Your source for holiday events in the area!

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Dec. 13-19, 2024

What happened to hats?

Hats off. This is where we are at as a society, especially for men. Sure, hats should still be removed when indoors or when our national anthem plays, but men today are clearly wearing hats less than those from past generations. Look at most any group photo or film of gatherings of men from years past, and you will see a bunch of hats. Today? Not so much. In fact, other than trucker caps or MAGA hats, barely any. The question is, why?

There is no shortage of opinion on the subject from a variety of sources, and they most all seem to have the same reasoning. Many say the changes started with President John F. Kennedy at his inauguration, when he chose not to wear the traditional top hat during the ceremony. With hair like his, could you blame him?

Others say the change came from the anti-establishment movement in film and music from non-hat-wearers like the Beatles, Elvis Presley, James Dean and Steve McQueen. Once again, a bunch of guys with great hair. Except Ringo, of course.

The growth in automobile ownership is also said to have had an impact on men choosing not to wear hats. In the 1920s, less than 1% of the population owned a car. This number increased to 25% in 1940 and to 55% in 1970. When men were walking outside or using public transport, hats made sense to stave off the elements and to stay warm. When cars became more common as a means of transportation, the narrow head-to-roof distance made wearing hats a challenge.

The return of soldiers from wars is also a factor, as many military men swore off hats with the rest of the uniform they were required to wear. Wearing hats even caused PTSD for some.

Maybe the greatest contributor to the decline in men wearing hats is due to something we most all can appreciate — heat. Those who work outside still value the warming effects of hats, but with more people working indoors, the need has seemed to dissipate. Heat is now better dispersed in buildings, and layered clothing has helped keep our bodies warmer, too.

Meanwhile, a few reminders of the hat-wearing generation remain. Some old church pews still have the clips that secured hats. Coat racks still have the top hooks to hang them. And my dad’s felt hat and furry Russian-type hat are still collecting dust somewhere.

How about you? Do you, or does a man you know, wear dress hats? Or do you still have a few in your closet from your father or grandfather? Send me a note and let me know.

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

Smaller Business Saturday

Polk City Smaller Business Saturday was held Nov. 30. Dana Havlik and Ashley Schrage donned special shirts for the event.

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa Dec. 14

You are invited to a pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m., at The Wing at the Polk City United Methodist Church, 1421 W. Broadway St. Decorate cookies and visit with Santa. New this year is Santa’s Workshop. Children are invited to “shop” for and wrap Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

Support requested for Winter Wonderland Gala

The Polk City Community Foundation is planning its annual Winter Wonderland Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the FFA Enrichment Center, 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Parkway in Ankeny. The gala will include a program, dinner and live auction. Proceeds will benefit Polk City and the foundation’s nonprofit partnerships in the area. This year, the Foundation has a big goal — to raise $150,000.

The foundation encourages the public to support the event as an attendee, sponsor or donor. Donations can be made by credit card online at http://getmeregistered.com/PCCFWinterGala or by check mailed to Polk City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 52, Polk City, IA 50226.

Chamber lunch

The Go Polk City Chamber lunch was held at Luana Savings Bank Nov. 20. Brittani Bowman, Wendy Musgrave and Claire Smith were among those in attendance.

Galentine’s Trivia supports parks

The annual Galentine's Trivia event, hosted by Polk City Friends of the Parks with help and support from the Polk City Women, will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. at the Polk City Legion post, 114 W. Broadway St., Polk City.

Trivia will be 1990s themed. Cost is $100 per table of up to five people or $25 per individual wishing to be placed with others to create a team. Bring your own food. Drinks will be available for purchase, cash only. Everyone will go home with a prize. Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia will start at 7 p.m.

Funds raised at this event will support Polk City parks, trails and green spaces. This event is LGBTQ friendly. Register at https://donorbox.org/90s-trivia.

Polk City Community Library winter weather policy

If school is delayed due to inclement weather, all morning programs will be canceled. If school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, all afternoon/evening programs will be canceled. If school is canceled due to inclement weather, a decision about opening the library will be made by 9 a.m. All programs will be canceled.

Coming up at the Polk City Library

Polk City Community Library, 1500 W. Broadway St., 515-984-6119, www.polkcityia.gov/library.

