Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. We’re looking back so we can move forward and flip the calendar.

In todays issue:

• 🥳 Reflecting on 2024

• Ankeny Sports Complex ⚾

• 🎈 Balloons By Katie

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

2024 Rewind

What a year it’s been, Des Moines! From the unusually warm winter that had us wondering if our coats were even necessary to a bustling calendar packed with annual and standalone events, the city came alive in every way imaginable. Early in the year, central Iowa experienced the warmest February on record, with folks enjoying patio weather far earlier than usual. But spring reminded us not to get too comfortable when a powerful EF2 tornado swept through Greenfield. Thankfully, the community rallied together to recover, proving once again how resilient Iowans are.

The year started off with a bang as the Iowa caucuses returned, drawing national attention and plenty of visitors to our little slice of the Midwest. But it wasn’t all politics and debates—our city's yearly gems kept the good times rolling. From the vibrancy of the Downtown Farmers’ Market to the spectacle of the Drake Relays, and the buzz of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines delivered its signature events with style. The Arts Festival brought a creative energy to summer streets, while the Principal Charity Classic combined philanthropy and golf with a touch of class. Oh, and the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival was back, proving once again that bacon is not just food, it's a lifestyle. 🥓 

This year, Des Moines also played host to some spectacular events that brought fresh energy to the city. Huge crowds filled Wells Fargo Arena for the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Baseball fans caught the showstopping Savannah Bananas in action, and we all welcomed the Ironman athletes, which drew people from across the globe. In entertainment news, the beloved Val Air Ballroom reopened, giving us another reason to get out and enjoy live music and community gatherings.

Foodies in Des Moines had much to celebrate too, with a handful of exciting new restaurant openings. Basic Bird brought us delicious chicken-centric fare, while Grimaldi’s Pizza set up shop with its iconic coal-fired pies. Guesthouse Tavern + Oyster wowed with coastal vibes, and Prime and Providence elevated the dining scene with a unique blend of casual and refined eats. Whether you were grabbing a quick bite or indulging in something fancy, 2024 proved there’s never been a better time to eat your way through Des Moines.

Looking back, 2024 was a year full of surprises, growth, and celebration. Through all the festivals, games, openings, and even the unpredictable weather, one thing remained constant: Des Moines showed up for every moment. Here's to a vibrant and even more exciting year ahead in 2025!

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Amazon 📦️ 

Procrastinating Christmas shoppers rejoice. 👏 Amazon has opened their first same-day delivery facility in Ankeny. The facility will serve customers in the Des Moines metro and utilizes robots to help sort and fill items for delivery. Full story here.

Ankeny Sports Complex 🥎 

Lots of Ankeny news today. Ankeny will become the latest Des Moines suburb to build a year-round sports complex. I-35 Sports Park is shooting to be ready by 2028 and would accommodate hockey, lacrosse, softball, and numerous other sports. Full story here.

Zora Update 🍸️ 

If you ever drive through the intersection at Ingersoll and MLK, you know that the Zora Bar & Rooftop building has been sitting empty since the fall of 2023. Well, Community 1st Credit Union is looking for offers to buy it. Offers are due in January following a couple of building tours that have been set up. I know one of you is looking for some commercial property! 😁 Full story here.

Around Town 🏙️📈

In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, a local teacher turns balloon passion into thriving business.

Balloons By Katie 🎈 

Des Moines peeps, meet Katie Collmann—an elementary school teacher who has transformed her longtime hobby into a vibrant new business, Balloons By Katie. What started as a creative touch for her daughter's dance recitals and family celebrations has blossomed into a full-fledged balloon decoration enterprise launched in October 2024.

For those planning an upcoming event, Katie recommends booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives her ample time to carefully source and design the perfect balloon arrangements tailored to your specific vision. Her specialties include balloon arches, balloon organic garland, balloon towers, and balloon walls.

