Good morning, West Des Moines.

On Monday, Aug 11, the Iowa State Fair welcomes visitors with Day 5 events including a grandstand show by Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guest The Outlaws at 8 p.m., free stage headliners at various times, and a veterans parade at 11 a.m. — the fairgrounds at East 30th Street and East University Avenue in Des Moines will see mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain and a high of 87.

Variety Star Playground at Iowa State Fairgrounds opened after a $700,000 renovation that replaced a rock wall with a ramp and added accessible equipment for all children.

The project was completed just in time for this year's fair after Amy Hagerman emailed concerns following her daughter Kinsley’s experience — Kinsley then served as an honored guest at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Today at the Iowa State Fair, visitors can bring in their own water, pop, and snacks in soft-sided coolers—alcohol, glass containers, and outside drinks in the grandstand are not allowed.

Officials said new gates on the northwest side will ease long lines at the east Des Moines fairgrounds where special live events like a queen coronation and concerts are scheduled.

An inclusive playground—built with over $700,000 raised by the State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Variety the Children’s Charity of Iowa after an email sent by a child aged 8 named Kinsley Hagerman—was unveiled Thursday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The agriculture themed playground is located near Fun Forest east of the Agriculture building and will be open year-round.

A man was injured in a shooting at Prospect Park in Des Moines Friday evening and was taken to a hospital after officers discovered his gunshot wound — a suspect was taken into custody with no ongoing danger reported.

At the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug.

10th, visitors will enjoy a grandstand performance by Pitbull with special guest Neon Union at 8 p.m.—free stage shows featuring The Castellows and Parranderos Latin Combo add more attractions while scattered showers and a high near 91 degrees are forecast.

Yesterday, several dozen classic cars and trucks were parked along the Iowa State Fair’s Grand Concourse for the 40th annual one-day car show, according to organizer Tom Kline.

One unique exhibit was a '49 Dodge panel van recovered from the woods with a Bobcat and removal of 15-20 trees — a project that drew extra attention from visitors.

Biologists with the Iowa DNR begin counting pheasants today at sunrise along 200 routes (to help set fall hunter expectations) as Iowa marks the 100th anniversary of its pheasant hunting season.

The survey results will be posted on the agency website in early September (to give hunters a clear plan) while mild winter weather has had little impact on the birds.

Studio Sunday at Terre Vici

12-8 p.m. — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Free entry — Create your own eye-catching jewelry in a vibrant studio atmosphere.

Charm Tuesday — Terre Vici

12 PM — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Eco-friendly event — Create stunning chakra jewelry to enhance your wellness and style.

VolunTEENS Work Time

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity at your local library.

Kindermusik Class

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $ — Explore music-making through instruments, movement, singing, and play for children ages 3-6.

Inside Out 2 Screening

6:30 PM — Evelyn K Davis Park — Free entry — Experience Riley's teenage transition and the introduction of new emotions in this entertaining sequel.

Summer Sizzler 5K/10K/15K

7-11 a.m. — Gray's Lake Park — $15 — A fun family event with chip-timing, great swag, and a virtual race option in Downtown Des Moines.

Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Live music and patio vibes await every Sunday evening.

Franklin Cinema Club: Once Upon a Time in the West

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore a classic western epic and discuss its themes with fellow film enthusiasts.

The Pigeon Visits the Library

4:00 – 4:45 PM — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with The Pigeon and meet your favorite mischievous character.

Back to School Strength Training Session

6:30-7:30 p.m. — F45 Training Downtown Des Moines — Free entry — Kick off the school year strong with a dynamic strength workout and giveaways.