The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Des Moines named as one of the top 10 most resilient tech hubs throughout the pandemic. @TechnologyIowa @DSMpartnership @BusinessIOWA #DSM #agtech #techhub #IAhttps://t.co/520YkTVakr
— Cultivation Corridor (@CultivationCorr) July 2, 2021
Des Moines has been named one of the top 10 cities where the technological field has been strengthened during the pandemic. Whereas the traditional tech hubs in San Francisco and New York City have been hurt by the pandemic, Des Moines is recognized as one of the top cities where engineering talent is showing the fastest growth in proportion to population size. Des Moines’ resilience could be attributed to engineers moving from larger cities to seek a lower cost of living and access to training for rising talent.
To everyone who used our Build a Trip tool and scored a gift card to fuel their adventure, we hope you’re enjoying the road! Our $25 giveaway has closed, but you still have a chance to win a weekly $200 drawing for using the tool! Visit https://t.co/Yd1zxkW3iM and get planning.
— Travel Iowa (@Travel_Iowa) July 3, 2021
There’s no better time to hit the road than 2021, which has been dubbed the Year of the Road Trip! Some lucky adventurers scored big last week with our $25 giveaway using the Build a Trip tool. This tool formulates the perfect road trip with the best stops based on your starting and ending locations.
Although the $25 giveaway has closed, you still have a chance to win from a weekly drawing for a $200 gift card when you use the tool! Start planning your journey now to create lasting memories from the best Iowa has to offer.
'50 Yard Challenge': Iowa teen helps elderly, disabled with free lawn care https://t.co/KVAuFSOFoS
— KCCI News (@KCCINews) June 28, 2021
“Helping people makes you feel good,” said 13-year-old Logan Haines. Haines decided to sacrifice some of his summer relaxation time when he signed up for the ambitious 50 Yard Challenge. Sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Raising Men Lawn Care Service, this challenge encourages young adults to mow 50 yards in their local community to assist elderly, disabled, single parents and veteran households.
Rodney Smith, the founder of the program, said saving these individuals the cost of lawn maintenance allows them to purchase the most important necessities, “That’s one of the things we’re trying to teach kids.” With 22 lawns completed, Haines has a busy summer ahead of him with a lawn booked each day. If he completes the challenge, Haines will receive a brand-new mower, weed eater and leaf blower so he can continue to serve and help his community.
Pella, IA is one of our favorite places to visit in Iowa. On this trip.we could only make a quick stop, but it was well worth it. #travel #roadtrip #dutch #iowa #GreatMidwestTour pic.twitter.com/LR9fMnyBPk
— Clayton Hensley (@knoxroadtripper) June 28, 2021
With historic architecture, delicious Dutch pastries and the Molengracht canal, a walk in downtown Pella,Iowa, will transport you to Holland. Home to the tallest working grain windmill in the United States, Pella provides an enchanting day trip filled with Dutch heritage, fine European meat and dairy, and historic sites. Pella will also host the Lake Red Rock Balloonfest July 9-11; two days packed with live music, food vendors and dozens of majestic air balloons.
It’s no secret that Iowa is known for its corn and soy fields, but local vineyards are also being recognized for excellence. The American Fine Wine Competition collects wine samples from across the country and hosts nonprofit competitions to find the best small, independent wineries. Solider Creek Winery, a 10-acre family vineyard business in Fort Dodge, participated by entering their specialty rosé, Paragon Pink, and won best of show in the sweet category.
To taste this critically acclaimed wine, made from locally grown hand harvested grapes, you can visit the Soldier Creek Winery tasting room on weekends.
