Summer in Winterset: 2019 Edition

If you’re like us, the lack of spring-feeling weather has made it hard to come to grips with the fact that June is just around the corner. But, nevertheless, here it comes ready or not! Winterset kiddos will be out of school as of 1:00 this Friday. If you need some suggestions on how they can fill those plentiful summer hours, here’s a guide to all things “summer” in Winterset. Whether your child is an artist, a musician, an athlete, an actor or some combination of all, there’s a place for them in one of the dozens of programs offered by various organizations in our community.

If you know of a family that is new to Winterset, we hope you’ll pass this post along to them so they don’t miss out on any of the wonderful opportunities available to families in our community!

Keep reading for a list of activities grouped by organization. If you’d like to see everything listed in a calendar view – hop on over to our community calendar page.

Winterset Parks & Recreation

The Winterset Parks & Recreation Department maintains several parks and recreation facilities that are open to the public:

  • Winterset City Park, located at 300 S 9th St – this park includes two playgrounds, multiple shelters (available for rent), Cutler-Donahoe Bridge, Clark Tower, an English Hedge Maze and other historical sites. Camping is also available in the City Park Campground located next to the park.
  • Whistle Stop Park, located at 407 West North Street – this park sports outdoor basketball hoops and great play equipment for younger kids
  • Memory Lane Park, located at 517 East Lane Street – this park has an open shelter, playground equipment and basketball court
  • Carver Memorial Park, located next to the Fire Station on East Court just half a block from the town square – this nook of a park features the Dream Big Dreams mural honoring Dr. George Washington Carver and celebrating his time in Winterset
  • Winterset Skate Park, located at 517 South 4th Ave – opened in 2017, the skate park is a street-plaza style design with various transitions and features for all skill levels
  • Lighted Tennis Courts, located adjacent to the Aquatic Center on West Jefferson – two courts are available for tennis and pickle ball

The WPRD also offers a huge variety of programming for kids and adults alike. You can find the complete list of all activities & registration instructions at the Winterset Parks & Recreation Website. You can also follow the Winterset Park & Recreation Department on Facebook.

Mayor’s Bike Ride

Saturday • 6/1 • 8:00 am check-in

Check in at the parking lot of the Winterset Aquatic Center. The ride will be to City Park and back. Purpose: to bring awareness for the need of a biking/jogging/walking trail. Co-sponsors: Winterset Police Department, Madison County Cycling Club and the WPRD. Kids wearing a helmet will receive a certificate for a free ice cream cone. No fee.

B.R.A.T. Rides

Fridays • 6/7, 7/5, 8/2 • 5:00 pm

Bike Ride Around Town is for all ages on the same evenings as the “First Friday” Concert Series in the Park. Join in at City Park at 5:00 and ride the sharrows around Winterset. (Maps of the shared road way route will be provided.) The route is approximately 7 miles and riders are welcome to ride it as many times as you would like. After the ride, head to the North Shelter of the City Park for food and live music.

Little Legends Golf Lessons

June 10-14 • 9:00 am Grades K-3, 10:00 am Grades 4-6

Golf clubs, balls, instruction and other equipment are provided for this beginning golf experience. Registration forms are available at the schools and the WPRD. Make checks payable to Little Legends Golf. Contact Brett West with questions, 515-577-7910. Fee is $50.

Winterset Youth Golf Tournament

Friday • 6/14 • check in at 8:30 am

This tournament includes a putting/chipping contest, hole prizes, and adjusted golf forma and is co-sponsored by the WHS Golf Program, Winterset Optimist Club, Lakeview Country Club and the WPRD. Event included with Little Legends Golf Lessons. Registration ends June 4th and the fee is $15.

Movie Night in the Park

Saturday • 6/22 • approximately 9:00 pm

This is free family fun for all ages held at the North Shelter in City Park. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Thanks to Madison County Realty for sponsoring this event.

Playground in the Park

Playground I: June 24-27 • Playground II: July 29-August 1 • Playground III: August 12-15
10:00 am to noon each day • Fee $30

This program for 3 to 8 year-old boys and girls is held at the South Shelter in City Park and includes crafts, stories, hikes, games, snacks and playground time. One of the highlights is a group hike to Clark Tower on last day. Sack lunch needed on this day. Registration ends June 8th.

