Aug. 22-28, 2025

North Polk Community School District welcomes 17 new teachers for the 2025-26 school year. Photo courtesy North Polk CSD

Upcoming in North Polk Living magazine

• Home Improvement: Our annual Home Improvement issue in which we share residents’ stories about their remodeling projects is coming up. Please share your stories about the work you have done on your home and how it has changed your use of the space and enjoyment of your home. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.
• Costume Creations: Halloween fun is quickly approaching! If you forgo the off-the-rack costumes for something more creative, we want to hear from you. Tell us about your costume creations and the fun you had making them. Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com with your stories.

‘Khrushchev and Corn’

Liz Garst, granddaughter of Roswell and Elizabeth Garst, will recount the history of agricultural development in Iowa and how it came to pass that Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and his family visited the Garst family in 1959. “Khrushchev and Corn” will be presented Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Big Creek Museum, 116 S. Third St., Polk City.

Many will remember the motorcade through Ankeny as Khrushchev traveled from Iowa State University to the John Deere works. This program is a presentation of the Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau programming.

August Chamber Luncheon

Join the Go Polk City chamber for a powerful and important August Chamber Luncheon featuring Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and Teresa Davidson from Chains Interrupted on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 11:30 a.m. at the Community Room at Polk City City Hall, 116 S. Third St. This month shines a spotlight on Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) and the Safe at Home initiative — two vital programs helping protect and support survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence in Iowa. Guest speakers will share real stories, staggering statistics, and ways you and your business can be part of the solution. You’ll leave this luncheon informed, inspired and equipped to take action. Attendees will also participate in a meaningful Red Sand Project activity — a hands-on demonstration to raise awareness for victims who often fall through the cracks. Register at https://members.gopolkcity.com/ap/Events/Register/dxFJYzwuoC0Cv.

RVTV

Celebrate the big game a day early with live broadcasts, tailgating fun, and a night full of community spirit as Channel 13 brings RVTV to the Polk City Town Square on Friday, Sept. 5, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Party with Channel 13 before they broadcast the North Polk football game live on NBC. There will be a beer garden and big screen for viewing of the game and live music from Gut Feeling. Register your tailgate at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRyn_S3VKhU1fbtvwfbwCyUdCkyNXZTrrxfpet58Gj7JIerA/viewform.

Ice Cream Smorgasbord

Enjoy homemade ice cream, toppings and goodies, followed by the annual auction, at the Ice Cream Smorgasbord on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Ice cream will be served starting at 4:30 p.m. The auction starts at 5 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults or two for $15. The three-legged stool, baked goods, homemade pickles, garden produce, handmade articles and much more will be featured. Bring your lawn chairs.

Brews in the Barn

Polk City Friends of the Parks is hosting Brews in the Barn, one of its annual fundraisers, Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Moeckly Barn, 4395 N.W. 118th Ave., Polk City. The public is invited for a fun-filled night of live music with Ben Puttman, delicious dinner by Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ, beer from Fenders Brewing, wine from the Cellar Winery and a silent auction. The group is raising money to replace the playground on the square. Cost is $50 per person. Tickets are available at www.polkcityfriendsoftheparks.com/brews-in-the-barn.

Polk City Farmers Market

Enjoy the Polk City Farmers Market on Thursdays, through Sept. 25, 4:30-8 p.m., at the Town Square. The weekly Farmers Market brings local produce, handmade goods, food trucks and live music to the heart of Polk City. Come stroll the square, meet vendors and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming vibe each Thursday evening.

For the 47th year, North Polk FFA proudly hosted the Avenue of Breeds at the Iowa State Fair. Students were up before sunrise to care for the animals and keep the exhibit running smoothly. Photo courtesy North Polk CSD

Public urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites

The Polk County Health Department is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as Iowa experiences high levels of West Nile virus activity in mosquitoes.

