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.
Field of Dreams Wins Ballpark of the Year Award
Field of Dreams named Ballpark of the Year https://t.co/KVDgV1MEJP @Travel_Iowa @IowaCulture @BusinessIOWA #Iowa
— Jay Byers (@jaybyers) September 10, 2021
The MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville generated the highest TV ratings for any regular-season baseball game on any network since 2005, caused the 32-year-old movie to become one of the most-ordered DVDs on Amazon, and won the 21st annual BaseballParks.com Ballpark of the Year Award. This award is determined by an advisory panel on Amazon and is especially impressive considering the park had the smallest construction budget of all the entries, hosted the fewest fans and was the site of the fewest games.
“MLB at Field of Dreams was a special night for everyone who experienced the event in-person, the millions of fans who watched at home and for the entire sport,” said Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB. “Our ballpark in Dyersville demonstrated an attention to detail that reflected the look and feel of the movie, making it a spectacular setting for a game.”
Local Art Teacher Recognized with Prestigious Award
"If there’s something you really want your community to have, there’s nothing out there that says you can’t push for it and you can’t do it.” - Bailey Fry-Schnormeier, CCHS art teacher and Abbey Mural Prize recipient. https://t.co/yFspRuEyoN
— Creston News Advertiser (@CrestonNews) August 26, 2021
Passionate art educator Bailey Fry-Schnormeier developed the Mentor Mural Mashup program after she partnered up with a former student to paint wildlife murals on two city-owned walls. Not only did the effort fill the city with meaningful art, it also gained the attention of the National Academy of Design. The Academy awarded Fry-Schnormeier and Creston Arts with the Abbey Mural Prize and $10,000. The prize aims to broaden recognition of the vital role murals play in making public space more open and accessible.
“To have someone from outside our community who doesn’t even know us be able to see and recognize the power of the program is really rewarding,” said Fry-Schnormeier.
Capture Fall Scenic Views with The Great Iowa Fall Ride
Join us for The Great Iowa Fall Ride - It’s the end-of-season ride through the heart of Des Moines via its’ trails and parks, with live music by @PorkTornadoes! The breezy 37-mile ride loops from Cumming to Easter Lake and back.
— RAGBRAI (@RAGBRAI_IOWA) September 2, 2021
?? info: https://t.co/xTKK1UN31p pic.twitter.com/o2Cqp2e4xN
On October 10, RAGBRAI will host its first-ever Great Iowa Fall Ride. With breathtaking views of the fall colors from Cumming to Easter Lake and back, the breezy 37-mile ride provides the perfect fall adventure. The trail passes through six breweries offering special drink discounts to riders. At the conclusion of the trail, The Pork Tornadoes will provide a private concert for riders at Cumming Tap. Registration for the event includes a beanie, keychain, slap koozie, six drink specials along the route, entrance to the private concert, and access to the scavenger hunt and prizes.
Iowa-Produced Film Wins Big
One week from today, @StormLakeMovie starts playing in Storm Lake! There will be several screenings at the Vista 3 theater between 9/16 and 9/23. We can't wait for you to see this film. https://t.co/Cd0tyLLxTC pic.twitter.com/hhmDuUCVBb
— Storm Lake (@StormLakeMovie) September 9, 2021
After premiering to a sold-out audience at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in North Carolina and winning the Audience Award for best feature at AFI-DOCS in Washington, D.C., independent film “Storm Lake” will tour the state of Iowa. Directed by Iowa native Jerry Risius, the film shares the story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Art Cullen. Cullen and his family fought to unite their Iowa farming community through their biweekly newspaper, The Storm Lake Times. Find a screening near you.
Community Leaders Discuss Iowa Housing
Thanks @DebiDurham for a great talk about building support for housing across Iowa! Housing is an economic engine and it gives people in our communities the opportunity to improve their lives. #HIC2021 @IowaFinance pic.twitter.com/qlcyAhdLZI
— Polk County Housing Trust Fund (@pchtf) September 8, 2021
Community leaders gathered to discuss how housing can lead Iowa’s rapid economic recovery at the 2021 Housing Iowa Conference. Participants at the conference attended specialized work sessions to address homeownership, fair housing, homelessness in Iowa, housing development and leadership. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that $100 million in pandemic relief funds will go toward addressing Iowa’s housing shortage. These additional funds will contribute to Iowa gaining 47,000 more households by 2030.
“We’ve seen a growing mismatch between where job opportunities are thriving and where people can find affordable places to live. This issue requires us to think big and act boldly. It’s too important to do anything else,” said Reynolds.
