Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of November.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
The Hy-Vee Holiday Parade will take place Saturday, Nov.
29 at 10 a.m. in downtown Des Moines and will feature over 80 floats including acts such as the Budweiser Clydesdales, Minnesota Vikings Skol Line, and Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders along with giant balloons and real reindeer—parking is available early via designated partner lots and later in public garages while live coverage airs on WHO 13.
The Williams sisters in Des Moines are leading a volunteer effort that began in 2020 to bake hundreds of free Thanksgiving pies; sign-ups ended yesterday and they will deliver them tomorrow.
They plan to expand the program statewide for Thanksgiving 2026—an idea sparked by a conversation with a 70-year-old neighbor.
🎭 Culture
Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons said that seeing the butter cow displayed in a museum made fair officials think about new ways to show their art.
He said the fair will announce more changes soon—along with plans for a new $15 million ag education center ahead of key anniversaries.
🎓 Education
Simpson College named its 26th president on Tuesday when the Board unanimously appointed Dr. Susan D.
Stuebner, who had served as interim president since July, in Indianola. She succeeds President Jay Byers, who died in April, and brings nearly 30 years of higher-education experience to her new role—her leadership is expected to guide the college's future direction.
West Des Moines school district officials are considering closing Walnut Creek Campus at the end of the school year due to high absenteeism and stagnant grades — the plan would replace the school with a district-wide alternative model to better serve at-risk students.
The board will decide in January, and the move would result in layoffs for staff at the school.
Des Moines Public Schools cut $13.3 million in staff salaries after a Tuesday meeting as the district struggled with a drop in enrollment that reduced its state funding & with 83% of its budget spent on staff.
The board said it will adjust staffing and class sizes next year while exploring new revenue streams.
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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Open Studio Holiday Shopping
11 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore unique art originals and prints at this festive shopping event.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 participation fee — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Truman's Miracle Drive
7:30 AM - 1:00 PM — Valley High School — Donations appreciated — Help save lives by donating blood in honor of a miracle patient.
Christmas With The Celts
7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $29.50-$69.50 — Experience a lively blend of Irish Christmas carols and contemporary hits with spirited performances and dance.
Wiggles and Giggles
10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes.
Joyann Parker's Soulful Christmas
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Athletico Physical Therapy - Ingersoll — Ticket price includes dinner — Enjoy a soulful Christmas performance along with a delicious dining experience.
Holiday Movie Night
5:30-8:00 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — $2 for kids, $3 for adults — Enjoy a festive screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with free drinks and snacks.
Princess Brunch
9 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Reservations recommended — Enjoy brunch with special meet and greet from the Snow Queen and Ice Princess visiting from Arendelle.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity during hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.
Downtown DNA Holiday Gathering
5:30-7 p.m. — The Royal Mile — Free entry — Cozy up with neighbors for an evening of holiday cheer and community spirit.
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