Statewide mosquito surveillance by Iowa State University shows the highest West Nile virus activity at this point in the summer in more than two decades. August and September are typically the peak months for West Nile Virus transmission in Iowa.

While no human cases have been confirmed in Polk County yet this year, mosquitoes in Polk County have tested positive for the virus.

West Nile virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile virus will not have symptoms, but about one in five will develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About one in 150 people will develop serious illness affecting the nervous system, which can be fatal. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk of severe disease.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Eliminate all standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in containers as small as a bottle cap.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit: cdc.gov/west-nile-virus

Polk County Conservation events

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

National Dog Day Hike. Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6:30-8 p.m., Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter 1, 7200 S.E. Fifth St., Des Moines. Dogs are human’s best friend for a reason, so why not celebrate them? Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day. Join us for a hike followed by some tasty treats for you and your four-legged friend. Registration required by Aug. 24.

Stargazing. Saturday, Aug. 30, 8:30-10 p.m., Yellow Banks Park, Prairie View Shelter, 6801 S.E. 32nd Ave., Pleasant Hill. Meet our park naturalist at Yellow Banks Park for an evening of stargazing and moon-gazing. We'll start with a brief presentation about the moon's phases, mythology and fascinating facts. Then, we'll observe the full moon and constellations using telescopes and binoculars.

Older, Wiser, Livelier, Seniors - Trees & Climate Change. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Once upon a time, the Earth's climate changed at a glacial pace. Now, in the Holocene, aka the age of man, our climate is fluctuating widely and wildly with the undeniable, persistent and problematic trend of getting steadily hotter. In the olden days — like really, really olden prehistoric days — it took a millennium or more for the Earth's temperature to change by a degree in either direction, allowing plants multiple generations to evolve adaptations or "move" to more accommodating regions. But now, thanks to shifts in the atmosphere that have been sped up by human activity, temperatures are changing much faster than plants with long lifespans can adapt to. In this program, learn how climate change is affecting tree populations around the world and what conservationists are doing to try to stay a step ahead. We'll also learn how we can use trees to help combat climate change in our own backyards. 

Toddler Tales. Thursday, Sept. 4, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets or a craft.

Nature’s Paint Brush. Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Enjoy a short walk at Jester to find materials for your perfect, all-natural, hand-made paint brush. After assembling your creation, you will have the opportunity to test it out with provided paint. Registration required by Sept. 4.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Confluence Brewing Summer Concert Series
Thursdays and Fridays through September, 6-8:30 p.m.
1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines
Enjoy live music every Thursday and Friday. Performances are held outside, weather permitting, and moved inside in case of poor weather. A food truck is also available. Entertainment includes: Bittersweet Nation Aug. 22, David Watson Aug. 28, Nathan Thiessen Band Aug. 29, Sean Sullivan Sept. 4, Drama Kings Sept. 5; Patresa Hartmen Sept. 11, Black Dirt Ramblers Sept. 12, Kris Karr Sept. 18, Velvet Trio, Sept. 19, Chris Falcon Sept. 25, and TBD Sept. 26.

Wallace Centers of Iowa Summer Events
Wallace Farm, 2773 290th St., Orient
Wallace House, 756 16th St., Des Moines

• Pizza on the Prairie: Every Friday until Sept. 26, 5-9 p.m., Wallace Farm. Come to the prairie at the Wallace Farm on Friday nights during the summer for brick oven pizza packed with farm-fresh veggies and local meats. This family-friendly evening is packed with good food, live music, outdoor art, and picturesque sunsets. Reservations for pizza ordering times are required at https://wallace.org/pizza-on-the-prairie/.
• Picnic Theater - Agrimusic: Sunday, Sept. 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wallace Farm. Dive into history, music and a farm-fresh picnic meal at an outdoor performance of Agrimusic by musician and historian Seth Hedquist. $25/ticket. https://wallace.org/event/picnic-theater-agrimusic/
• Fresh From the Farm: Garlic: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6-8:30 p.m., Wallace House. A three-course dinner featuring garlic in each course. $75/ticket. https://wallace.org/event/fresh-from-the-farm-6/.

