Sunday, June 15th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 15th of June.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cajun Fest 2025 in West Des Moines featured a 16-pound bacon-wrapped alligator as a new dining attraction—organizer Steven Smith introduced unique gator tables to share Louisiana flavors. The festival included live music, street performers and Southern dishes, and it has donated over $100,000 to local charities—organizers plan to return with similar attractions next year. WHO13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A historical marker honoring 1,200 Black soldiers who trained as officers at Fort Des Moines during World War I was unveiled yesterday at the Fort Des Moines Museum—led by retired Army veteran Don North and attended by local officials including Mayor Connie Boesen. The ceremony commemorated the only Black officer training site from the war and celebrated the soldiers' contributions during a time of segregation. Des Moines Register
- ➤ A Des Moines woman arrived in Israel for a family wedding hours before hostilities erupted between Israel and Iran, causing flights to be grounded and shelter alerts to be issued. Her planned return on June 24 is now uncertain as air travel remains suspended—she noted feeling safe despite the frequent siren warnings. KCCI
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Drop-in Craft: Mini Dino Parachutes
Craft times — All week — Des Moines Public Library — Free — Make mini parachutes for your favorite dino and have fun while learning at the library.
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Alzheimer's Association Happy Hour
4-6 p.m. — Lua Brewing — Free entry — Unwind and connect over drinks while supporting a great cause in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
1:30 – 2:30 PM — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Explore the roots of mindfulness and engage in a guided meditation session.
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Kindermusik Class
5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost varies — Explore the magical world of music designed for young children.
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Mini Dino Parachutes Craft
All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Create your very own Mini Dino Parachutes during a fun drop-in craft session this summer.
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Fast Henry Duo Live Performance
12-3 p.m. — Annie’s Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy the local sounds of Fast Henry Duo while relaxing at your favorite Irish pub.
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Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes at this local summer event.
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Meet Author Nikki Erlick
6-7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free admission — Explore the imaginative world of Nikki Erlick's latest novel 'The Poppy Fields' and enjoy a book signing.
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MY PAINTING ERA CAMP! Day 1: 1989
9 AM – 12 PM — Painting with a Twist — Cost info not provided — Pick a painting, invite friends, and enjoy step-by-step instruction with local artists.
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Lunch & Learn: Resources for Small Businesses
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Free — Discover game-changing resources and network with fellow entrepreneurs while enjoying a complimentary lunch.
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