Youth Tennis Lessons

For boys and girls, grades 3 – 8. Fee $15.00.

  • Session I – beginner, grades 3, 4, 5, 6. M-Th, July 8-11, 8:45 to 9:45 am.
  • Session II – advance beginner, grades 3, 4, 5, 6. M-Th, July 8-11, 10:00 to 11:00 am.
  • Session III – intermediate, grades 5, 6, 7, 8. M-Th July 15-18, 8:30 – 9:30 am.

Balls, racquets and instruction are all provided for these lessons held at the city tennis courts. Pre-register at least 1 week in advance.

Winterset Tennis Rally

Friday • 7/19 • 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

This fun-filled day of tennis match play, games and contests is open to boys and girls in grades 2 – 6. This is no fee and prizes will be awarded. Balls, racquets and supervision are all provided. All skill levels are welcome; bring a sack lunch and your swim suit for free swimming at the Winterset Aquatic Center following the rally. Call or email the WPRD to register.

Junior Fire & Police Academy

Police: July 31 & August 1 • 8:00 am – 10:00 am • Winterset Library
Fire: July 31 & August 1 • 10:00 am – Noon • Winterset Fire Station

The Winterset Junior Police & Fire Academy is an opportunity for kids in grades 4-6 to learn about police and fire training and related topics and is presented by officers of the Winterset Police Department and members of the Winterset Fire Department. Cadets will experience activities including: physical agility training, fingerprinting, evidence collection, a K-9 demonstration, fire safety, fire fighting techniques and equipment and more. Cadets will receive a Winterset Junior Police Academy T-shirt. Class size is limited to 16 and registration ends July 19.

Winterset Aquatic Center

The Winterset Aquatic center is maintained by the Winterset Parks & Recreation department but for our purposes, it’s worth having its own listing. Find a complete listing of the Winterset Aquatic Center programs and policies at their webpage.

Open Swim

Monday – Friday: 12:30 – 5:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12:30 – 6:00 pm
May 27 & July 4th: 12:30 – 5:00 pm

Regular Daily Admission:
$6 Afternoon ($2 discount for seniors 60+)
$4 Evening (after 4 pm) ($2 discount for seniors 60+)
Free* Two and under*
*Age determined on 12/31/19

Season Passes:
$65.00 Single
$130.00* + $10 Per Person, Family Pass*
$35.00 Senior Sitzens (60+)
*Family pass must include either mom or dad. Family pass is $130 plus $10 per person. If a family pass is purchased by June 15, you will automatically receive a Family Tri Pass which will admit you to the pools in Adel, Indianola, & of course, Winterset.

Toddler Time

For parents and toddlers age 5 and younger. Age is determined on Dec. 31, 2019. Toddler time is offered in the shallow area Monday thru Thursday, 5:15 – 6:00 pm, June 10 – August 9. No registration is required, just check in at admissions. Purchase a season pass, or admission is $4.00 per person at the gate.

Red Cross Swimming Lessons

Three (3) two-week sessions of Red Cross swimming lessons are offered during morning hours, occurring Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays are used for make-up days if needed. Students shall register for only one session each season. Early registration is recommended as class sizes are limited. To begin the Red Cross Lesson Program, students enrolling in Level I must have completed kindergarten. A special Pre-K class is offered in Session II for those children beginning Kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year.

Learn to Swim

The six level Learn-to-Swim program is unlike anything offered by other learn to swim programs. The program is designed for children over 6 years all the way up to adults, and students progress through the levels at their own pace, mastering the skills in one level before advancing to the next. Each level of our Learn-to-Swim class includes training in basic water safety and helping others in an emergency, in addition to stroke development. The six levels are as follows:

Level 1: Introduction to Water Skills
Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Level 3: Stroke Development
Level 4: Stroke Improvement
Level 5: Stroke Refinement
Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency

Session I: June 10 – 20 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays), Fee $35

  • 9:00 – 9:45 am, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
  • 10:00 – 10:45 m, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • 11:00 – 11:45 am, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Session II: June 24 – 27 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays ), Fee $30

  • 9:15 – 10:00 am, Pre-K
  • 10:15 – 11:00 am, Pre-K

Session III: July 8 – 18 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays), Fee $35

  • 9:00 – 9:45 am, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
  • 10:00 – 10:45 am, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Pre-K Swim Lessons

For children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. They will learn water safety, survival skills and foundational swimming concepts in a safe and fun environment. Skills are age appropriate, allowing students to achieve success on a regular basis.

