Friday, April 30 - A-MAY-Zing Days Eve

Chamber Awards – Citizen of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award – The West Des Moines Citizen of the Year Awards have been given to a deserving individual in our community each year since 1945. Citizens from all walks of life have been honored for their exemplary service, dedication and contributions made to the City of West Des Moines. Nominations are taken annually from the general public, and given to a selection committee comprised of representatives of various segments of West Des Moines. This award recipient has traditionally been honored in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner in January. However, this year, the Award Reception will be held on April 30th – A-May-Zing Day’s Eve, to formally kick off the entire month of celebration within West Des Moines. A cocktail reception to honor the recipient will be held on the City Hall patio from 5pm-7pm. 

Saturday, May 1 
 
Holiday Park Baseball Club Spring Classic Tournament (April 30 – May 2) - For the third year in a row, the Holiday Park Baseball Club will be hosting this spring tournament at Holiday Park and Raccoon River Park Softball Complex. The tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament for A/AA and AAA/Major teams. For more details, visit www.wdmbaseball.com. 
  
North American Dog Agility Council Dog Agility Trials - Dogs will run wild at Raccoon River Park as they make their way over, under and through a variety of obstacles in attempts to be the fastest doggy on the course! Dogs of all shapes, sizes and colors will try their hardest to be “top dog” on a variety of agility courses based on North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) regulations. The obstacles consist of a dog walk, A-frame, jumps, tunnels, hoops and weave poles. The goal is for the dog and owner to complete the course fast and error-free as they accumulate points for ribbons, titles and awards. It's all for fun and a great event for everyone involved. Spectators are welcome to watch and cheer on the dogs! For details, contact Bryan Nelson at (515) 491-7258 or bgnelson@augusthome.com.
 
YESS Duck Derby - Twenty-five thousand rubber ducks will be launched into the lake at Jordan Creek Town Center to race toward the finish line, and potentially a prize. (Some lucky duck will win $10K and a chance for a million dollar prize!) Ducks can be adopted for $5 each or $25 for a six quack. Proceeds will benefit YESS, an agency committed to keeping children safe and families together. Fun starts at noon; race starts at 2 p.m. For details, visit YESSduckderby.org.
     
“PUTT Your Best FOOD FOREward” Miniature Golf – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy will host the “PUTT Your Best FOOD FOREward” miniature golf event on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Glen. This event will benefit the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry and will consist of several nine-hole miniature golf courses sponsored or created by businesses throughout the West Des Moines area. The event is geared toward all ages and is open to anyone in the Des Moines community. Participants can either pay $5 per person to play or donate five non-perishable food items. For more information about this event, including registration, other fun activities that will be available that day, what food items are needed most and more, please visit www.wdmleaders.org.
   
Festivale Cinco de Mayo – Hosted by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation at Railroad Park and 5th Street in Valley Junction, this annual event, now in its sixth 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 Latino Pride and Tony Valdez Large Band, dancing and other family activities. Fun starts at noon. Free.
  
Bennett School Rummage Sale - This annual fundraiser for Bennett School features antiques, collectibles, toys, home décor, clothing, books, holiday items, tools, vintage, sports equipment, and MORE! Bring your kids and come and shop in this unique historic country school setting, located at 4001 Fuller Road. 9am-1pm. (Also on April 30 from 9am-4pm.)
  
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Village of Ponderosa – This 5k/3-mile walk begins at 9am with registration beginning at 8am. To register or for more information call 515-727-0048 or visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

Sunday, May 2

Open House at Historic Jordan House - Adults and children are welcome to come and enjoy a beautiful Victorian mansion and also learn about West Des Moines’ history! Take this opportunity to become a member of the WDM Historical Society. Free admission. Refreshments served. 2001 Fuller Rd. 2-5 pm.  

Wednesday, May 5
 
Toddler Mother’s Day – Join us at the WDM Public Library from 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. for a special day celebrating mothers! If you are under 3 years old, bring your Mommy (or other caregiver) into the library for rhymes and songs and fun. Registration is required.
  
