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Do You Have a Joke?
10/31
Nick Rivas
October 31, 2024
In partnership with
Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn, where we’re donning our pumpkin suit, bringing the spice to your morning.
In todays issue:
🎃 Beggars’ Night?
Simpson College wins award 🏆️
☕️New Local Coffee Shop
And we’re off.
— Nick Rivas
Trick-or-Treat 🎃
As we all know, Des Moines and most of the surrounding communities do Trick-or-Treating the night before Halloween, and it is known as Beggars’ Night. Well that was last night. And here we are discussing it today. Why? Well, for the first time in my lifetime, the kids will be getting in their costumes tonight, Halloween, and going door to door for the goods. Some will say that kids today are soft, but the storms in the forecast caused the communities to move Beggars’ Night for the safety of everyone involved.
So how did this tradition get started?
In Des Moines, "Beggars’ Night" takes place on October 30 rather than Halloween, as we discussed above. This tradition began in 1938 to reduce Halloween-related vandalism, which had become an issue in many communities. By moving trick-or-treating to a day earlier and encouraging organized activities, local authorities aimed to create a safer environment and a more family-friendly approach to the holiday. In addition, he event includes unique features, like requiring children to tell jokes before receiving candy. Since then, Beggar’s Night has spread to other parts of Iowa and also Ohio.
THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱
Raising Capital for Startups 💰️
Where my entrepreneurs at? The Des Moines Partnership is hosting “Raising Capital for Startups” on December 3, 2024, offering a full-day workshop focused on equity financing for startups. Topics include the fundraising process, financial modeling, and crafting a pitch. Participants will also get a bonus 1-hour SWOT analysis session with experts. The event is $25, includes meals, and is limited to 40 attendees at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Register Here.
Simpson College earns Award 🏆️
Simpson College received the 2024 Partner in Progress Award from Iowa Safe Schools for its efforts to support LGBTQ students and enhance campus safety. After securing a federal grant, Simpson partnered with Iowa Safe Schools to address the risks facing LGBTQ youth, demonstrating commitment across all campus sectors. This award acknowledges the college's dedication to creating an inclusive and safe environment for all students. For more details, visit Simpson's award page.
Plaza Lanes site update 🏗️
The redevelopment project at the former Plaza Lanes bowling alley site, now named "Alley Landing," plans to transform this area in Des Moines into affordable housing. The project includes a mix of apartment units targeting a range of incomes, aiming to address local housing shortages. The Alley Landing development also honors the site’s history, incorporating elements that reflect its past as a community hub.
Around Town 🏙️📈
In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, a new coffee shop in town.
Wake Up Iowa Coffee has been roasting single origin coffees in Iowa City since 2011. They have provided freshly roasted coffee at farmers markets, on their webstore, and at wholesale for over a decade. Expanding their reach into the Des Moines market this fall, they are so happy to announce that their espresso bar and factory retail outlet is up and running at 3605 Douglas Avenue in Lower Beaver! You can’t miss their stunning window sign done by the incredible Ramona Muse Lambert at the corner of Douglas Avenue and 36th street.
The menu includes a tight roster of specialty iced and hot drinks in addition to the classics; gluten free snacks, kombucha, natural nonalcoholic wine by the glass + bottle, and more!
This coming Saturday, November 2 from 11-4 is the Grand Opening + Inaugural Art Exhibition. They will be proudly showcasing their personal art collection throughout the whole space. Their intent with the shop is to also operate as a rotating art gallery, by creating an environment that they hope makes stepping into an art gallery more approachable.
Join me there this weekend!
@DSMATDAWN 📷
Photo Cred: @wakeup_iowacoffee
Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published!
WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁
Iowa Events Center is hosting this time warp of style and nostalgia. The vendors specialize in iconic clothing and accessories from the 80’s 90’s and Y2K eras.
Get tickets here. Pay extra for Early Bird access.
Paws & Claws
Animal Lifeline of Iowa is celebrating 20 years of saving the lives of special needs dogs and cats. This event is a benefit auction taking place at the Marriott downtown. This is a fabulous way to network while also contributing to animals in need. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite shade of BLUE to the event.
Center Grove is wrapping up its fall season with Pumpkin Destruction this weekend. Head out and enjoy a hayride and witness the Pumpkin Crane Drop and Tractor Smash.
Red Tie Gala
The Red Tie Gala, Saturday at 5, benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa and is in its 25th year! This event includes a plated dinners, aerialists, live music, and live and silent auctions.
Calling all book lovers and parents. The Johnston Public Library is selling bags of books for $5 starting tonight. They supply the bags; you fill them up!
WEATHER 🌞 🌡️
Weather Beacon: ⚪️ Colder weather in sight
🚨 Precipitation is on its way
Thursday
High 52 | Low 34 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️
Friday
High 59 | Low 42 | Sunny ☀️
Saturday
High 57 | Low 51 | Chance of Rain 🌦️
Sunday
High 64 | Low 55 | Rain 🌧️
MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤
Thursday
Halloween Cover Up | 6 | Lefty’s Live Music
Nate Sparks | 7 | Noce
Friday
Mike Conrad w/ The Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra | 7 | Noce
Bebop Bounty Big Band | 8 | Val Air Ballroom
Vitamin String Quartet | 8 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Iowa Storytellers: Songs & Stories | 8 | xBk Live
Saturday
Good To Be King | 7 | Wooly’s
2 Shadows - Dark Nation Tour | 7 | Lefty’s Live Music
The Carson Parker Trio | 7 | Noce
Kris Allen | 8 | xBk Live
Sunday
La Arrolladora | 9 | Val Air Ballroom
SPORTS 🏈🏅
Football 🏈
All four local teams are in action this week.
Marist @ Drake 🐶 | 11/2 | 1
UNI 🐆 @ North Dakota St | 11/2 | 2:30
Texas Tech @ Iowa State 🌪️ | 11/2 | 2:30
Wisconsin @ Iowa 🦅 | 11/2 | 6:30
Hockey 🏒
Bucs
VS Fargo Force | 10/31 | 6:30
VS Fargo Force | 11/1 | 7
VS Waterloo Black Hawks | 11/2 | 6
Iowa Wild
VS San Jose Barracuda | 11/2 | 6 🍺Hockey & Hops
VS San Jose Barracuda | 11/3 | 3 🐶 Pucks ‘N” Paws Night
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THANK YOU! 🙌
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