Private Swimming Lessons

Fee: 1 student – $12, or 2 students $9 each.

  • June 3 – August 9, M-F, 5:05 and 5:35 pm
  • June 3 – 7, (M-F) 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 am
  • June 24 – 28, (M-F) 11:05 and 11:35 am
  • July 8 – 19, (M-F) 11:00 and 11:30 am

Private lessons are scheduled by directly contacting the aquatic center lifeguards. Lessons are 25 minutes and no Red Cross cards are given.

Private Swim Parties

Saturday or Sunday, June 8 thru August 4, 6:15 – 8:15 pm. Rental fee per area: $90.00/1 hr, $135/1.5 hrs, $180/2 hrs plus admission fee: $2.00 per person. Call the WPRD office prior to May 24 to schedule, or beginning May 27, contact the Pool Manager at the Aquatic Center. Your reservation may include one or all of the following areas: 1. shallow area, 2. medium depth area (includes double slides, basketball hoop), 3. deep area with drop slide and diving board. Private Swim Parties are to be scheduled 3 weeks in advance. Season passes do not apply for private swim parties.

Pool Side Birthday Party

Children 12 and under, Fee: $20.00. June 3 – August 9. Monday – Friday, 12:30 – 2:30 pm or 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Admission fee or swim pass apply. Reserve a shade structure for up to 8 people (including adults) for your child’s birthday. Reservations shall be made at least one week in advance. Fee includes shade structure, slice of pizza, juice box and a special birthday wish on the PA. Only one reservation per day. No carry-in food or drink allowed.

Cardboard Boat Race

Sunday • 6/23 • 5:00 pm

Design & build your own boat made entirely out of cardboard and duct tape only. Singles and team divisions: 10 years and under, 11-15 years, and a family division. A complete set of rules can be picked up at the Aquatic Center. Registration deadline is Monday, June 17th. There is no fee to participate.

Dive-In Movie Night

Friday • 8/2

Enjoy a fun family evening of swimming from 6:00 to 8:30 followed by a movie at pool side around 9:00pm. Register at the Aquatic Center by August 2nd. Fee for swimming is $4 or a season pass. No charge for the movie which is sponsored by Madison County Realty and the Winterset Parks & Recreation Department.

Doggie Dip

Saturday morning • 8/17

This annual event is moving to a new time in 2019. Small dogs (under 30 pounds) can swim from 10:00 – 10:45 am and large dogs (over 31 pounds) have the pool from 11:00 – 11:45.  The fee is $4 per dog and $4 per person.

We’ve tried to cover it all but you can find a complete listing of the Winterset Aquatic Center programs and policies at their webpage.

Winterset Art Center

The Winterset Art Center has a great lineup of activities for budding young artists! Some are week-long camps, some are single days and they cover a wide variety of topics so your artist is sure to find something that sounds interesting

Multi-Day Camps

Three multi-day camps are being offered using various natural landscapes as inspiration. During each of these opportunities early explorers (ages 5-8) will meet from 9:00 – 10:00am, young explorers (ages 9+) will meet from 10:30 – Noon and advanced explorers (ages 12+) will meet from 1:30 – 3:00pm.

Pottery Wheel Camp

Session I • June 3-6 • 9:00 – 11:00 am
Session II • June 17-2o • 9:00 – 11:00 am
Session III • June 24-27 • 9:00 – 11:oo am

Recommended for ages 12 and up, students will learn the basics of working on the potter’s wheel, specifically wedging, centering and creating a bowl. Children will also work on other creative projects and learn about firing and glazing. Cost is $70 for non-members, $60 for members.

PreSchool Summer Art

Session I • Mondays: June 3, 10, 17 • 9:00 – 10:00 am
Session II • Mondays: June 3, 10, 17 • 11:00 am – Noon
Session II • Mondays: July 1, 8, 15 • 9:00 – 10:00 am

This class is designed for children ages 3 to 5 who are still developing their fine motor skills. Instructors will introduce different types of painting techniques, paper collage, and creating texture with stamps and rubbings. Cost is $20 for WAC members, $25 or non-members.

