MUSEUM RECEIVES GRANT — This and more in this week's issue!

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Jan. 16-22, 2026

Food, festivities and fanfare

I was reminded of an important fact recently about news and sports coverage, one that I first learned more than three decades ago: Sports readers are loyal and passionate, but they are few in number.

Before The Des Moines Register’s demise, it was truly the newspaper Iowans depended on — for news and sports. The sports readers, though, were fewer than one might think. Three decades ago, readership by section showed that sports ranked at the bottom, right next to the classifieds section. The same is true with sports radio — a small but loyal audience. I have had many discussions with sports fans and sports editors about this, but the numbers don’t lie.

This also holds true with weekly paid subscription newspapers. I managed several through the years. We would see subscriptions from parents drop off once their kids no longer played in sports, and we would gain new ones from parents of kids whose kids replaced them. I have learned that, aside from parents, most other readers are satisfied with knowing which team won and what the score was, along with some solid photography.

This all hit home in recent weeks when we sought to publish a series of stories in our Iowa Living magazines on how residents celebrate Super Bowl Sunday. The story suggestion was mine, as I rationalized that with 127.7 million people watching the game, there must be some great local stories to tell about the food, the festivities and the fanfare that are all part of it.

Our writers who sought the stories for those 14 magazines told us that most people, aside from the rabid sports fans or those whose teams make the Super Bowl, simply don’t care all that much. Yes, they tune in to watch at least some of the game. Enjoy some food. Watch the commercials. But, it isn’t as much of an event as I assumed it would be or that I remember it being. (In case you are wondering, the Super Bowl is Sunday, Feb. 8.)

The cold, hard truth is that a lot of people don’t know the difference between a touchdown and a home run, and they don’t care to. But, apparently, many of them do watch the commercials, which now bring $8 million or more for 30-second spots. The highest-rated Super Bowl was in 1982 with a 49.1 household rating, meaning 49.1% of TV-owning households were tuned into the Super Bowl during its broadcast.

I guess I don’t have to look far to understand the viewing trend. With my Minnesota Vikings out of contention for this year, I will likely be lounging in my living room and watching the game with a few family members or friends. And, that’s just fine by me.

How about you? What are your Super Bowl plans? 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

Museum receives grant

For the third consecutive year, Bravo Greater Des Moines has awarded a generous operating grant to the Big Creek Historical Society. Sally Dix presents the check to Big Creek Historical Society President Roxana Currie.

Polk City Public Library news

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

NEW Toddler & Preschool LEGO DUPLO Free Play: Thursday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.
Adult Evening DIY: Snowflake Paper Quilling: Thursday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m. Ages 17 and older. Register online at polkcitylibrary.org.
Pre-K Playday: Friday, Jan. 23, 9-11 a.m. at City Hall for children up to age 5. Full of sensory toys, fun structures and musical instruments. Parent/caregiver attendance is required.
Game Night with The Dealt Hand: Friday, Jan. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Polk City Community Room (new city hall). Drop in at any time for a fun evening playing games. The Dealt Hand will provide more than 200 games for your enjoyment. Play one of your favorites or learn something new. You are welcome to bring your dinner and eat while playing. The Friends of the Library will provide popcorn and a hot cocoa bar. Any and all ages are welcome.
Monday Adult Book Club: “The Shadow of War” by Jeff Shaara. Monday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m.
Adult DIY Card Crafting: Monday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m. There will be a $5 material fee payable that night. Ages 17 and older. Register by clicking on the calendar event on the library’s website, polkcitylibrary.org.
NEW Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m.
Adult Bingo: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1-2:30 p.m.

Polk City Arbor League Tree ID and Pruning Workshops

Sunday, Jan. 25: 1-3 p.m. Miller Park, 401 Booth St., Polk City.
Saturday, Jan. 31: 1-3 p.m. Leonard Park, 413 Parker Blvd., Polk City.

