In Case You Missed It 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.
80/35 Music Festival Lineup Released
.@8035 will return to Des Moines in 2022 with a lineup headed by @fatherjohnmisty, @charli_xcx, @Jbrekkie, and more. https://t.co/Z85baBo64D
— Live For Live Music (@L4LM) February 23, 2022
It’s never too early to start planning some of your summer adventures! One of the many ways to have fun in Iowa is by attending the 80/35 music festival. This year, some electrifying bands are coming to Iowa including Father John Misty and Charli XCX. As one of the most anticipated Iowa summer events, the people-powered festival is presented by the Des Moines Music Coalition, a nonprofit working to build a stronger and more diverse music scene in Des Moines. This Iowa summer attraction raises funds to support after-school music programs, rock and hip-hop summer camps and local musician career mentoring.
“We could not be more excited to return to downtown Des Moines for the first 80/35 since 2019,” said Mickey Davis, executive director of the Des Moines Music Coalition. “Since 2008 the festival has become an essential part of the fabric of summer in Des Moines, and we look forward to celebrating the musicians, music fans, music industry workers, and volunteers who make this festival so special.”
This isn’t the only music festival happening this summer; Iowa is home to many exciting Midwest concerts and other musical events. Check out this calendar of events to start planning to your perfect Iowa summer.
Iowa Wine Award Winners Announced
2022 Iowa Wine Award Winners Announced https://t.co/JT9hyRAO6V
— Iowa Wine (@IaWine) February 24, 2022
There’s nothing to whine about when it comes to Iowa’s wine scene. The Iowa Wine Growers Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of the wine and grape industry in Iowa recently announced the 2022 Iowa Wine Award Winners. Summerset Winery in Indianola won the 2022 Vineyard of the Year Award for their superior viticulture practices. Kent Foulker of Cedar Ridge Winery won the 2022 Winemaker of the Year Award, an award that honors a winemaker who serves as a leader in the industry by using locally sourced products, adhering to the best practices and demonstrating a willingness to experiment. The Wijn House in Pella took home the 2022 Retail Partner of the Year Award for featuring a different Iowa winery each week in its tasting room. Lastly, Lisa and Carlton Goodwin of Heaven Boutique Winery in Fayette won the 2022 Outstanding Partner Award thanks to their dedication to only carrying Iowa wines in their wine shop.
“This group is extremely involved in the industry and couldn’t be more deserving. The Iowa Wine Awards are nominated and voted on by peers within the industry, so receiving one of these awards is quite an achievement,” said Chris Larsen, president of the Iowa Wine Growers Association
Ready to try some of these award-winning wineries? Be sure to sign up for the free Iowa Wine Passport for special discounts.
Mount Vernon Announced as Semifinalist for Great American Main Street Awards
We're thrilled to announce the semifinalists of the 2022 Great American Main Street Award! pic.twitter.com/7OJRfPvEyb
— Main Street America (@NatlMainStreet) March 1, 2022
Mount Vernon is known for its local charm with distinctive cuisines, art studios, antiques and specialty shops. This reputation is a result of the hard work of a strong community, willing volunteers and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group. The Group has helped develop the community through award-winning festivals, fundraising projects, small business recruitment and innovative design projects. In addition, Mount Vernon has displayed strong economic development by reducing the vacancy rate by more than 78% and creating 58 new business along with 474 new jobs. Main Street America has announced that Mount Vernon is a semifinalist for the 2022 Great American Main Street Awards, an award recognizing the strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation and growth.
“The Great American Main Street Award is the highest honor within the field of commercial district management,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of Main Street America. “These eight semifinalists are shining examples of the kind of transformation that is possible when using the Main Street approach. These programs have brought renewed vibrancy to their communities and sparked impressive preservation-based revitalization.”
Iowan Baker Named Semifinalist for James Beard Award
Aaron Hall, baker at The Local Crumb, was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. He is one of only two Iowa semifinalists for the prestigious award in any category. https://t.co/G8tBee02zh
— The Gazette (@gazettedotcom) March 1, 2022
Aaron Hall, a Mount Vernon baker, known for his small-scale artisan bread bakery, is being recognized among some of the best culinary chefs and bakers in the country as a James Beard Award semifinalist. The mission of the James Beard Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system. Hall is a semifinalist for the outstanding baker category. This honor recognizes bakers of breads, pastries or desserts who consistently sell goods directly to the public. Hall’s bakery, the Local Crumb, is known for using Iowa-milled organic flours and fair-trade ingredients. Ready to try this nationally recognized bakery? You can preorder bread for pick-up in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Mount Vernon.
Sioux City Recognized for Economic Development
The #SiouxCity metro retained the nation's top spot for economic development for populations under 200,000 according to results released today by @SiteSelection magazine.
— City of Sioux City (@locatesiouxcity) March 1, 2022
This year's award marks the 1??0??th time our region has ranked #1 in the nation!??https://t.co/sgpDTC6aD1 pic.twitter.com/sCfSv3uyKR
Not only is Sioux City celebrated for its live theatre, summer festivals and unique museums, but the city is continually recognized for its prosperous economic development. According to Site Selection Magazine, the metro area is the nation’s top spot for economic development for populations under 200,000. This is the tenth time Siouxland has ranked first in the nation since receiving the initial honor in 2007.
