Everywhere you look, Iowans are uniting like never before. While times may be tough right now, we’re seeing it won’t stop the great people in the state from supporting one another. Many have taken to social media to help those in their communities, share helpful resources or to simply highlight something positive to bring joy to others. The Week in Social will round up the best of #IowansUnite and share these uplifting stories.
Several cities in #Iowa including Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Ames made the list of the 30 best American cities to live in after the pandemic according to @businessinsider. #ThisIsIowahttps://t.co/aaot4uOmcY
— Iowa Business Council (@IowaBizCouncil) August 3, 2020
In Business Insider’s list of the 30 best American cities to live in after the pandemic, Iowa was well represented with Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque and Iowa City all making the cut. Business Insider reporter Madison Hoff wrote, “If you are considering moving to a new place after the novel coronavirus pandemic, you may want to consider one of these 30 U.S. cities.” Factors like low unemployment rate, housing costs and percentage of residents with a college degree were used to create the list.
The tradition of the Iowa State Fair has been around for more than 150 years. Like many events in 2020, the State Fair will look a little different this year, but you can still enjoy favorite Fair memories and activities at home.
The 11-day virtual Fair features themed days including County Fair Day, Blue Ribbon Foundation Day, Royalty Day, Fair Food Friday and more. Each day’s theme will also come with a sponsor, and there will be activities, photos, contests and special videos showing what was planned for the 2020 State Fair. You can follow along (or pick a few of your favorite days) by following the Iowa State Fair on Facebook and Instagram.
This year, the Iowa State Fair is going virtual. ???? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the Fair funtivities, August 13-23. Visit https://t.co/dvqdGLOIQr for a full schedule of events! #FairAtHome pic.twitter.com/fZv4YMt1p3
— Iowa State Fair (@IowaStateFair) August 6, 2020
If you can't walk the @IowaStateFair grounds in person, why not do it online? Check out our new interactive map and enter our virtual scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes! https://t.co/V9dmeVdxv7
— Iowa PBS (@IowaPBS) August 7, 2020
Thanks to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt for their support of our Fair coverage! pic.twitter.com/U9vPSK2Z1K
If the State Fair’s virtual events aren’t enough, Iowa PBS has even more Fair content to keep you satisfied. Iowa PBS’s interactive map comes with a virtual scavenger hunt where you answer Fair-specific questions. Households can enter the scavenger hunt once and be entered into weekly or grand prize drawings. The interactive map and scavenger hunt aren’t the only way to get yourself a chance at prizes. With more contests including butter sculpting, pet tricks and sidewalk chalk drawings, as well as opportunities to share stories about your favorite Fair memories, there are plenty of fun opportunities to participate.
To celebrate reaching the exciting milestone, the Figge Art Museum in Davenport is celebrating its 15th birthday with 15 days of virtual events running until August 21. Those who tune in can catch performances, instructive classes, behind-the-scenes tours, demonstrations from local artists and more. The museum is also offering free admission from now until August 21. You can register for events, bid on auction items or donate to the match challenge, with proceeds supporting the Figge’s art and education programs.
Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to the museum August 6-21 as we celebrate our 15th anniversary! Good will donations are appreciated. #FiggeAt15 #FiggeArtMuseum pic.twitter.com/UCfwJzjNA5
— Figge Art Museum (@FiggeArtMuseum) August 5, 2020
The IEDA has created an e-commerce platform to support Iowa small businesses. Check out https://t.co/win3AJyudl!
— Iowa Lakes Corridor (@lakescorridor) August 4, 2020
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently launched a new e-commerce platform called Shop Iowa, which gives Iowa small businesses an online place to show off their merchandise and promote themselves. Given today’s large online economy, the program better positions Iowa small businesses to compete and gives Iowans a chance to support the businesses they know and love virtually.
Categories help customers find exactly what they’re looking for. All Things Iowa, Arts & Crafts and Toys & Games are just a few of the more than 15 categories. Businesses can list up to 25 products on the site and can do it for free from now until June 2021. Learn more here.
