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The Week in Social 7/5 - 7/9

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.


History will be made on August 12 when the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox play the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville. Tickets to the game are extremely limited, but Travel Iowa and Midwest One Bank will provide a free family experience, Beyond the Game, to provide baseball lovers the chance to celebrate with fun activities. On August 11-12 at Westside Park, participants can visit the Experience Iowa Zone and the Kids Zone where they will be entertained with inflatables, face painting and sampling the best Iowa-made products.

On August 11 at 7 p.m., country music artists Shy Carter, Ingrid Andress and Maddie & Tae will light up the Commercial Club Park Stage. At the same time at City Square, families can grab their blankets and lawn chairs to watch the iconic “Field of Dreams” movie and enjoy free popcorn. On August 12, the official MLB viewing party will be held at City Square where you can enjoy watching the game on the big screen outside.


The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced 26 communities will each receive $100,000 in funding to help revitalize their downtown districts. The grants are awarded through the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program to help rehabilitate underused buildings to stimulate economic growth. Projects include turning historic and underused buildings into restaurants, apartments and wellness studios.

“Downtown districts are the heart and soul of our communities, and their strength is critical to the state’s overall well-being,” said Debi Durham, Executive Director of IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority.


Iowa City is the first location in the United States to welcome back Loop, an internationally acclaimed interactive art piece. This futuristic art installation premiered at the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall and includes 12 stations where users can sit inside of a glass cylinder and pump a metal bar to play short animations projected around them.

Imported from Quebec, this art piece has traveled through many countries, but Iowa City will be the first U.S. city to experience the brand-new integrations. Come out to see this free exhibit before it departs to another city August 10.


Family week, a break from all youth sports and music practices July 25-August 1, is the perfect time for families to hit the road and spend quality time together visiting Iowa attractions. From State Parks to the new world-class skate park in Des Moines, there is plenty to keep all ages entertained without even leaving the state.

“Whether your family is adventure seekers, foodies or artsy, Iowa has unlimited offerings close to home and ready to be discovered,” said Amy Zeigler, tourism manager with Travel Iowa. Ready to plan your perfect trip? Use the Build a Trip Tool and you’ll be entered to win from a $200 weekly gift card drawing through August 31.


The pandemic has changed the natural flow of many workplaces and navigating career changes can be tricky. Luckily, the new Future Ready DSM podcast, brings employment leaders and experts from the Greater Des Moines area to discuss the latest trends and talent attraction in the region.

In the first episode, Beth Townsend, executive director of the Iowa Workforce Development, shared her thoughts about the current employment market recovery. She predicted Des Moines will continue to benefit as remote workers seek a city with a low cost of living.

Published July 12, 2021

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