New Year Update!

Happy New Year, Ames Community!

I started this blog 7 months ago. It has changed and evolved several times. It will continue to change. With the new year, I want to focus more and more on what makes Ames a great place to live. Events, neighborhoods, attractions, schools, and still of course, homes. I plan to feature a different neighborhood every other week, keep you updated on fun activities and give tips for all things "home." I am excited about this new, more structured direction.

What are changes that you're making this year? Professionally? Personally?

Summer Activities in Ames

Ames has some really great family friendly things to do during the summer. I've compiled a list of my favorites. What are your favorite summer activities?

1. Ames Main Street Farmers Market
Whether you're looking for organic veggies, live music, or just a reason to stroll around downtown Ames, every Saturday from 8am to 12pm, the Ames Main Street Farmers Market is a great place to spend time with your family and community.
 


2. Furman Aquatic Center
This pool has it all: a lazy river, intertube slides, high boards, and an interactive small children section.



3. Downtown Thursday Night Music
Every Thursday Night there is live music at the Bandshell and Tom Evans Park at the end of Burnett Ave.




4. Live at the Vineyard
Each Sunday afternoon from 3pm-6pm, Prairie Moon Winery hosts a musical performance. The cost is $3 per person but includes sangria for all adults of age and you're invited to bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy as you listen to the music and walk around the vineyard.




5. Octagon Art Festival
Sunday, September 23rd, 10am to 5pm, the Octagon Center for the Arts and the Ames Multicultural District host the Annual Octagon Art Festival in Downtown Ames. It's completely free and has great street vendors and artist featured every year.

A Great Weekend for Curb Appeal

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It's common knowledge that a well maintained yard increases the value of your home and your neighborhood. This Sunday is Earth Day, but that's not the only reason to work on your yard this weekend in Ames. On Saturday, April 28th, the American Professional Service Group is having a Yard Waste Free Day. All of your clippings, branches, shrubs and brush can be taken to 407 Freel Drive from 8:00am to 4:00pm and you won't have to pay to get rid of your yard waste.

 This weekend is expected to be in the mid-sixties. Let's beautify Ames without having to pay for the branches we trim!

10 Family Friendly Things to do at the VEISHEA Festival

The Iowa State VEISHEA Festival isn't just for students, it also includes several activities for families. The purpose of VEISHEA Festival is to create community between Iowa State University and Ames residents.

On Saturday, April 21, the following family events will be happening on campus:

1. Horse Rides - VEISHEA Village

2. Petting Zoo - VEISHEA Village

3. VEISHEA Parade - Perimeters of campus
4. International Food Fair - Memorial Union

5. Face Painting - VEISHEA Village

6. Smart Home Open House - VEISHEA Village

7. Taste of VEISHEA - Union Drive

8. Chainsaw Wood Sculpture Artist - Central Campus

9. Sugar Cookie Decorating - VEISHEA Village

10. Martial Arts Demonstrations - VEISHEA Village

For more information, check out the VEISHEA Village and the VEISHEA Festival websites.
These are just a few of the events happening this Saturday at VEISHEA.