Historic City Hall Open House – Sunday, May 1

The City of West Des Moines is holding a public Open House at Historic City Hall, 137 5th Street, from 1pm – 4pm. Historic City Hall served as our community’s first City Hall, police station, and fire station from the turn-of-the-century until 1953. Since 1953 it has housed a variety of retail establishments, as diverse as a toy store, a bakery, and a beauty salon. In 2007, the City of West Des Moines purchased the building, and along with many partners has been working toward remodeling the building for public use, with many sustainable features. Partners in the project include I-JOBS, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs – Iowa Great Places, Iowa Department of Economic Development – Main Street Iowa, Iowa Office of Energy Independence, State Historic Society of Iowa, United States Department of Energy, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and the West Des Moines Development Connection.

Farmer’s Market/Music in the Junction -Thursdays @ 4 pm

Over 100 vendors fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmer’s Market that runs through October 1. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 pm and popular local bands who play from 6pm-8:30 pm for Music in the Junction. Over 3000 people come to this very popular event each week. Free.

Festivale Cinco de Mayo - Saturday, May 7

Hosted by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation at Railroad Park and 5th Street in Valley Junction, this annual event, now in its seventh year, celebrates the Mexican heritage of the many railroad workers who moved to the area during the establishment years of Valley Junction. Visitors will enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music featuring Salsa Vibe and Latino Pride, dancing and other family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free. 

Public Works Day in Valley Junction - Thursday, May 19

In celebration of National Public Works Week, the West Des Moines Public Works Department displays all types of Public Works equipment on 5th Street during the Farmers' Market in Valley Junction. Free family fun with games for children and adults! Explore the large equipment and learn about streets, solid waste, snow plowing, City mapping - the many aspects of Public Works! This year PAWS will be back (the really tall tiger Public Works mascot)!

Public Works Day in Valley Junction - Thursday, May 20

In celebration of National Public Works Week, the West Des Moines Public Works Department displays all types of Public Works equipment on 5th Street during the Farmers' Market in Valley Junction. Free family fun with games for children and adults! Explore the large equipment and learn about streets, solid waste, snow plowing, City mapping - the many aspects of Public Works! This year PAWS (the really tall tiger Public Works mascot) will be back!

Spring Art Market – Sunday, May 22

From 11am to 5pm, the streets of 5th Street become host to a variety of artists from around the country. Over 100 artists and craftspeople will be participating in this outdoor, juried festival. A wide variety of items will be available, including photography, pottery, paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, clothing and much more. There will also be hands-on fun for children, food vendors, artists’ demonstrations and musical entertainment taking place throughout the day. Free.

The Big Bash -Tuesday, May 24

On May 22-25, 2011, Iowa will host the National Main Street Conference. Main Street Iowa will celebrate 25 years of developing one of the strongest Main Street Coordinating Programs in the country. As part of this celebration, Historic Valley Junction will be hosting the final evening of the conference (May 24) by holding the Main Street Bash. The focus of the event will be on the diversity of Iowa and will feature art, entertainment, music and food from the many cultures prevalent in our great state. The Tony Valdez Large Band will be performing on-stage in the 100 Block of 5th Street with the various cultures being represented throughout the remainder of the district. An estimated 1,500 individuals will be in attendance as part of the Main Street Conference. As well, the general public will be invited to attend

Smokin' in the Junction- Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29

 Join us for two great days of barbecue and live music in Historic Valley Junction on May 28-29, from noon-10pm on Saturday, and noon – 9pm on Sunday. This event will include a Kansas City Barbecue Society Sanctioned Barbecue Contest with cash prizes, food vendors, exhibitors, kids activities including inflatables, beverage garden and live music. The barbecue contest will be held rain or shine. There will be live music both days featuring Mickel Williams, The Blue Band, Comfort Zone, and Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts on the 28th, and the Vince Cline Trio, The El Dorados, and Brother Trucker on the 29th. An awards ceremony will follow the barbeque competition. For more information about competing, vending, judging, sponsor packages or volunteer opportunities, please contact either the Historic Valley Junction Foundation office at 515-222-3642 or Brian Sweeney at pitmaster@sweeneysbarbecue.com.