Des Moines West KOA

2009

Figure 8 Races - Adel - April 18 - October 3

Figure 8 Races are held every other Saturday in April through October. Just 7 miles from the campground, experience a favorite local attraction!

Festivale Cinco de Mayo - May 2

Hosted by the Historic Valley Junction Foundation at Railroad Park and 5th Street in Valley Junction, this annual event celebrates the Mexican heritage of the many railroad workers who moved to the area during the establishment years of Valley Junction. Visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities. This activity is free! See www.valleyjunction.com for more information.

Valley Junction Farmer's Market - May 7 - October 1

The Valley Junction Farmer's Market features a wide variety of vendors selling homegrown vegetables and fruits, baked goods, prepared foods, fresh-cut flowers, plants, crafts and much more. Over 100+ vendors. This event is held in conjunction with Music in the Junction, a free outdoor concert series that is held from 6 - 8 p.m. every Thursday evening from May 7 to October 1.

Smokin' In The Junction - May 23

Valley Junction is excited to announce the 1st Annual Smokin' in the Junction BBQ Contest on Saturday, May 23, 2009. Join us for hot BBQ, great food, live music, food vendors, beer garden and a day full of fun! All BBQ contestants will be eligible to win a portion of nearly $3,000 in prize money. In addition to the BBQ competition, we will have a food court, live music, beer garden and other activities throughout the festival. Tentative vending hours are noon-10:00 pm.

PGA Champions Tour Principal Charity Classic - May 26-31

The Champions Tour will be back in town May 26 - 31, 2009 for the annual Principal Charity Classic held at Glen Oaks Country Club. Don't miss any of the action to come! Get your tickets early. The Principal Charity Classic is a community event and contributes greatly to the economic vitality and quality of life in central Iowa. The tournament also serves as a way to raise money for local non-profit organizations supporting children. Tickets are available at www.principalcharityclassic.com.

Dam to Dam Race - May 30

There are 20 kilometer, 5 kilometer and youth runs scheduled for the Dam to Dam Race.

National Pork Producers World Pork Expo - June 3-5

The National Pork Producers Council's 2009 World Pork Expo marks the event's 21st anniversary of serving as the world's largest trade show for the pork industry. If it has to do with pork production, you'll find it at the World Pork Expo. Competitions, Pig-Casso Art Show and the Great Pork BarbeQlossal! Food, music and fun at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Des Moines Art Festival - June 26-28

The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa's premier celebration of the arts. Each year the FREE, three-day celebration of the arts, decorates the downtown riverfront with exceptional artwork, entertainment and children's activities. Artists from all over the country will showcase their original artwork at the 2009 Festival. Attendees can enjoy and purchase artwork from more than 150 talented artists in a variety of styles and prices. Fireworks Saturday night! A MUST SEE!

Hy-Vee Triathlon - June 28

In 2007, the inaugural Hy-Vee Triathlon drew athletes from around the world to compete for the richest prize purse ever on the elite triathlon circuit. In 2008, the world's top triathletes again competed for $700,000 in prizes, but that year much more was at stake for American athletes-a spot on the 2008 Olympic USA Triathlon Team. In 2007, 2,000 participants rose their bicycles across the City as part of the amateur race. For more information regarding the 2009 Hy-Vee Triathlon, please visit www.hyveetriathlon.com.

Dallas County Fair - July 7-12

Held in July, the Dallas County Fair offers talent show, cruiser cars, rodeo, tractor and pickup pull, figure 8 races, livestock judging, music and much more!

Indianola Balloon Festival - July 31 - August 8

Balloons fly all week long at 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Come out to the National Balloon Classic in the morning and enjoy a pancake or omelet breakfast or in the evening you can find treats at the concession stand. Sit, relax and enjoy the live entertainment and the spectacle of the hot air balloons.

Sweet Corn Festival - August 7 & 8

Nothing can compare to sweet corn grown in Iowa! The Sweet Corn Festival is an annual festival that features six tons of free sweet corn, craft and food vendors, free entertainment, evening street dance and beer garden. Take a short drive of 7 miles from the campground to Adel on August 7 & 8, 2009 and you can experience it first-hand. The best part is, it's FREE!

Iowa State Fair - August 13-23

Yes, the country's most famous state fair and Iowa's largest tourism event will be held August 13-23, 2009. The 2009 theme, "State Fair Time," epitomizes that time of year when Fairgoers make their annual trek to Des Moines' east side for a taste of the staples - the food, fun, free entertainment, competition, livestock and people watching - that only the Fair can offer! You will not be disappointed! The internationally-acclaimed Iowa State Fair - "America's Favorite Fair" - annually attracts more than a million fun-lovers from around the world.

Covered Bridge Festival - October 10-11

Each year on the second full weekend in October, county residents gather under the brilliant hues of autumn to celebrate their historic covered bridges. The Covered Bridge Festival features old-time craft demonstrations, a wide variety of food vendors, music, an antique vehicle parade complete with bands, a spelling bee, and much more. Over 85 craft and food booths. Guided tours of the covered bridges available.