Thursday, May 6 & Friday, May 7
  
Preschool Mother’s Day at the West Des Moines Library- Celebrate this special day for your MOM! We will help you make a surprise just for her! For ages 2-6, plus an adult at 10:30 a.m. Registration begins on Monday, May 4.
 
Thursday, May 6
 
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 p.m., more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through Sept. 30. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 p.m. while the band Sumpin Doo plays from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for Music in the Junction. Free.
 
Friday, May 7

DowlingPalooza (through May 9) - This student-based music concert is put on by all Dowling students, not just those involved in performing arts. Free. Dowling Catholic High School Lawn (weather permitting). Time TBA.

“May Madness NIT” Youth Baseball Tournament – USSSA Youth Baseball will be hosting this Baseball Tournament at Raccoon River Park Softball Complex. For more details please contact Bob Egr at 256-0490 or www.centraliowasports.com.

Saturday, May 8

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Drake University at 7:30pm) - The Des Moines Menace begin their 17th season as Iowa’s premier soccer team. Playing in the Premier Development League (PDL), the team focuses on the training and advancement of amateur soccer players who aspire to play professionally. This season, Des Moines Menace games will be played at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. There are a variety of ticket packages – season tickets, flex packs (six tickets for the price of five), or VIP Table tickets. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Through the month of May, adult tickets are $7 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (sjf@menacesoccer.com) Steve Fulton to order “amayzing” tickets. Please indicate which May game, number of tickets, and a phone number to call back. Tickets will be available at will call. For more information about the Des Moines Menace visit www.menacesoccer.com or call 515-226-9890.

“It is Well” Concert Tour: Kutless with CHASEN & The Museum – This concert, held at the Lutheran Church of Hope at 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, is open to all. Prices are $15 for general and $20 for artist circle. 7:30 pm. For more information go to www.hopewdm.org.

Horseshoe Pitching Contest - The Iowa Hawkeye Horseshoe Pitching Association is sponsoring a sanctioned horseshoe pitching contest at Holiday Park at 1pm. The public is invited to watch. For more information, contact Ron Rowley at 515-707-6852 or go to www.ihhpa.com.

Monday, May 10
  
Outdoor Games – 4:15 p.m at the WDM Public Library. If you’re a game-lover, you’ll be a winner in this afternoon filled with all kinds of games. For ages 5-8. Registration required.
  
Tuesday, May 11
  
Lapsit Time for Babies – 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m at the WDM Public Library. Using rhymes, stories, music and puppetry, we will engage baby and caregiver in language-rich activities designed for pre-walking babies. Registration is required.
 
Wednesday, May 12
 
Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Tony Valdez will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Dowling Spring Choir Concert – This annual event showcases the talents of Dowling's Jazz Choir, A Capella Choir, and Mixed Choir. Sheslow Auditorium, 7:30 pm.

Thursday, May 13
 
Beginning Drum Circle – from 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Jenny for a new group rhythm experience for children ages 3 to 6 years old including songs, games and stories all using drums. Registration is required.
 
After School Adventures – 4:15 p.m. at the WDM Public Library. Get ready for a special treat at our May “After School Adventure “for ages 5 and up. Registration is required.
 
Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 p.m., more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through October 2nd. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 p.m. while the band Flipside plays from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for Music in the Junction. Free
 
Police Week Observance - Canceled due to soggy conditions.

Regional Affiliate Chamber Luncheon - The West Des Moines Chamber plays host to the affiliate Chambers during the month of May. A luncheon will be held at the HyVee Conference Center from 11:30am-1:30pm. This special luncheon will feature a performance by “Brave New Workshop”, an improvisational troupe from Minneapolis. This is a great opportunity to meet and greet your fellow business professionals. Cost for the luncheon is $30/person for members and $35/person for non-members. Register with julie@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.