Sixth Annual Sista Soul Fest
Sunday, Aug. 31
Evelyn Davis Park, 1400 Forest Ave., Des Moines
“Empowerment Through Unity” is this year's theme. There will be more than 50 women-led vendors, a BBQ competition, kid-friendly zones, live music and entertainment. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SistaSoulFest.

2025 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance
Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Des Moines
The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, a premier exhibition of vintage, classic and special-interest vehicles, will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Attendees can enjoy a free, family-friendly day exploring more than 150 extraordinary vehicles, live programming, and hands-on activities designed for all ages. On Sept. 6, a Charity Gala will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Stine Barn in West Des Moines. For more information: https://desmoinesconcours.com/

Vintage, Thrifted and Handmade Fair
Sunday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
100-200 blocks of Fifth St., West Des Moines
Antiques and vintage shops, along with antique and art vendor fairs, have a long history in Valley Junction. The Historic Valley Junction Foundation brings Valley Junction’s new vendor fair following in the district’s antique and vintage tradition. Valley Junction Vintage, Thrifted and Handmade is a new vendor show highlighting vintage home decor and clothing, unique thrifted finds, and local handmade items from Iowa business owners. This show includes 50-plus vendors and food trucks.

Lake Street Dive Tour
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8 p.m.
Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
The Lake Street Dive tour, supporting the band's new album, "Good Together," stops in Des Moines, featuring an opening act by Lawrence. Tickets are available at www.axs.com/artists/1217/lake-street-dive-tickets?skin=lauridsen.

Des Moines Performing Arts: Made in the Midwest series
The Temple Theatre, 1011 Locust St., Des Moines
Made in the Midwest, DMPA’s newest concert series, highlights the artistry of local musicians in the intimate Temple Theater. Celebrating the talents of independent artists from across our region, guests will enjoy a unique experience where the musicians take center stage in a venue known for its unparalleled acoustic quality.

The new season will feature four artists from of all different genres:

• Sept. 12: Sharane Calister and The Feel Right Band
• Oct. 23: The Lubben Brothers
• Nov. 4: Jordan Messerole
• Dec. 13: Andrew Hoyt

Tickets are on sale starting at $22/show. You can purchase tickets by visiting DMPA.org, calling 515-246-2300, at the Civic Center Ticket Office or at the Temple Theater Ticket Office night of the show. All shows will start at 7 p.m.

(Family Features) Stun your family and guests with a delicious dessert that is as easy to make as it is to eat. This no-bake French-style cheesecake with strawberries from Cookin’ Savvy is a perfect summer treat for sharing with your nearest and dearest, and you can swap out strawberries for any berry of choice to make it your own. Discover more dessert ideas and family meal inspiration by visiting Culinary.net.

French-style cheesecake with strawberries
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”

Ingredients:

• 1 row vanilla cream cookies, plus additional for topping
• 1/2 stick butter, melted
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, powdered sugar, divided
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups chopped strawberries, plus additional for topping
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Directions:

• Crush cookies and mix with melted butter. Place in bottom of 9-inch springform pan and pat down until smooth.
• With hand mixer, mix cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar.
• In separate bowl, using hand mixer, beat heavy whipping cream, sugar and vanilla until formed into whipped cream.
• Mix cream cheese and whipped cream. Mix remaining powdered sugar with chopped strawberries.
• Pour half cream cheese mixture on top of crust in prepared pan. Spread evenly with spoon. Pour strawberry mixture on top and spread evenly with spoon. Top with remaining cream cheese mixture and spread evenly with spoon.
• Refrigerate at least 3 hours, or overnight, before serving. Garnish with additional crushed cookies and strawberries.
• Tips: For thicker crush, double cookies and butter. Substitute desired berries for strawberries.

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