Come Clay with Me: Hand Building with Clay

Session I • Tuesdays: June 4 & 11 • 9:00 – 11:00am
Session II • Tuesdays: June 18 & 25 • 9:00 – 11:00am

Recommended for ages 8 and up, this class will result in two pieces of original clay art work to take home. The first session will focus on techniques to create the clay pieces and the second will cover glazing techniques to complete them. This class is recommended for ages 8 and up and each child will have 2 pieces of original art work to take home. Cost is $35 for WAC members and $40 for non-members.

A Bug’s Eye View of Nature

June 12 – 14 • Time determined by age group

Explorers of all ages will enjoy using their imagination and developing their fine art skills while focusing on creepy crawlies and beautiful blooms. Cost is $25 – $40 depending on specific session (determined by age) and whether or not you are a member of the Winterset Art Center.

The Deep Sea

June 19-21 • Time determined by age group

Find creatures that lurk deep down in the depths of the sea and use them for inspiration for all of your artistic creations this week. Cost is $25 – $40 depending on specific session (determined by age) and whether or not you are a member of the Winterset Art Center.

Welcome to the Jungle

June 26-28 • Time determined by age group

Jungle plants and animal will inspire this week’s art. Cost is $25 – $40 depending on specific session (determined by age) and whether or not you are a member of the Winterset Art Center.

Single-Day Workshops

Floral Screenprint & Watercolor Workshop

Sunday • 6/2 • 1:00pm

Participants will be screen printing lines of the floral images as a pattern, then using watercolor techniques to detail the finished piece. This would make a great wall hanging. Cost is $17 for WAC Members or $19 for non-members.

Sketch & Paint Series  – Three Unique Sessions

Acrylics • Monday • 6/10 • 1:00pm
Watercolors • Monday • 6/17 • 1:00pm
Oil Pastels • Monday • 6/24 • 1:00pm

At each session students will complete a quick sketch and finish the art project with either acrylics, watercolors or oil pastels. Bring a photo you’d like to sketch and all supplies are provided. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Cost is $18 for WAC Members or $20 for non-members for an individual session. Register for all three sessions and the cost is $45 for members or $50 for non-members.

Find a complete list of activities and registration instructions at the Winterset Art Center Website. You can also follow the Winterset Art Center on Facebook.

Madison County Conservation

The Madison County Conservation Board maintains several locations for camping:

  • Pammel Park (West of Winterset on Hwy 92, South on Pammel Park Road) – Pammel Park offers electric sites with hookups for RVs, non-electric sites and yurt cabins
  • Criss Cove – located approximately eight miles south of Winterset. Modern camp ground overlooking the pond is located in the northwest corner of the park.
  • Clanton Creek Natural Resource Area – located approximately 3 miles southwest of East Peru, Claton Creek offers several primitive ‘hike-in’ camp sites

To make a reservation, set up an account on mycountyparks.com. After creating an account, go to the My County Parks home page, click on “Counties” and choose “Madison”. Then click on the Facilities tab to view a list of reservable campsites and cabins. Reservations are only accepted for Pammel Park sites and Yurt Cabins. For questions about the online reservation system, contact the Madison County Conservation Board office at 515-462-3536.

The Madison County Conservation Board also produces an array of nature-inspired educational programs. Find a complete list of programs, policies and registration information at the Madison County Conservation website. You can also follow the Madison County Conservation on Facebook.

Tadpole Camp (Ages 3-5)

June 14, July 12, and August 2
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $20

During this 3-day camp we will learn all about the animals that surround us. We will cover topics such as what an animal needs to survive, how we are similar to animals, how an animal stays safe and how we know there are animals nearby. The camp will focus on nature based discovery opportunities with short hikes, hands on activities including a scavenger hunt, and simple crafts utilizing our natural resources. Each session will feature one of the animals residing in the nature center. Parents are welcome to attend the camp and are encouraged to participate in the activities with their child.

