everyone at the 2008 Iowa Arts Festival in downtown Iowa City from June 6-8.
More than 115 local and regional artists will be exhibiting and selling their works. The juried show features 30 new artists this year. From the traditional to the unusual, they’ll all be here. You can even watch art being created! Artist booths are open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Bring an appetite for food and music. Food vendors will satisfy your taste buds and top-notch entertainment will fill your soul. Music gets under way Thursday evening with Boomer Bash hosted by the Senior Center. Catch a variety of acts from Friday evening through the close of the festival on Sunday.
Kids can get in the act, too. Sunday is Children’s Day at the Iowa Arts Festival! Produced by the Iowa City Public Library, Children’s Day offers free hand’s on activities for the younger set. It’s also a great time to register for ICPL’s Summer Reading Program! Activities will take place from noon – 4 p.m. on the pedestrian mall near the Library (located at Linn and College Streets). In case of rain, activities will be held in the Library.
Visit the website for a complete schedule. Bring the whole family to the 2008 Iowa Arts Festival for a great time!
posted by: danaengelbert
May 18, 2008
We’re not Napa Valley, but that doesn’t mean Eastern Iowa isn’t home to a number of amazing wineries. I’ve had the pleasure of sampling a few and The Gazette recently unveiled a special section “A Toast to Eastern Iowa’s Wineries” which has helped me update my ever-growing list of new wineries I’d like to try.
Daly Creek Winery and Bistro - 106 N. Ford St. Anamosa, IA
I was originally enamored by this winery when I heard stories of their fabled “Penitentiary Red” - their best selling wine which is named after the prison that also makes Anamosa its home. After a taste test and a wonderful New Years Eve meal, I’ve decided my favorite is the Winemaker’s Reserve - (Cabernet Sauvignon) and I recommend buying a bottle to take home with you.
Keep reading →
May 17, 2008
Hundreds packed Marion Square Park to see vendors from throughout the Midwest. From jewelry to paintings and ceramics, there was something for everyone - including some amazing kettle corn to enjoy why you shopped. We had the opportunity to spend a couple hours at the Marion Arts Festival today, as well as visiting a few shops in downtown Marion.
I thought I’d share some pictures.
For more pics please visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26661191@N04/?saved=1
posted by: heatherjoy77
May 16, 2008
May on Mays Island, one of the many fun Year of the River events, is slated to take place this weekend.
Prepare yourself for the invasion of the Hawaiian shirts in downtown Cedar Rapids this weekend as hundreds are expected to participate in the Year of the River event May on Mays Island.
Join Parrotheads (official and unofficial!) from around the Corridor Saturday, May 17th from 5 pm - 8 pm as they join to celebrate summer Jimmy Buffet style. The Cedar Island Band will perform and costume contests will be held.
Tickets are $7 at the gate and you must be 21 to enter. To learn more contact the Cedar Rapids Downtown District.
Isle of Iowa
If you get a taste for the island life after Saturday’s event and want to learn more about embracing the island lifestyle you might want to consider joining The Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club. With more than 200 members the club holds monthly meetings and is always looking for an excuse to celebrate!
Looking for more to do on Mays?
Well, you won’t have to look far! Lunch on Mays Island will take place May 23rd at noon and will feature beef burgers, chips and drinks.
Posted by: heatherjoy77
May 13, 2008
Summertime and baseball go hand-in-hand. And the Cedar Rapids Kernels know how to make it fun for the whole family. With tickets just $6 to $9, it’s also inexpensively to take in a game.
While the game is enough entertainment for most adults, those of the younger set get a little restless staying put for nine innings. A play area featuring a jumping pit, a batting cage, an inflatable version of skee-ball, and more,. is located on the concourse down the third-base line. For just $1, kids can use up extra energy jumping, playing and doing all the squirmy things kids do.
And of course, you won’t want to miss the ballpark food. Dale and Thomas Popcorn Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Kernels, features some pretty good baseball grub. Belly-Buster Mondays offer a great opportunity to sample all the traditional eats. For just $7 (and the price of admission), you’ll be able to enjoy all of the hamburgers, hot dogs, peanuts and chips you care to eat.
The team also hosts several special events throughout the season, including fireworks nights throughout the summer. Take yourself out to the ol’ ballgame … and have a great time!
posted by: danaengelbert
