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June 26 - July 2, 2026

 
 
Better. Stronger. Faster.
 

If you watched television in the 1970s, the three words in the headline of this column probably bring to mind a man sprinting in a red tracksuit. And no, it was not Santa Claus. It was Col. Steve Austin from “The Six Million Dollar Man.”

The ABC series aired from 1973 to 1978 and blended science fiction with fantasy. Austin, a former astronaut, was nearly killed in a NASA test-flight crash. Thanks to bionic implants, he emerged with superhuman strength, speed and vision. Better. Stronger. Faster. Naturally, the government put him to work as a secret agent.

As kids, we wanted to be Steve Austin. We leaped off picnic tables, jumped across ditches and attempted feats of strength that usually ended with scraped knees and parental lectures. In our minds, we were bionic. In reality, we were one bad landing away from a trip to the emergency room.

I owned the Steve Austin toy that Kenner introduced in 1975. Let’s be clear: It was not a doll. It was a 16-inch action figure, complete with a red tracksuit, T-shirt, socks, underwear and an engine block. Yes, an engine block.

The figure featured a telescopic eye that was supposed to simulate bionic vision. It didn’t. You could also push a button on its back and watch Steve Austin lift objects weighing up to 2 pounds. The toy even made bionic sounds, or at least what 1970s engineers thought bionic sounds should be.

The coolest feature was a rubber skin sleeve that rolled up to reveal the bionic parts. Nothing in my toy collection came close — at least until the arms and legs snapped off. At that point, even Oscar Goldman couldn’t save my Steve Austin. I tried anyway, using Elmer’s Glue, duct tape and the Bionic Transport and Repair Station, which conveniently doubled as a rocket. Yes, I had that, too. There were advantages to having a mother who worked at a toy store.

The man behind Steve Austin, actor Lee Majors, was a star in his own right. Being married to Farrah Fawcett of “Charlie’s Angels” fame certainly didn’t hurt his popularity.

More than 50 years later, the premise of “The Six Million Dollar Man” no longer seems so far-fetched. People receive artificial hips, knees, shoulders, heart valves, pacemakers and cochlear implants. Technology continues to blur the line between human and machine. We may not be leaping over buildings or lifting engine blocks anytime soon, but every year we get a little closer to the future that Steve Austin promised. And if my knees keep aging at their current pace, I will gladly settle for better. Maybe stronger. Definitely faster.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

 
 
Four Seasons Festival this weekend
 

When the Four Seasons Festival rolls around, it brings the Polk City community together for a weekend of entertainment and hometown pride. Whether you have lived in town for 20 years or just moved here last year, the festival has become an annual tradition for many residents.

That makes this year’s event, set for June 26-27, especially exciting. For the first time, Polk City Parks and Recreation has taken over leadership of the festival after being passed the torch from the Polk City Area Chamber of Commerce. While the organization behind the event may be changing, the goal remains the same: creating a celebration that brings the entire community together.

Several favorite traditions will return this year, including the Bill Riley Talent Search, the community parade and live music to close out Saturday night’s festivities. One of the biggest changes this year is the transition away from a traditional biergarten. Instead, businesses surrounding the town square will be able to extend their services into the festival area.

Another new addition is a Movie in the Park on Friday evening following the night’s live performance. This year’s featured film is “Cars,” offering a family-friendly way to kick off the weekend.

Three bands are scheduled to perform at the festival. Jesse and the Medicine Men will take the stage Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oreo Meatwagon will perform beginning at 4 p.m., followed by Standing Hampton at 7:30 p.m. The parade will take place Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The Bill Riley Talent Search will follow at noon on the main stage in Town Square. Throughout the day, vendors will sell baked goods, homemade crafts and more. The Vendor Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the square. Another highlight of this year’s festival is the Four Seasons Festival 2K/5K/8K, which raises funds to help enhance, grow and maintain Polk City’s parks, trails and green spaces. After the race, participants can enjoy breakfast on the square hosted by the Sons of the Legion.

