July 31 - Aug. 6, 2026

Farm families receive 2026 Iowa State Fair Way We Live Award

Six Iowa farm families, including one from Polk City, will be recognized as recipients of the 2026 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair. Nominations included descriptions of how living on the farm and choosing farming as an occupation has shaped the family's life. These families exemplify values derived from hard work and a love of farming.

The Way We Live Award is presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with media sponsors Iowa Farmer Today and the WHO Big Show. Now in its 18th year, it has recognized 101 outstanding Iowa farm families.

Moeckly Farms, Polk City, will be recognized Aug. 14 at 11:45 a.m. at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage. Moeckly Farms was homesteaded in 1854 and today is an eighth-generational farm that continues to work the ground their past generations farmed. They continue to grow and support future generations, farming corn, soybeans, seed corn, seed beans, hay and custom forage harvesting. Today, the sixth, seventh and eighth generations (Steve and Paula Moeckly; Tyler and Anna Moeckly; and Jonathan, Jacob and Nicholas Moeckly), work together daily on the farm to care for their Angus and White Park cattle herd on top of tillage, planting and harvesting. In between the busy times, they're also keeping to their very own Moeckly ballfield, a professional-sized replica of the Field of Dreams movie diamond. The family has been built on a strong work ethic, deeply rooted knowledge of agriculture and like-minded goals of preserving and growing the farm, with mutual respect and love for one another.

Farmers market

The Polk City Farmers Market from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 24 at the Polk City Square features local produce, products and pastries while supporting local. You might find your new favorite bakery, some one-of-a-kind home decor, fresh produce for that recipe you've been wanting to try, fresh flowers for the kitchen table, and delicious treats to snack on. Also included are food trucks and live entertainment. The market is dog-friendly. Have your furry companion on a 6-foot leash. To keep up to date with weekly food trucks, live entertainment, vendor highlights and market updates, follow them on Facebook.

Live music Aug. 15 in Alleman

The public is invited to a concert by the William Lawsome Band from 6-8 p.m., rain or shine, on Aug. 15 at the Salem United Church of Christ, 320 N.E. 141st Ave., Alleman. Enjoy an evening of country and bluegrass music on the church lawn. Women’s Fellowship will provide food as part of the fiundraiser. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and favorite beverage. A free will donation will be accepted for the band.

Public meetings

• Parks Commission Meeting, Aug. 3, 6 p.m.
• City Council Work Session, Aug. 10, 5 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Aug. 10, 6 p.m.
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Aug. 17, 6 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
• City Offices Closed - Labor Day, Sept. 7
• Parks Commission Meeting, Sept. 7, 6 p.m.
• City Council Work Session, Sept. 14, 5 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Sept. 14, 6 p.m.
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, Sept. 21, 6 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Sept. 28, 6 p.m.

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: Gather your friends and family together for a low-cost night of fun at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, July 31. Opportunities will be available for bouldering (ages 4 and older) and archery (10 and older), playing a variety of family games and puzzles, and enjoying time outdoors, or in, 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. Cost is $5 per person, with children younger than 4 free. No registration required.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stir
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.

Social Saturday: Silent Disco
Aug. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines
Join the Des Moines Art Center’s August Social Saturday event: Silent Disco! Enjoy crafts in the art school studios, a scavenger hunt, a special silent disco to dance your heart out, a guided tour, storytime, treats in the Art Center Café, and so much more. For more information, visit https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/social-saturday-silent-disco/.

Evening Blooms and Bites
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
For tickets and information, visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/.

• Extended Summer Evenings: Tuesdays and Fridays, through Sept. 10 to 7:30 p.m.
• Music In The Garden: Thursdays, through Aug. 20, doors open at 6 p.m., concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Set within the naturally beautiful surroundings of the garden, each evening blends live music, nature and community into an unforgettable experience.
• Picnic in the Garden: Tuesdays and Fridays, through September, 5-7 p.m. Plan your perfect summer evening with Flora’s picnic boxes for two featuring charcuterie or sandwich options with fresh sides. Vegetarian options available. Pick up from concessions between 5-7 p.m. Reservations recommended.
• Pizza in the Garden: Fridays, through September, 5-7 p.m. Kick off the weekend on the patio with handcrafted pizza and scenic views of the water garden and downtown Des Moines. Each reservation includes a light appetizer, one 14-inch fast-fired pizza, and a sweet finish. Pair with wine or beverages available for purchase. Admission to the garden is not included. Reservations required.

Heartland For Kids benefit concert for Mary’s Meals
Thursday, Aug. 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Heartland For Kids presents a benefit concert for Mary’s Meals. Enjoy a family-fun evening with Nashville musicians Phoenix Mendoza, Josh Leo and Kitty Steadman. Any monetary donation will help the world's most vulnerable children receive an education and provide them with enough to eat. Fun activities will be available for the kids. Food, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, will be available for a free will donation. To donate online, visit www.marysmealsusa.org.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham

• 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 and Sushi, Street Sweets.

Inaugural Iowa African Film Festival
Aug. 6-8
Drake University, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines
The festival is led by Jack Chimbetete — Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus at Drake University, community activator, and philanthropic visionary. As Business Relations Consultant at CultureALL, Jack works to integrate culture and organizational learning, helping people and institutions better understand themselves and each other. As board president of One Voice DSM, he has championed the African Diaspora across generations, creating platforms for communities to tell their own stories. As Founder of ALN.tv and ALN Studios, he has built spaces where local Iowan stories reach global audiences, while the world in turn learns from and engages with Africa, its people, and its philosophy. IAFF is the natural convergence of that lifetime of work.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Tickets are available at www.theingersoll.com/events or at Ticketmaster.com/TheIngersoll.

• Gone 2 Paradise - The Ultimate Jimmy Buffett Experience: Aug. 7 and 8, dining at 5:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Gone 2 Paradise recreates the energy, atmosphere and island spirit of a Jimmy Buffett concert with authentic renditions of beloved hits and immersive tropical stage décor.
• Four Roses Bourbon and Culinary Experience: Aug. 25, cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., guests please arrive by 5:45 p.m., five-course dinner and guided bourbon tasting at 6 p.m. Designed for bourbon enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.

These super moist boneless pork chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.

If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.

Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.

Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops
Prep time: 7 hours
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 quart water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 12 juniper berries
• 6 cups ice
• 4 Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Directions:

• In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
• Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
  Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
• Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
• Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice.

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

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