Closings: The library will be closed for the holidays all day Dec. 24-25 and all day Jan. 1, plus closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Babble and Brew: Thursday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m. Don’t let the cold weather get you down, come on into the library for some climate-controlled fun. We will have coffee for you and exciting, age-appropriate toys for the kiddos.
Adult Crafternoon: Busted Canvas, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2 p.m. This month we’ll be making busted canvases. These viral photo displays are fun and easy to make. Ages 17 and older, registration required.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Pop n’ Jolly: A Holiday Show for All Generations
Monday, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Join Wagner Summer Theater for its first annual holiday family-friendly event, Pop n' Jolly. Come enjoy fun and laughs with some of the area's top musicians. Grab the crew and take fun photos with Santa and partake in a holiday singalong. The evening will include holiday classics by Dave Wagner and his special guests including two-time Cloris Award winner Julie Larson and national opera vocalist Craig Irvin. Also featured will be a selection of everyone's favorite holiday songs performed by the Wagner Summer Theater Youth Vocal Group. Signature cocktails, mocktails and hot cocoa will be available for purchase. Tickets are available through Des Moines Performing Arts, www.desmoinesperformingarts.org. For more information, visit www.wagnersummertheater.com.

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
Staplin Performing Arts Center at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines
The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (CIWE) welcomes audiences to its new performance home for a heartwarming holiday concert. In addition to celebrating the season through music, CIWE is honored to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa to bring the joy of music to youth across the community. For tickets, visit www.ciwe.org/deck-the-halls-dsm .

Des Moines Community Orchestra concerts
The Des Moines Community Orchestra has announced its concert dates for the 2024/2025 concert season. Admission is free. Concerts start at 2 p.m. with pre-concert talks at 1 p.m. For more information, visit desmoinescommunityorchestra.org. Concerts are:
• Sunday, Feb. 23: Winter Concert and Past Audience Favorites, Sheslow Auditorium.
• Sunday, May 11: Spring Concert, Carl’s Favorite Finales, Sheslow Auditorium.

Jingle in the Junction
Dec. 19, 5-8 p.m.
Valley Junction
The holiday season is in Valley Junction as many businesses extend their hours on Thursday nights to give you more time to find the perfect holiday gift, enjoy dinner, and enjoy three blocks of free entertainment on 5th Street under the glow of more than 100,000 holiday lights. Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides, ice carvings, photo op, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. in front of the West Des Moines Fire Administration Headquarters at 318 Fifth St., rotating entertainers, live reindeer, carolers, and Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office from 6-8 p.m.

In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra
Dec. 22, 7 p.m.
Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
Enjoy the sounds of the season. For tickets, visit hoytsherman.org.

Holiday Promenade
Through Dec. 20
Historic East Village
The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Historic East Village Neighborhood Association will spread holiday cheer during the Holiday Promenade, an exciting, free celebration full of holiday-themed activities, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly fun. A number of activities will be scheduled throughout the five Fridays including tree lighting, a scavenger hunt, ice skating and more. During the Holiday Promenade dates, Historic East Village retailers are encouraged to remain open until 8 p.m. while restaurants and attractions are open later.

Holiday Hullabaloo
Through Dec. 29
Horizon Events Center, 10320 Hickman Road, Clive
The 2024 Holiday Hullabaloo is an immersive, family-friendly holiday experience that will surprise and delight guests this holiday season. Enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment and festivities that will allow you to create some fun holiday hullabaloo and memories. www.holidayhullabaloo.com

Punch Up Your Holiday Beverage Menu

(Culinary.net) This time of year is all about food and sweet desserts, but don’t forget to quench guests’ thirst with a seasonal sip. This Christmas Cranberry Punch offers a slightly less sweet take on traditional punch so you can add a touch of tart to the beverage cart. Visit Culinary.net to find more delicious holiday recipe ideas.

Christmas Cranberry Punch

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Ingredients:

1 package fresh cranberries
1 can pineapple chunks
3-4 rosemary twigs
6 cans lemon-lime soda, divided
64 ounces cranberry juice
20 ounces orange pineapple juice
1 orange

Directions:

The night before, place four cranberries, two pineapple chunks and a few rosemary sprigs in each hole of silicone muffin pan or ice tray. Cover with 1 can lemon-lime soda and freeze.
Chill remaining soda, cranberry juice and orange pineapple juice overnight.
In punch bowl, mix remaining soda, cranberry juice and orange pineapple juice. Slice orange into 5-6 slices. Add lemon-lime soda ice cubes, handful of cranberries and orange slices. Serve.

From your North Polk Living magazine

Mailed to all residents of Polk City, Alleman, Elkhart and Sheldahl the third Thursday of each month.

This month's cover story:

ON THE MAP

Landmarks add character to the North Polk area

Polk City may not be the largest town in the metro, but it’s home to some treasured landmarks that provide glimpses into the community’s history. From a historic school house to the classic bandstand and solemn Beebe Cemetery, these sites are reminders of the town’s past and enduring legacy. Each landmark tells its own story and provides a window into Polk City’s unique character and the lives of its early residents.

[...]

Read this month's issue

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