When she's not teaching during the day, Katie is excited to help local families and event planners bring their decoration dreams to life. Whether it's a birthday, wedding, school event, or any special occasion, Balloons By Katie is ready to add that magical, colorful touch that will have everyone talking.

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@DSMATDAWN 📷

Photo Cred: @balloons.by.katie

Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published!

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

Friday After Work - Open Studio
Inner Artist is putting on this adult only, BYOB event. Bring some friends and/or coworkers for an end of the week unwind. Choose from several canvas designs or create your own.
📍 Studio #211
📆 Friday 5-10
➡️ Tickets

Beauty and the Beast
Come check out the classic fairy tale based on the Academy Award-nominated Disney film.
📍 Des Moines Community Playhouse
📆 Multiple Shows
➡️ Tickets

Lights at the Museum
Play under the lights and learn about light festivals around the world in this annual special holiday event.
📍Des Moines Children’s Museum 
📆 Saturday 6-8

Santa’s Workshop Day
Parents can shop while the children create ornaments and take pictures with Santa.
📍 The Glitter Factory
📆 Saturday 10-2
➡️ Tickets

Family Winter Solstice Pajama Party
Wear your PJ’s to celebrate the solstice. Hot Chocolate and crafts. What more could you ask for. Tickets also get you into the Winter Wonderscape at 5!
📍 Reiman Gardens
📆 Saturday 2:30
➡️ Tickets

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 44 | Low 17 | Windy 🌬️ 

Friday

High 26 | Low 19 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Saturday

High 30 | Low 17 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

Sunday

High 38 | Low 28 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Friday

Brian Herrin Christmas Show | 6 | 📍 Middlebrook Mercantile
Diamond Rio | 7:30 | 📍 Hoyt Sherman Place
Elton & Billy | 8:30 | 📍 Wooly’s
Moonshroom | 9 | 📍 Lefty’s Live Music

Saturday

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas | 2 & 7:30 | 📍 Civic Center
A Nella Thomas Christmas | 7 | 📍 xBk Live

Sunday

The Crowfoot Rakes Irish Christmas | 2 | 📍 Middlebrook Mercantile
A Charlie Brown Christmas | 3 | 📍 xBk Live
Frightmare Before Christmas | 5 | 📍 Lefty’s Live Music
Glenn Miller Orchestra | 7 | 📍 Hoyt Sherman Place

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Football 🏈

It is officially bowl/playoff season. The Hawks and the Clones each qualified for bowl games in the coming weeks.

Iowa State 🌪️ VS Miami | 12/28 | Pop-Tarts Bowl 📍 Orlando, FL

Iowa 🦅 VS Missouri | 12/30 | TransPerfect Music City Bowl 📍 Nashville, TN

College Basketball 🏀 

College basketball season is in full swing. Here’s how each local team is faring.

• Drake Men 🐶 Next Game VS Green Bay | 12/21 | Record: 10-0 (1-0)

• Drake Women 🐶 Next Game @ St. Thomas | 12/21 | Record: 5-5

• Iowa Men 🦅 Next Game VS Utah | 12/21 | Record: 8-3 (1-1)

• #22 Iowa Women 🦅 Next Game VS UNI | 12/20 | Record: 9-2 (0-1)

• #3 Iowa State Men 🌪️ Next Game VS Morgan St. | 12/22 | Record: 9-1

• Iowa State Women 🌪️ Next Game @ Oklahoma St. | 12/21 | Record: 9-4

• UNI Men 🐆 Next Game VS Washington St. | 12/21 | Record: 7-4 (1-0)

• UNI Women 🐆 Next Game @ Iowa | 12/20 | Record: 5-5

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs

The Bucs are off until after Christmas.

Iowa Wild

• VS Chicago Wolves | 12/20 | 7 🎅 Santa-Con

• @ Chicago Wolves | 12/21 | 7

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves

• VS Stockton Kings | 12/19 | 12

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THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.