Friday, May 14
     
Bill Riley Talent Search – Valley West Mall will be the location for the talented youth of our community to step up and compete for a shot at going to the State Fair’s Talent Show. Sprouts (ages 2-6), Juniors (ages 7-14), and Seniors (ages 15-21) are eligible to compete. Winners in the Juniors and Seniors category will advance to compete at the Iowa State Fair. In addition to the Junior and Senior competition, Sprout acts will be chosen to be showcased and perform as “Stars of Tomorrow” in the Championship show, but will not be judged. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the center court of the lower level of the mall. Registrations will be accepted starting Wednesday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m. Call Tammy at 515-440-5601 or email tammy@careersearchassoc.comfor registration information. 

Fill the Mayflower - Fill the Freestore (through May 16) - Bring donations to Valley West Mall for the Freestore which supplies free furniture, kitchen items and linen items to people coming out of the Family Violence Center, as well as to many other not-for-profit organizations. Hours: Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

“Capital City Classic” Youth Baseball Tournament (through May 16) - USSSA Youth Baseball will be sanctioning this Baseball Tournament at Raccoon River Park Softball Complex. For more details please contact Tracy Johnson at 707-9710 or www.johnson@wdmcs.com.

    
Saturday, May 15
  
EMS Week Open House - Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association (IEMSA), West Des Moines EMS and Westcom are hosting a Public Safety Facility Open House in honor of EMS Week. The open house will take place from 10:30am until 1pm at Station 19, located at 8055 Mills Civic Parkway. There will be a BBQ lunch, tours of the Emergency Dispatch Center, tour of Public Safety Facility 319, ground and air ambulance displays, activities for kids and the Iowa EMS Memorial Service. Parking will be available at the Valley View Aquatics Center (255 81st Street) with free shuttle service to the station. This event is also sponsored by Mercy One Des Moines, Iowa EMS Alliance, and Iowa Health Systems. For more information, email ems@wdm-ia.com.

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Rochester Thunder at 7:30pm) - The Des Moines Menace begin their 17th season as Iowa’s premier soccer team. Playing in the Premier Development League (PDL), the team focuses on the training and advancement of amateur soccer players who aspire to play professionally. This season, Des Moines Menace games will be played at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. There are a variety of ticket packages – season tickets, flex packs (six tickets for the price of five), or VIP Table tickets. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Through the month of May, adult tickets are $7 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (sjf@menacesoccer.com) Steve Fulton to order “amayzing” tickets. Please indicate which May game, number of tickets, and a phone number to call back. Tickets will be available at will call. For more information about the Des Moines Menace visit www.menacesoccer.com or call 515-226-9890.
   
National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk – The inaugural Kidney Walk in West Des Moines is a fundraiser designed to raise both awareness and dollars for the fight against kidney disease. More than 100 Kidney Walks are held across the country each year, and the number is growing. All walkers are encouraged to raise as much money as possible from family, friends, co-workers and business associates in support of their participation in the Walk. All Walkers who raise $100 or more will receive an event t-shirt. Additional incentive prizes will be awarded after the Walk. Form a team! All you need is a Team Name, a Team Captain and you can recruit team members. Pre-registration is strongly recommended, as there will be limited on-site registration on the day of the Walk. To register or get more information, please visit www.kidneywalk.org. Registration starts at 9am; walk starts at 10am. If you’d like to volunteer, call 267-275-7892 for details. 

Pancake Breakfast – The Lions Club and Eddie Davis Community Center will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Eddie Davis Community Center in Valley Junction from 8:30am–11:30am. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under. 

A-May-Zing Spring Bead Celebration - Come and get the full BEAD experience at Artistic Bead at 210 5th Street in Historic Valley Junction. A guest lampworker (flame-made glass beads) will demonstrate how to make glass beads at 11am and 2pm. She will also have a large selection of her beads here to show. Activities throughout the day include demonstrations on needle felting, glass fusing, macramé, lampworking, wire working; kids activities; refreshments; and door prizes. This event is free and open to everyone. Come and see what the bead craze is all about. 
   
Sunday, May 16 

Spring Art Market – From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 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. 

Open House at Historic Bennett One-Room School - We invite ALL country school teachers and students to come and reminisce about your one-room school experience. The West Des Moines Historical Society would like to record the story of your country school experiences. Children, parents and grandparents can step back in time while visiting this restored 1927 one-room school. Experience “living history” while doing a craft project or playing the piano. Sponsored by the West Des Moines Historical Society. 4001 Fuller Road. Free admission. Refreshments served.
  