Read the entire story in the June North Polk Living at www.iowalivingmagazines.com.

 

Let’s Celebrate - Vacation Bible School 2026

Registration is open for children ages 4 to incoming fifth graders for four evenings of fun with music, games, stories and celebration. Sunday, June 28 to Wednesday, July 1, 6-8 p.m. at the Polk City United Methodist Church, 1421 W. Broadway St., Polk City. Sign up at https://polkcityumc.breezechms.com/form/4b64f560573583.

 

Elkhart citywide garage sale

Elkhart is having a citywide garage sale on July 25. Enjoy an opportunity to visit multiple sales on the same day.

 

The Endless Variety of Quilts

Celebrate an eclectic array of quilts reaching back to our grandmothers and forward to now —  from 4-8 p.m. on June 25; 6-8 p.m. on June 26; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 27 — at the Big Creek Schoolhouse Museum, 116 S. Third St., Polk City. Direct questions to info@polkcityhistory.org.

 

Ice cream at the July 4 Celebration in Slater

The Sheldahl and Slater United Methodist Churches will be selling soft serve ice cream at the July 4 celebration in Nelson Park, 305 Benton St., Slater, on Saturday, July 4. Serving will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue until sold out.  Find them south of the grandstand.

 
 

Polk City Public Library news

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119   |   www.polkcitylibrary.org

Announcements

The library will close at noon Friday, June 26, and remain closed Saturday, June 27. Visit the library at the Four Seasons Festival.

2026 Summer Reading Program

The last day to log reading is Thursday, July 31. Enter tickets for prizes by Saturday, Aug. 8. Grand prize winners will be announced Monday, Aug. 10. Prizes must be claimed by Aug. 31.
Holiday closure: The library will be closed Friday, July 3, and will remain closed through the July 4 weekend.

Activities

  • Four Seasons Festival. Saturday, June 27. The library will be closed. Look for the library in the parade and join Bingo at City Hall afterward.
  • Movie Mondays, July 6, 13 and 20, 10 a.m. Each Monday, a family-friendly movie will be shown in the library’s multipurpose room. July 6: “Zootopia 2”; July 13: “The Croods”; July 20: “Aladdin.”
  • Tiny Tot Storytime (ages 5 and younger), July 7, 14 and 21, 10 a.m. Enjoy a storytime designed for young listeners with books, songs and movement activities. The program concludes with bubbles. This 20-minute session helps build early literacy skills.
  • Tuesday Playdate, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Stay after storytime or drop in for a relaxed, creative play session with simple art and sensory activities.
    Comets Kids Club (K–5th grade), Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. Hands-on arts and crafts activities. Registration opens the Wednesday prior. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. July 8: Mummies; July 15: Grammatology; July 23: Geology.
  • Thursday Summer Performers Series: July 9, 10 a.m., Luana Bank Community Room (north entrance). Robison Reptiles presents a hands-on reptile experience. Sponsored by Polk City Veterinary Hospital. July 16, 10 a.m., Luana Bank Community Room (north entrance). A Mesozoic Adventure with Professor Wobblebottom, featuring interactive dinosaur-themed learning. July 23, 6 p.m., city lot south of City Hall. Absolute Science Mega Foam Blaster. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Goggles, a towel and water-safe shoes recommended.
  • “Hamilton” Movie Watch, July 2, 2 p.m. Screening of “Hamilton.” Rated PG-13. Ages 14 and older or with a guardian.
  • Adult Crafternoon, July 7, 2 p.m. Make essential oil-based bug repellent and linen sprays. Ages 17 and older. Registration required.
 

