The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Juneteenth celebrations growing in 2021 in #DSMUSA. https://t.co/5lYhhH06YI via @DMRegister
— DSMpartnership (@DSMpartnership) June 15, 2021
Des Moines welcomed its 31st year of celebrating Juneteenth with Neighbors Day, a free festival complete with vendors and live performances at Western Gateway Park. Celebrations also included the Black Business Expo Tour, Juneteenth Comedy Jam and Ankeny Juneteenth.
Bethany Glinsmann, with the non-partisan group Washington For Justice shared, “Juneteenth is a holiday, and it’s for everyone in the state of Iowa. It’s for all of us to celebrate.” Those wishing to commemorate the special day can watch this special two-hour broadcast that was performed live on Iowa PBS and Iowa Public Radio News featuring dozens of local Iowa performers.
The @OfficialNHSRA National Junior High Rodeo Finals will be at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in less than ONE WEEK! #NJHFR2021
— Catch Des Moines (@catchdesmoines) June 14, 2021
Looking for tickets? They are available here: https://t.co/Mk9JnaSHHm
Looking for overall info about the event? Head here: https://t.co/iKc1bBBMTR pic.twitter.com/HhgYZQj2nQ
The Iowa State Fairgrounds are set to host the best national junior high school competitors in the National Junior High Finals Rodeo June 20-26. These talented junior high school students will show off their skills in bull riding, saddle bronco riding, barrel racing and much more. The competition is open to the public and tickets can be purchased for $10-15.
#breaking The @JohnDeere Waterloo Tractor and Engine Museum opens up today after being closed down due to COVID. Including this in #DestinationIowa visit to Waterloo-Cedar Falls airing Thursday at 6 on @WHO13news @WHOWeather @Travel_Iowa pic.twitter.com/D8IxJWEYJO
— Roger Riley (@rogerriley) June 15, 2021
The Waterloo Tractor and Engine Museum opened its doors again after being closed down due to COVID-19. Visitors will learn how a simple steel plow was transformed into today’s modern machines through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts and an impressive collection of machines. Located in downtown Waterloo, the museum offers free entry and offers a variety of exhibits to keep guests of all ages entertained.
It's #roadtrip season! #ad Here's the perfect drive combo of rural views, camping and playgrounds for you in the heart of @Travel_Iowa Glacial Trail Iowa Scenic Byways Passport https://t.co/HTPuQ2HFq0
— Greta PicklesTravel (@PicklesTravel) May 18, 2021
The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway proves that you don’t have to go far to have the perfect summer road trip. With the guidance of the Iowa Scenic Byway Passport, you can experience the perfect mixture of history, science and nature. Along the Glacial Trail journey, you will experience the Sanford Museum and Planetarium, which houses an interactive dinosaur exhibit, Prairie Heritage Center, where you can learn about and watch local wildlife and historic Fort Peterson. Finish off the adventure by choosing one of the many parks along the way to enjoy a picturesque picnic spot.
Getting started as a beginning farmer can be tough, but the #BeginningFarmer Loan Program can make it easier by offering loans with reduced interest rates. You can learn more about the Beginning #Farm Loan program and if you may be eligible, here: https://t.co/a0ZeQ4QOsa pic.twitter.com/u6KvgJzuou
— IFA (@IowaFinance) June 16, 2021
The idea of pursuing a career in farming can be daunting. The Iowa Finance Authority offers the Beginning Farmer Loan Program to assist new farmers in acquiring farmland, machinery and livestock at reduced interest rates. The program has already offered assistance to 6,667 beginning farmers and counting.
This program assists farmers like Caleb Hamer and his wife, who wanted to expand his family’s four-generation family farm. Thanks to the Beginning Farmer Loan Program, they were able to purchase adjacent land and continue harvesting the family’s farming legacy
