Sept. 5-11, 2025

Kathy Debruyn, Susie Sheldahl and Charlotte Loter were among those attending the Go Polk City chamber lunch at City Hall on Aug. 27.

Upcoming in North Polk Living magazine

• 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.

Craft and Vendor Fair

Enjoy a craft and vendor fair on Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Elkhart Christian Church, 252 N.W. Washington Ave., Elkhart. There will be more than 20 vendors and a concession stand with a to-go option as well.

Fall Festival Bazaar and Bake Sale

The Sheldahl United Women In Faith invite you to stop into the Sheldahl United Methodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to noon featuring homemade chicken and noodles, rugs, nuts, cards, baked goods and craft items.

Celebrate RVTV Sept. 5

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.

Drive Up Cavatelli Lunch

On Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. drive through at the Elkhart Christian Church, 252 N.W. Washington Ave., Elkhart, and place your order for cavatelli. It will be brought out to your car. Cost is a freewill donation. 

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.

Polk County Conservation events

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

Full Moon Hike. Sunday, Sept. 7, 8-9:30 p.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Join a naturalist for an evening hike to discover the sights, sounds and wildlife that come alive after dark. While walking through the forest and open prairies, learn about nocturnal animals, night vision adaptations, and the fascinating role of the moon in nature. This guided hike offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the park in a whole new light. Free to attend; all ages welcome.

DIY - Elderberry Syrup. Thursday, Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join this hands-on class where you will discover the wonders of elderberry and create your own elderberry syrup to take home. In the workshop, you'll learn about the medicinal properties and benefits of elderberries, how to properly identify and harvest them, and the process of making elderberry syrup from scratch. Take home your very own handmade elderberry syrup, perfect for boosting your immune system and adding a delicious touch to your favorite recipes. Registration required by Sept. 8. $10 cost; ages 16 and older.

Knee-High Naturalists. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 10-11 a.m. Jester Park Wetland Shelter, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun. As naturalists, we will hike, investigate and navigate through the trails and grounds of Jester Park as we learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Coe dressed to be outside. Registration required by the day before. September topic is Life in a Pond.

Family Fun Night. Friday, Sept. 12, 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 at Jester Park’s Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center. 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. $5 per person, Children younger than 4 are free. All ages welcome.

Global Migrations - Monarch Butterflies. Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Enjoy a family-friendly program focused on the migrations of an amazing animal. We will travel around the world together as we learn animal facts and how climate change is affecting this species. The program will involve a presentation and hands-on fun. Stop by Critter Club afterward to meet one of the Nature Center’s amazing animals.

Polk City Community Library news

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

BLOCK PARTY - LEGO Club: Sept. 8, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Engage in learning through stacking and building with these deceptively simple bricks, and you can enhance your problem-solving skills and teamwork. Meets monthly. Suitable for ages 8-16. Registration required, register online at polkcitylibrary.org.

Wiggles and Giggles - Music and Movement for Tots and their caregivers: Thursday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. This joyful, hands-on experience is perfect for both of you to move, sing and laugh together in a safe and welcoming environment. Let’s make memories with every beat.

Adult DIY - Chunky Yarn Pumpkins: Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. Ages 17 and older. Online registration is required via our website event calendar and opens one month in advance of the event date. Visit polkcitylibrary.org.

Friends of the Library Book Sale: Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Purchase a bag for $5 and fill it with books, DVDs and books on CD. No donations are accepted for this book sale.

Puzzle Master Competition: Sept. 14, 2 p.m., Tournament Club of Iowa. The Friends of the Library Puzzle Master events are coming back this fall on the second Sunday of each month at various locations in town. September has special back-to-school pricing at $40 per team of four. Watch our website and Facebook for more information.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Martini Fest
Friday, Sept. 19, 5-9 p.m.
West Glen Town Center
CITYVIEW is bringing Martini Fest back to West Glen Town Center. For a ticket price of $25 (tickets will be $35 at the event), attendees will receive 10 tickets that can be redeemed at each participating martini stop for a sample-size martini. Locations include nightclubs and restaurants at West Glen Town Center. Reserve your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/cityview-martini-fest-2025-tickets-1291852588869 now so you can avoid registration lines at the event.

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:

• Sept. 11: Patresa Hartmen
• Sept. 12: Black Dirt Ramblers
• Sept. 18: Kris Karr
• Sept. 19: Velvet Trio
• Sept. 25: Chris Falcon
• Sept. 26: TBD

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/.

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.

Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration
Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge Freedom Center
7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston
On behalf of the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum on Camp Dodge, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) extends their invitation to attend the Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration. All members of the public are invited to attend. Visitors can expect refreshments, historic military vehicles, reenactors and displays of period uniforms, museum experts, the Iowa Military Veterans Band and more.

(Family Features) Hearty or light, spicy or mild, this Taco Salad is all imagination. Make it to your loved ones’ content and top with favorites like chopped lettuce, sour cream and shredded cheese to keep weeknights simple yet flavorful, regardless of how crazy your calendar may get. To discover more recipes fit for your family, visit Culinary.net.

Taco salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn
• 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes with chilies
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons mesquite seasoning
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• salt, to taste
• 1 lime, juice only
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• romaine lettuce
• 2-3 cups shredded cheese
• 1 tub (16 ounces) sour cream
• crushed tortilla chips

Directions:

• In pan over medium heat, brown beef until cooked through; drain. Add black beans and corn. Stir in tomatoes with juices and half-and-half. Add onion powder, garlic powder, mesquite seasoning and pepper. Season with salt, to taste. Bring to simmer.
• Add lime juice; stir. Sprinkle with cilantro.
• Wash and chop lettuce. Place cheese and sour cream in bowls for toppings.
• On plates, top crushed tortilla chips with meat sauce, lettuce, cheese and sour cream, as desired.

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