Each event will start with a pruning demonstration followed by a short hike around the park with winter tree ID tips and tricks. Participants are encouraged to RSVP to the Facebook event and bring their own pruners to have an opportunity for some hands-on practice. The event will be cancelled if temperatures are below zero.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Out in Nature at Easter Lake: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 10-11 a.m., Easter Lake Event Center, Easter Lake Park, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Come on out to Easter Lake with a sense of adventure. We’ll learn how to observe and study changes in nature as we explore, play and investigate. The program will meet at the Event Center but will be mostly outdoors. Come prepared for the weather. Adults are expected to stay and actively participate with their children/students. Free and all ages welcome.
Women and Girls Outdoor Skills: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-7:30 p.m., Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. This program is for women and girls who want to learn and practice outdoor skills. Join a naturalist in developing skills in fire building (with snack), animal awareness, winter survival and more. Whether you are a casual outdoor explorer or seasoned expert, come learn, have fun and practice your new skills. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by Jan. 19
Winter Tree ID Hike: Saturday, Jan. 24, 1-2:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take a hike through the woods and learn a few key characteristics helpful in tree identification during winter. Collect some clues to bring back to the classroom to look at under microscopes. See up-close how much diversity exists within our forests. Ages 18 and older. Registration required by Jan. 18.
Rain Barrel Workshop: Sunday, Jan. 25, 1-2:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. This workshop will begin with a short discussion about water quality, water conservation and the benefits of using a rain barrel. Afterwards you will begin constructing your own barrel. Step-by-step instruction, tool safety, safety glasses, one 55-gallon barrel, and all construction materials will be provided. Be prepared to take your barrel home after the workshop. They will fit in most standard SUVs. Ages 12 and older with an adult. Registration required by the week prior.
Sunset Restorative Yoga at Jester: Monday, Jan. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Take time to unwind as the sun sets inside the Great Hall of the Jester Park Nature Center. This slow-pace, reflective class will focus on creating a mind and body nature connection as the sun sets. This Rooted in Nature program is offered in sponsorship with UnityPoint Health. Items to bring: yoga mat, comfortable clothing and water bottle. Ages 12 and older. Registration required by the day prior.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW's Fire and Ice
Saturday, Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m.
Valley Junction
CITYVIEW brings back its legendary Valley Junction area pub crawl. Fire and Ice is a hockey-themed liquor sampling event that will be sure to warm up your winter blues. With your event ticket, you will receive 10 individual drink tickets to sample some of the best winter cocktails from establishments in the Valley Junction area. Bring your friends, try new drinks and shop local in Valley Junction. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Follow the QR code for tickets. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-cityview-fire-ice-a-winter-pub-crawl-tickets-1873604273819

Waukee FamilyFest
Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to noon
Lutheran Church of Hope, 305 N.E. Dartmoor Drove, Waukee
Join Waukee Parks & Recreation for the annual FamilyFest. This family-friendly event will help kiddos burn off some energy. Check out Waukee area businesses, play games and jump on inflatables. Everything is free. No registration is required.

Splurge: West End Salvage’s Annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate event
Friday, Jan. 23, and Saturday, Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m.
West End Architectural Salvage, 22 Ninth St., Des Moines
What's better than a decadent night of wine, cheese and chocolate from local wineries, artisans and chocolatiers? Enjoy this annual downtown Des Moines event to break up the winter monotony and SPLURGE with all your favorite people. Tickets available by following the QR code. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/splurge-2026-west-end-salvages-wine-cheese-chocolate-more-event-tickets-1968765056281

Winterfest Market
Saturday, Jan. 24, 8 a.m.
EMC Expo Center, Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
Escape the post-holiday blues and treat yourself to something special at Winterfest Market — a cozy indoor shopping event featuring your favorite local makers, artisans and small businesses. Unique handmade goods and one-of-a-kind finds. Warm drinks, festive vibes and community love. More information is available at www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/winterfest-market.

Iowa Bike Expo and Banquet
Saturday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
The Iowa Bike Expo and Banquet serves as the annual celebration for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, bringing together cyclists and trail lovers, advocates, vendors, donors, supporters and partner organizations to advance the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s mission to promote safe, accessible and enjoyable cycling for everyone in Iowa. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is excited to announce both Ayesha McGowan and Connor Fields as the dynamic dual keynote speakers for the event. The Iowa Bike Expo is free and open to the public, featuring 120-plus vendors. For information, visit www.iowabikeexpo.com.

Iowa AG Expo
Tuesday, Feb. 3, to Thursday, Feb. 5
Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines
No need to travel far to see the latest farm equipment when the Iowa Ag Expo brings the biggest names and newest innovations to Des Moines each winter. Spanning 7.25 acres, the Iowa Ag Expo is the third-largest indoor agricultural show in the United States, hosting nearly 700 exhibitors across three buildings of the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. These companies come from around the world to display the best agriculture has to offer, from big iron, precision ag, and livestock production to autonomous equipment, electric vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence solutions and more. To view the full Iowa Ag Expo program and list of exhibitors, visit https://iowaagexpo.com/show-program/. Buy tickets at www.iowaeventscenter.com/events/detail/iowa-ag-expo-5 .

Take sweetness to new heights

(Family Features) Whether you can’t quite give up on the holiday treats or the festivities are continuing into 2026, these easy lemon blueberry bars offer a light, fruity bite. The melted white chocolate drizzle is just what gatherings with loved ones call for. Visit Culinary.net for more delicious desserts to enjoy this year.

Easy lemon blueberry bars
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Ingredients:

1 stick butter, melted
1 box lemon cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 cup fresh blueberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided
1/3 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and pecans.
Butter 7-by-11-inch pan and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.

In the current issue of North Polk Living magazine:

BIG GAME, BIG PARTY

Capping off the football season with a watch party to remember

It’s time for the big game, and that’s the perfect reason to gather with your fellow fans around the big screen to see which team finishes the year with a championship ring. And you won’t be alone. Record-breaking viewership has been reported the last two years, with 127.7 million U.S. viewers last year, according to ESPN. Indeed, it isn’t hard to find football fanatics, though many will be disappointed that their favorite team won’t be playing Sunday, Feb. 8, at Levi’s Stadium.

[...]

Read the full digital issue

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