Salamander Camp (Ages 5-7)

Session 1: June 5-7
Session 2: August 6-8
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am
Cost: $25

Camp participants will spend me discovering all the things that can be found in different levels of the natural world including the water, soil, and air. We will learn about the things that swim in Middle River and take short hikes in Pammel Park where we will hunt for frogs, and fossils along sand bars, search for snails along the trails, and count the birds that fly overhead. There will be interactive games and scavenger hunts to help us learn about the inhabitants of Pammel Park. This camp will also feature a lesson on the animal food chain during which the campers will create an interactive food chain craft.

Night Owls Camp (Ages 8-12)

Session 1: June 24-26
Session 2: July 30-August 1
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Cost: $25

We will be exploring Pammel Park at night and discovering all of the wonderful creatures that make the night come alive including owls, bats, and raccoons. We will learn about the adaptations that help these creatures see after dark and catch their prey. Hands on activities will include blacklight animal tracking, firefly hunting, and night vision activities. We will discuss what we should do if we are lost in the woods after dark and campers will practice building a camp fire.

Chipmunk Camp (Ages 6-9)

June 11-13
Time 1:00 – 3:30 pm
Cost:$25

During this 3-day adventure, camp participants will learn about the animals that call the nature center home and discover what different animals need to survive. We will learn how our actions affect the world around us and how we can help protect the environment. Campers will also learn about life cycles of park inhabitants including frogs and butterflies. Featured activities will include frog catching, insect netting, and critter catching in Middle River.

Kestrel Camp (Ages 8-12)

June 18-20
Time: 9:00 am – Noon
Cost: $25

Campers will spend their time learning about the different types of creatures that reside in Pammel Park including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and the many types of aquatic organisms found in Middle River. Daily adventures will include animal tracking throughout the park, fossil hunting along sandbars, critter catching at the ford, bird watching at the bird blind, and hikes along the backbone trail. There will be an emphasis on water quality and the role it plays in the lives of animals.

Outdoor Adventures (Ages 10-15)

July 9-11
Time: 9:00am – Noon
Cost: $25

This camp will focus on developing hands on wilderness skills. During this 3-day adventure we will discuss different fishing methods, learn how to pack backpacks, practice setting up a campsite, try our hand at campfire cooking, and discover the meaning of Leave No Trace. There may even be a canoe trip to Cedar Lake.

A Day in the Park (Ages 9-12)

July 15
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: $25

This 1 day camp will feature hands on activities inside Pammel Park. Campers will begin the day with a lesson on the park’s resident wildlife and leave no trace before heading outside to explore the park. Activities will include campfire building, hiking, bird watching, and creek stomping. As we learn about outdoor cooking, campers will make their own lunch over the fire or with the use of a Dutch oven.

Water Rocks! (Ages 9-12)

July 24-26
Time: 9:00am – Noon
Cost: $25

Back by popular demand, this camp will feature all things aquatic from bullfrogs to people. Using ISU’s Water Rocks! curriculum, camp participants will learn about watersheds, wetlands, and the critters that live in them. Activities may include critter catching and water quality testing in Middle River, constructing and racing boats made from recycled materials, and canoeing at Cedar Lake.

Again, we’ve tried to make sure it’s all here at your fingertips but you can always find a complete list and registration information at the Madison County Conservation website. You can also follow the Madison County Conservation on Facebook.

The Winterset Stage

Find a complete list of activities and registration instructions at The Winterset Stage website. You can also follow The Winterset Stage on Facebook.

Puppetry

June 10-13 • 9:00am – Noon

Students entering grades 2-6 will explore various types of puppetry performance, make several types of puppets and create a performance using their favorite puppets from the week. This workshop may be a great option for youngsters who are shy to the stage or struggle with verbal communication. Cost is $85

Musical Theater, Jr.

June 17-20 • 900am – Noon

Students entering grades 1-4 are invited explore the world of musical theater combining music, dance and drama to create a full-immersion theatrical experience. Cost is $85.

Wham! It’s a Poetry Jam

June 24-27 • 9:00am – Noon

Students will discover the delights of performance poetry in this poetry jam! Using poetry as the words, students will look for creative ways to perform. Students will also explore writing poetry in groups and individually. The week will end with a Poetry Jam, where students perform. For students entered grades 6-9. Cost is $85

Student Voices: What Matters to Me

July 8-11 • 9:00am – Noon

What issues concern our young people today?  What do they really know about those issues? What can be done about them? Students entering 8th grade and up will use group processes to decide what issues are important to them. They will explore the issue through improvisation and research, then create a performance that highlights what can be done to help. This workshop goes beyond complaining, to help students speak out in a positive way. Cost is $85

Musical Theater, Sr

July 15-18 • 9:00am – Noon

Come explore the world of musical theater combining music, dance and drama to create a full immersion theatrical experience. Older students will have the opportunity to dive in to more complex concepts and refine their performance over the course of the week. For students entering grades 5-8. Cost is $85.