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

  • Family Fun Night: Friday, June 26, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Gather your friends and family together for a low-cost night of fun. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (age 4 and older) and archery (10 and older), playing a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoying time outdoors, or indoors, by the fire making s’mores. Light snacks will be provided. Pay cash (preferred) or card at the door for this open-house style event. All ages welcome.
  • Full Moon Insect Hike: Monday, June 29, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville. Meet at the pond parking lot. What do insects do once it’s dark? Join a naturalist on a guided evening hike around Thomas Mitchell Park and look for insects and signs of other animals under the light of the full moon. All ages welcome.
  • Prairie Stomp at Sleepy Hollow: Thursday, July 2, 6-8 p.m., Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. Join the 2026 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series. Each month through August, a local Iowa band will kick off the evening with live music at the Jester Park Nature Center, Easter Lake Event Center or Sleepy Hollow. Picket Fence Creamery ice cream will be onsite for purchase. The Easter Lake Event Center and Sleepy Hollow locations will also have their standard concessions available for purchase. Music begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own blankets, camp chairs, your friends and family and enjoy a summer evening.
  • July Summer Skills: Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities which can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign-up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Registration required by two days prior to the class. Classes are: July 7 Paddling, July 9 Fishing, July 14 Air Rifle, July 16 Geocaching, July 21 Archery, July 23 Outdoor Survival.
  • Nature Hike at Thomas Mitchell: Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot, Tuesday, July 7, 2-3:30 p.m. Lace up your boots and let’s take a hike. Join a naturalist for a leisurely stroll through this historic park. Learn about flora, fauna, history and more. Bring a filled water bottle and wear some sturdy shoes. The hike is about 1.5 miles on a soft surface trail, with a few hills, and will take about 1.5 hours including  several stops along the way. Free, all ages welcome.
 
 

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Music In The Garden
Thursdays, through Aug. 20, doors open at 6 p.m., concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Music in the Garden is one of Des Moines' premier outdoor concert series, offering a truly unique atmosphere. Set within the naturally beautiful surroundings of the Garden, each evening blends live music, nature and community into an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax, get up and dance, or simply soak in the scenery, you'll enjoy great music surrounded by the beauty of the Garden. For information and tickets, visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stirs

  • Friday, June 26, Downtown Des Moines
  • Friday, July 31, Des Moines East Village

CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail parties return in 2026. For $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series 2026 Food n’ Drink Lineup
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham

  • July 12: Music: The Elders, Banjokat. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Street Sweets.
  • July 19: Music: BYOBrass, Beth and Brandon. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Pho Wheels & Sushi, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
  • Aug. 2: Music: Leon Timbo, Carol Montag Music. Food trucks: Hotsy Totsy, Sabores De Mexico, Street Sweets, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
  • Aug. 9: Music: Newfound Road, Cedar County Cobras. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Hotsy Totsy, C’est La Crepe.
  • Aug. 16: Music: XOLEX, Bone People. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Snappy’s BBQ, Pho Wheels & Sushi, Street Sweets.


The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Spanning world-class traditional music and beloved musical theater, the lineup of shows at The Ingersoll promises unforgettable moments of live entertainment in the heart of the community.

  • Jen Kober Comedy: July 10 with dining at 5:30 p.m. and showtime at 7:30 p.m. Jen Kober is one of the top LGBTQ comedians working today and a rotating headliner in MAD APPLE by Cirque du Soleil. Opening the evening is returning favorite Dante Powell, who has previously performed at The Ingersoll. Powell’s comedy blends smart observations with a warm, conversational style.
  • A Brother’s Revival: An Allman Brothers Legacy: July 11 and 12. July 11 dining begins at 6 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. showtime. July 12 dining begins at 5 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. showtime. Formed in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band, A Brother’s Revival brings an unmatched level of authenticity to the stage.
  • George Michael Reborn: July 17 and 18, dinner at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. This high-energy tribute stars Robert Bartko, whose live vocals and striking resemblance to George Michael recreate the magic of the artist’s career from the 1980s and 1990s.
  • TINA: A Tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll: July 24 and 25, with dining at 6 p.m. and shows at 7:30 p.m. both evenings. This electrifying tribute stars internationally acclaimed performer Cookie Watkins, whose dynamic portrayal of Tina Turner goes far beyond impersonation. With a career rooted in music from an early age, including recognition from Duke Ellington himself, Watkins channels the spirit, power and voice of the Queen of Rock & Roll.

