Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn, where we plan on skating right into your hearts. Share this with someone who loves winter!

In todays issue:

• ⛸️ Let’s Go Skating

• 2025 State Fair Update 🎸 

• 🏫 Des Moines Prep

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Skating Through Time ⛸️ 

Winter is here and that means cold. And snow. And ICE. But, ice can be fun sometimes and Des Moines residents have been skating on it for decades, but how we experience it has evolved. From the natural charm of frozen rivers to the modern elegance of Brenton Skating Plaza, our city’s love for skating remains timeless.

The Early Days: Skating on the Des Moines River

In the early 20th century, wintertime in Des Moines often meant lacing up skates and heading to the frozen Des Moines River. The river served as a natural gathering place for families and friends, offering both recreation and a touch of adventure. Skaters would glide under the bridges, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of snow-draped trees and icy waters.

This tradition continued for many years, even as the city grew. However, the unpredictability of river ice and changing urban landscapes gradually brought this era to a close. As safety became a concern, the need for dedicated skating spaces became clear.

The Birth of Brenton Skating Plaza

Fast forward to 2006, when downtown Des Moines welcomed the Brenton Skating Plaza. Located along the riverfront in the heart of the city, this state-of-the-art outdoor rink gave residents and visitors a safe and modern way to enjoy ice skating once again.

Brenton Skating Plaza quickly became a winter staple, offering a unique blend of urban energy and seasonal charm. Its open-air design allows skaters to enjoy the crisp winter air while taking in stunning views of the downtown skyline. This time of year, the rink is adorned with festive lights, capturing the spirit of the holidays.

A Timeless Tradition

Though the frozen river skating days are a thing of the past, Brenton Skating Plaza carries forward the spirit of those simpler times. It’s a place where families can create new memories, just as generations before did on the Des Moines River. Whether you’re an expert on skates or cautiously holding the rink’s edge, the joy of skating connects us to our city’s rich history and the simple pleasures of winter.

So, this season, why not embrace the chill and take a spin at Brenton Skating Plaza? As you glide across the ice, imagine the skaters of decades past, carving their own paths on the frozen river nearby.

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

Des Moines Prep 🏫 

Des Moines Prep will open in the East Village in time for the 2025-2026 school year. Opportunity Education is a not-for-profit that operates charter schools in California and Nebraska. It is owned by Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts and will be looking to open schools in Cedar Rapids and Davenport as well.

Grandstand Update 🎸 

The Iowa State Fair Grandstand has added a couple of acts for 2025. It was previously announced that Hairball would be performing, and now you can add county artist Megan Moroney and Christian artist Forrest Frank.

Around Town 🏙️📈

In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, a local non-profit helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges.

EveryStep: Supporting Central Iowa with Compassion

EveryStep, a non-profit organization based in Des Moines, is dedicated to providing care and community services since 1908. From hospice care and grief counseling to programs for at-risk mothers and children, EveryStep offers a broad spectrum of services that address critical needs in the community. With a mission rooted in compassion and connection, the organization has become a trusted resource for those seeking comfort, guidance, and practical assistance during difficult times.

The Cheer Box Program: Spreading Holiday Joy

One of EveryStep’s most heartwarming initiatives is the Cheer Box program, which brings holiday magic to families experiencing hardships. Each Cheer Box is carefully curated to include festive gifts, basic necessities, and personalized items tailored to each family’s needs and wishes. The program relies on generous donations from individuals and local businesses, as well as the dedication of volunteers who help assemble and deliver the boxes. By ensuring families feel seen, supported, and celebrated during the holiday season, EveryStep’s Cheer Box program exemplifies the spirit of giving and community care.

If you know anyone who has been a recipient of a Cheer Box or is simply familiar with EveryStep, I’m sure you would agree that they are a real asset to this community.

@DSMATDAWN 📷

Photo Cred: @SugarSpice&EverythingNice

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WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

Cocktails and Cardboard
Come out for date night for a night full of board games and cocktails.
📍The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar
📆 Thursday 6-9

The Nutcracker
The classic ballet where toys come to life, a prince battles mischievous mice, flowers waltz, and a Sugar Plum Fairy delights children of every age.
📍 Des Moines Civic Center
📆 Multiple Shows
➡️ Tickets 

A Christmas Carol
Bring the entire family for the timeless adventure and follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a night he will never forget.
📍 Stoner Theater
📆 Multiple Shows
➡️ Tickets

Santa Run
SingleSpeed Brewing is hosting this 5k. Come out and receive a full santa suit along with gift certificate to Fleet Feet with your registration.
📍 Fleet Feet
📆 Saturday 10AM
➡️ Sign up 

Jingle Bell Stroll
Fun for the whole family. This free event will feature Santa Clause, festive holiday music, along with games and craft stations.
📍 Grays Lake Park
📆 Saturday 2-4
➡️ Register 

Fill the Fire Truck
US Marine Corp Toys for Tots is asking for new unwrapped toys and books. This is a drive through event but you can also drop off Mon-Friday between 8-5.
📍 Ankeny Fire Station Headquarters
📆 Sunday 3-6

Sebastian Maniscalco
The comic is bringing his It Aint Right Tour to Des Moines this weekend.
📍 Wells Fargo Arena
📆 Sunday 7
➡️ Tickets 

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 16 | Low 10 | Cloudy ☁️ 

Friday

High 31 | Low 28 | Cloudy ☁️ 

Saturday

High 40 | Low 29 | Rainy 🌧️ 

Sunday

High 42 | Low 34 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Them Coulee Boys | 7 | xBk Live
Quartet 515 Holiday Concert | 7 | Rollins Mansion

Friday

Celebrate Christmas w/ Mac Powell & Matt Maher | 7 | Vibrant Music Hall
Will Moseley & Colin Stough | 7 | Wooly’s
Brother Trucker | 7 | Captain Roy’s

Saturday

Des Moines TubaChristmas | 2 | Harmon Fine Arts Center
Malcom Wells | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Central Iowa Wind Ensemble | 7:30 | Simon Estes Music Hall
The Unfortunate Sons | 8 | Prairie Meadows
The Nadas | 8 | Wooly’s
Queercore ft Early Girl and Mars Hojilla | 8 | xBk Live

Sunday

Central Iowa Wind Ensemble | 7:30 | Staplin Performing Arts Center

SPORTS 🏈🏅

College 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 underway. We’ll have more as our local teams get into conference play closer to the new year, but here’s a quick update on each program.

• Drake Men 🐶 Next Game VS St. Ambrose | 12/12 | Record: 8-0 (1-0)

• Drake Women 🐶 Next Game VS N. Dakota | 12/12 | Record: 3-5

• Iowa Men 🦅 Next Game VS Iowa State | 12/12 | Record: 7-2 (1-1)

• #21 Iowa Women 🦅 Last Game VS Iowa State | 12/11 | Record: 9-1

• #3 Iowa State Men 🌪️ Next Game @ Iowa | 12/12 | Record: 7-1

• #18 Iowa State Women 🌪️ Last Game @ Iowa | 12/11 | Record: 8-3

• UNI Men 🐆 Next Game VS Omaha | 12/13 | Record: 5-4 (1-0)

• UNI Women 🐆 Next Game @ S. Dakota St. | 12/14 | Record: 5-4

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs

• VS Dubuque Fighting Saints | 12/13 | 7

• VS Dubuque Fighting Saints | 12/14 | 6:30

Iowa Wild

• @ Milwaukee Admirals | 12/13 | 7

• @ Rockford Icehogs | 12/14 | 7

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves

• VS Motor City Cruise | 12/13 | 6:30 🧣 Howliday Game

My go to holiday drink!

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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.