Tuesday, May 18

Shake, Rattle & Roll (same times May 19 as well)– 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. You’ll be movin’ and groovin’ in this hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ morning! At the West Des Moines Library for ages 1-4 (9:30 a.m.) and ages 2-6 (10:30 a.m.) with an adult. Registration is required.

Wednesday, May 19 

Breakfast B4 Business – This event is typically only open to Chamber members, but in the month of May, everyone is welcome to attend. Breakfast B4 Business is an informal hour of business networking, held from 7:30am-8:30am. Held once a month at various member businesses throughout the West Des Moines area, the breakfast is free of charge. For the month of May, the event will be held at Ciao and sponsored by Drury Inn in West Glen. Breakfast B4 Business provides a great chance to meet and greet your fellow business professionals. Be sure to bring a handful of business cards and brochures to make the most of this great networking function. While there is no formal program or speaker at these events, you'll be able to hear chamber announcements, a brief introduction of the host business and maybe even win a great door prize! RSVP to hannah@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.

Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Damon Dotson will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, May 20

Youth Justice Initiative 10th Anniversary Celebration - Join us from 4:30-6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers at West Des Moines City Hall as we celebrate 10 A-MAY-Zing years of the Youth Justice Initiative in West Des Moines! An award winning collaboration between the WDM Police and the WDM School District, this exemplary program is being replicated in several other communities. This will be an opportunity to learn and share about the healing and growth that YJI fosters in the community. Join with your neighbors to:
• Hear AMAYzing true stories,
• Listen to AMAYzing live music, and
• Taste AMAYzing food!

Dinosaurs! – 10:30 a.m at the WDM Public Library. Have a roaring good time with our giant green friends! Stories, puppets and more for preschoolers, ages 2-6. Program also available at the same time May 21. Registration is required.

Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 p.m., more than 100 vendors will fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through Sept. 30. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 p.m. while the band El Dorados plays from 6 p.m.-8:30p.m. for Music in the Junction. Free.

Public Works Day in Valley Junction –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 !

Regional Business After Hours – May is the month for West Des Moines to host the Business After Hours for all the affiliate Chambers in the Des Moines metro area. Glen Oaks Country Club will be the host site. Everyone is welcome to attend. Business After Hours, from 5pm-7pm, is a great way to unwind after work, meet friends and network with business associates and fellow Chamber members in a fun, casual atmosphere. There is no charge to attend, but advance reservations are always appreciated. RSVP to julie@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.

Friday, May 21

“C Showdown” Youth Softball Tournament (through May 23) – USSSA Youth Softball will be hosting and sanctioning this youth Fast Pitch Tournament at Raccoon River Park Softball Complex. For more details please contact Bryan Sage at 457-9331 or www.clonezone.com.

Saturday, May 22 

Zing into Spring - This third annual WDM Chamber event is a family fitness and wellness event featuring a 5K fun run/walk that begins and ends at Prairie Life Fitness. Participants of all ages are welcome. See the Zing into Spring page for registration fees - prices increase after April 30. T-Shirts and treats for all paid registrants. Registration starts at 7 a.m.; walk/run starts at 8 a.m.. Contact Julie Weeks at the West Des Moines Chamber at 515-225-6009 for more information.

Ultimate Frisbee Tournament – This event will be free and open to the public. People of all ages are welcome to come and play or watch. You may register as a team, or show up on the day of the event and be assigned to a team. Play will be 7-on-7, but team rosters may be as big as you like. The event will be held at Jordan Park at 2251 Fuller Road, starting at 2pm, weather permitting. Saturday, May 29th is the scheduled rain date.

Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. St. Louis Lions at 7:30pm) - The Des Moines Menace begin their 17th season as Iowa’s premier soccer team. Playing in the Premier Development League (PDL), the team focuses on the training and advancement of amateur soccer players who aspire to play professionally. This season, Des Moines Menace games will be played at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. There are a variety of ticket packages – season tickets, flex packs (six tickets for the price of five), or VIP Table tickets. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Through the month of May, adult tickets are $7 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (sjf@menacesoccer.com) Steve Fulton to order “amayzing” tickets. Please indicate which May game, number of tickets, and a phone number to call back. Tickets will be available at will call. For more information about the Des Moines Menace visit www.menacesoccer.com or call 515-226-9890.

Tuesday, May 25

Lapsit Time for Babies – 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. at the WDM Public Library. Using rhymes, stories, music and puppetry, we will engage baby and caregiver in language-rich activities designed for pre-walking babies. Registration is required.

Family Night – Valley West Mall hosts a night of fun for the whole family from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Inflatable rides, crafts, balloons, face painting and costumed characters are free to enjoy inside the mall on the lower level. Free.

Wednesday, May 26

Lakeside Live at Gateway Market and Village of Ponderosa – Katelyn Epperly will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
 
Thursday, May 27

Crafts Festival – For all ages, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the WDM Public Library. We’re bringing out the crayons, scissors and glue – now all we need is YOU! No registration needed.

Farmers Market/Music in the Junction – At 4 p.m., more than 100 vendors fill up the first three blocks of 5th Street in Valley Junction for the weekly Farmers Market that runs through Sept. 30. Railroad Park then plays host to a beverage garden starting at 5:30 p.m. while the band Comfort Zone plays from 6p.m.-8:30 p.m. for Music in the Junction. Free.

Business After Hours – This event is typically only open to Chamber members, but in the month of May, anyone is welcome to attend. Business After Hours, from 5pm-7pm, is a great way to unwind after work, meet friends, and network with business associates and fellow Chamber members in a fun, casual atmosphere. Each Business After Hours event is hosted by a member company at their business location. For the month of May, the event will be held at Wright Outdoor Solutions. There is no charge to attend, but advance reservations are always appreciated. RSVP to julie@wdmchamber.org or call 515-225-6009.

Friday, May 28
   
HPBC Memorial Day Tournament (through May 31) - The Holiday Park Baseball Club is hosting their 6th Annual Memorial Day Tournament over the Memorial Day Weekend at Holiday Park and Raccoon River Park Softball Complex. This tournament is sanctioned as a USSSA NIT tournament. For more details, visit www.wdmbaseball.com.
  
Saturday, May 29 – Sunday, May 30

       
Smokin’ in the Junction – Join us for two great days of barbecue and live music in Historic Valley Junction May 29-30. 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. On Saturday, the El Dorados will be playing from 3:30–6:30pm, followed by Brother Trucker from 7-10pm. On Sunday, Mickel Williams will be playing from noon-2pm, followed by Comfort Zone from 4-5pm. The awards presentation will be held from 4-5pm, followed by Matt and the Thunderbolts from 5-9pm. 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.

Saturday, May 29 

         
Des Moines Menace Soccer Game (Menace vs. Kansas City Brass at 7:30pm) - The Des Moines Menace begin their 17th season as Iowa’s premier soccer team. Playing in the Premier Development League (PDL), the team focuses on the training and advancement of amateur soccer players who aspire to play professionally. This season, Des Moines Menace games will be played at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. There are a variety of ticket packages – season tickets, flex packs (six tickets for the price of five), or VIP Table tickets. Single match tickets can be purchased at the game for $9 for adults and $7 for kids. Through the month of May, adult tickets are $7 if the word “amayzing” is used when ordering. Either call (515-457-6163) or email (sjf@menacesoccer.com) Steve Fulton to order “amayzing” tickets. Please indicate which May game, number of tickets, and a phone number to call back. Tickets will be available at will call. For more information about the Des Moines Menace visit www.menacesoccer.com or call 515-226-9890. 
   
Monday, May 31 (through June 6)

The Principal Charity Classic (A PGA Champions Tour Event)– The Champions Tour will be back in West Des Moines at Glen Oaks Country Club May 31 – June 6. Proceeds will benefit Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa, and Variety-The Children’s Charity. Tickets and more information are available at www.principalcharityclassic.com.