Tickets are available at www.theingersoll.com/events or at Ticketmaster.com/TheIngersoll.

Music Under The Stars
Various dates and locations
This summer, Iowa's professional musicians perform a series of free, outdoor concerts at Water Works Park and Jasper Winery at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings.

  • July 5: Stars, Stripes, and Celebration: Dana Slater, clarinet. Marisa Cravero, guest vocalist. Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m.
  • July 12: Bourbon Street Parade: NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer. Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, 7 p.m., Killinger Community Series.

RSVP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MusicUnderTheStarsIowa/events. Learn more at: www.musicunderthestars.org.

 
 
A morning family favorite made fresh
 

It’s often true that the best warm-weather meals, from filling breakfasts to flavorful dinners, are made with the freshest ingredients. To ensure your family’s favorite recipes are up to par, start by sourcing local produce.

Asparagus is a prime example. It is easy to prepare: five to eight minutes in boiling water or two to three minutes in a skillet like in this asparagus frittata that’s perfect for busy mornings. You can feel good knowing you’re serving loved ones a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable with no fat, no cholesterol and little sodium to start the day with a hearty yet nutritious breakfast.

To find more warm-weather favorites that put fresh produce at the center of your plate, visit MichiganAsparagus.org.

Asparagus frittata
Recipe courtesy of Michigan Asparagus
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 5 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 sprig fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onion
  • 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • microgreens, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • In 6-inch, oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add asparagus and cook 2-3 minutes.
  • In bowl, whisk eggs, cream, dill, salt, cheese and pepper. Pour egg mixture over asparagus.
  • Allow sides to set. Check by gently pulling egg away from side of skillet. Sides should appear cooked and become firm.
  • Top eggs with green onion and tomatoes. Place skillet in oven. Bake about five minutes until center of frittata is set and firm.
  • Remove from oven and plate while warm. Top with microgreens, if desired.
 
 

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

FOR SALE: 2007 21’ Lowe Suncruiser BIMINI 214 pontoon boat. Great for family lake days, fishing fun or evening sunset cruises. 50 hp Mercury 2-stroke outboard. 55 LB Thrust Minn Kota trolling motor. Shoreland’r trailer with recently replaced bumpers and tires. Lowrance depth and fish finder. Front trolling motor (with foot pedal) and mount included. Built-in tackle storage and “live well.” Lots of storage and accommodates 12 people. Three life jackets and three buoys. Newer Boss Bluetooth radio. Recently serviced by Lake Panorama Marine and ready for the water. Recent maintenance includes new spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb, fuel line, water pump and impeller kit. New stern light installed. $12,000 or best offer Call Tom Woody 515-778-1231.

FOR SALE: 2018 Coachmen Mirada 25BK. Sleeps 8 (king bed, drop down front bed, queen sofa bed, dinette), 37’ ( bike rack not included), stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator with ice, two roof AC units, heat pump, gas furnace, outdoor kitchen, two slide outs, power awnings, 5500 watt Onan generator, 2000 watt inverter, lithium house batteries, auto leveling, insulated battery storage and wet bay. 55,000 miles, new tires, engine and generator serviced in March 2026. Asking $64,200. Message or text Dave Milburn at 515-240-4672. More photos at https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/5040136236

 
 

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

FOUR SEASONS FESTIVAL

Parks and Recreation builds on a cherished tradition.

When the Four Seasons Festival rolls around, it brings the Polk City community together for a weekend of entertainment and hometown pride. Whether you have lived in town for 20 years or just moved here last year, the festival has become an annual tradition for many residents.

[...]

 
Read the full digital issue
 

P.S. As a free newsletter, we rely on readers like you to grow our subscriber list. If you have friends or coworkers who you think would enjoy Polk City Living Weekly, share this email with them and they can subscribe by clicking the subscribe tab at IowaLivingMagazines.com

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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