It's a Celebration

9/19

Author

Nick Rivas
September 19, 2024

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. From Cornfield to Corporation. Des Moines’ Glow Up.

In todays issue:

  • 🎂 Happy “Birthday” Des Moines

  • Hockey SZN 🏒 

  • 🕯️Wave of Light

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Fort Des Moines 🏗️ 📜 

Des Moines, Iowa, was officially incorporated as a city on September 22, 1851. Originally a small fort named Fort Des Moines, the area began as a military outpost at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. Its strategic location attracted settlers, and the fort quickly became a hub for trade and governance. As more people arrived, the town developed rapidly, and the area’s abundant coal and fertile land further boosted its early growth. In 1857, the name of the city was changed to Des Moines and officially becomes Iowa’s Capitol. Over the next 50 years, many of the iconic buildings and institutions in Des Moines were built/founded, including:

Fast forward to today, Des Moines has transformed into a thriving metropolitan area known for its diverse economy, including finance, insurance, healthcare, and a burgeoning tech scene. Its roots as a small outpost built on commerce and strategic location have laid the foundation for its modern prosperity. Today, Des Moines is home to a vibrant downtown, a growing population, and cultural institutions that continue to honor the city’s rich history while pushing it toward future innovation. This blend of historical significance and modern development showcases Des Moines' enduring role as a key city in Iowa and the Midwest.

Head on over to Catch Des Moines to find some of cities favorite attractions and much, much more. Cheers to the Capitol City that we know and love! 🍻 

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

NHL Hockey visits DSM 🏒 

NHL action is coming to Des Moines with an exciting preseason matchup between the newly formed Utah Hockey Club and the St. Louis Blues on September 22, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena. This event, part of the Des Moines Community Classic, marks the Utah team's first-ever competitive game since becoming an NHL franchise earlier this year. Utah's team, which relocated from Arizona, will be playing its inaugural season in 2024-25. Fans in Des Moines will get a unique chance to witness NHL-level hockey as the Blues face off against Utah, creating a thrilling opportunity for local sports enthusiasts. Tickets for the event range from $20 to $90, with the game scheduled to start at 6:00 PM.

Around Town 🏙️📈

In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, its a local charity that is near and dear to my heart.

The Fletcher Foundation supports families grieving after a miscarriage or stillbirth by offering financial assistance to help with medical bills. Their mission is to provide hope and comfort during an incredibly difficult time, guiding families from grief toward healing. The foundation also encourages community involvement through donations and sponsorship of "Hope Boxes" for grieving families. Their team is 100% volunteer led, with a few board members who have personally experienced miscarriage or stillbirth.

The Fletcher Foundation holds events throughout the year. Coming up on October 15, they are hosting their inaugural Wave of Light ceremony in observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This special evening is dedicated to honoring the memories of the little ones who left us too soon and offering support to the families who carry them in their hearts every day.

This event is free and open to the public.

You can check out the event here, or register for the event here.
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Photo Cred: @el_riv23

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WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

STATEM!NT Pop Up Consignment Shop
Horizon Events Center is home to this Fall/Winter pop up shop for adults. StateMint West Des Moines offers shoppers a chance to find incredible bargains on current styles. Purchase tickets to find the best deals at the charity presale event Thursday benefiting the Family Cancer Network or show up Fri-Sun when its open to the public!

Beaverdale Fall Festival
An annual tradition for over 40 years, the Beaverdale Fall Festival is back this weekend. Come find fun for anyone. Festivities include car night, parade, live music, food vendors, and more.

Hello Fall
Located at Captain Roy’s, Hello Fall takes place Sep 22 from 10AM-4PM. Come out and enjoy music, thrifting, cold drinks, and great food.

Knotfest
Water Works Park is hosting the 25th Anniversary event this Saturday. Doors open at 11 with 13 acts leading to Slipknot at 9PM.

Des Moines Streetstyle Open
Skate DSM is hosting this multi-day event throughout Des Moines. Lauridsen Skatepark is where you’ll find the main event, but skaters can be found at Cowles Commons, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and after parties at Ricochet and SingleSpeed. Check the full schedule here.

Oktoberfest
Hessen Haus is celebrating 20 years of Oktoberfest with a 2 week long celebration. The event starts Saturday with the kick-off celebration. There will be live music from 6-8.

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢No change foreseen
🚨 Precipitation is on its way

Thursday

High 89 | Low 64 | Scattered Thunderstorms ⛈️ 

Friday

High 87 | Low 66 | Cloudy ⛅️ 

Saturday

High 81 | Low 60 | Rain 🌧️ 

Sunday

High 70 | Low 57 | Rain 🌧️ 

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

The Bishops | 5 | Lefty’s Live Music
The Way Down Wanderers & Stillhouse Junkies | 7 | xBk Live

Friday

Guilty of Treason | 5 | Lefty’s Live Music
Kris Lager Band | 8 | xBk Live
Petrock | 8 | Wooly’s

Saturday

Dorian Electra | 7 | Wooly’s
KC and The Sunshine Band | 7:30 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Arkansauce | 8 | xBk Live
The BASSberry JAM | 8 | Lefty’s Live Music

Sunday

The String Cheese Incident | 7:15 | Vibrant Music Hall
The Aces | 8 | Wooly’s

SPORTS 🏈🏅

Iowa Cubs ⚾️ 

The I-Cubs wrapped up their home season last week and will finish off the regular season in Rochester playing the Red Wings.

Football 🏈

Full slate of games for the local teams this week.

  • Arkansas State @ Iowa State 🌪️ | 9/21 | 1

  • Drake 🐶 @ South Dakota | 9/21 | 1

  • Iowa 🦅 @ Minnesota 9/21 | 6:30

  • UNI 🐆 @ Hawaii | 9/21 | 11

Globetrotters coming to town 🏀 

It was announced this week that the Harlem Globetrotters will be coming back to Wells Fargo Arena on January 12, 2025.

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THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

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