Play in a Day, Jr.

Tuesday • 7/30 • 9:00 am – Noon

Young theater explorers can get a taste of the stage in this single morning event for students entering PreK, Kindergarten or 1st grade. Cost is $35. Class will meet at the Iowa Theater from 9am – Noon with a short performance for families at Noon.

Play in a Day, Sr.

Wednesday • 7/31 • 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Older students will work together on the process of creating a short play in just one day. For students entering grades 4-7. Cost is $45.  Class will meet at the Iowa Theater from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm with a short performance for families at 5:00. Bring a sack lunch and we’ll provide an additional snack in the afternoon.

Find a complete list of activities and registration instructions at The Winterset Stage website. You can also follow The Winterset Stage on Facebook.

Madison County Historical Complex

The Madison County Historical Complex, located on South 2nd Avenue, includes 14 buildings on 18 picturesque acres of land. The crown jewel of the complex is the 1856 Bevington-Kaser House which has been restored and furnished in Victorian richness (who doesn’t love a good chamber pot?). The collection also includes rocks, fossils, Native American artifacts, Civil War and other military items, quilts, glassware, local business memorabilia, household and domestic items, early farm machinery and technology, tools and barbed wire and a research library. Knowledgable volunteer docents are on hand to share the stories of the various buildings and artifacts. Just $5 for admission, spending a day taking in History on the Hill is a great low-cost way to learn about our community and keep those brain cells firing all summer long!

Winterset Public Library

All year long, the Winterset Public Library holds weekly programs for young readers. In the summer, the library hosts nearly a dozen special events in addition to these ongoing programs. You can see a complete listing of the programs of the Winterset Library at their website. You can also follow the Winterset Public Library on Facebook.

Tiny Tykes

Tiny Tykes is held in the library story time room Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. This is a 20-minute early literacy story time with interactive stories, songs, and gentle movements. Children ages birth-2 years old are welcome along with their favorite adult. Siblings are also welcome.

Preschool Story Time

Story Time is held in the library story time room on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. During this 30-minute program, children will discover books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities while building language and literacy skills and having fun. Children ages 3-5 will enjoy hearing stories, singing, practicing writing, talking, and playing!

Discovery Zone

Discovery Zone is held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the library meeting room. Children in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade are welcome for stories, snack, and STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math).

Registration is required each month. Go to goo.gl/5eZS2b to access all Discovery Zone registration sign-ups or call 515-462-1731.

Messy Munchkins

Messy Munchkins is held in the library meeting room on Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This high-energy activity is a self-directed, multi-sensory play time that will engage child and caregiver through a variety of educational, social, and fun activities. Please dress accordingly as some activities will be messy! This is a drop-in activity – stay as little or as long as you like!

Reading with Snoopy (for Early & Hesitant Readers)

Reading with Snoopy is held in the library story time room on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Local dog lover and certified dog trainer Cari Davis will offer the opportunity for children to read aloud to her therapy dog, Snoopy. Reading with Snoopy is a great drop-in program for children who like animals and reading or who would like to practice their reading skills. Snoopy is a great listener and loves children of all ages!

Summer Reading Program

Students in Preschool through 12th grade can participate in the library’s Summer Reading Program. How does it work? The short version is this: Read Books, Earn Prizes! Each week this summer, pick up a bookmark to keep track of your reading and activities. The next week, return your bookmark, get a prize and pick up the next bookmark. There are six weeks in total. For every bookmark turned in, you’ll also be entered in the grand prize drawing. Week one starts June 1st and the kick-off event is Touch a Truck & Usborne Book Fair from 10:00 am – Noon.

Otherworldy Animal Adaptations with Blank Park Zoo

Tuesday • 6/11 • 11:00 am

From the dry desert to the soggy swamp animals can be found in many habitats around the world! Just as the astronaut needs a space suit in outer space, animal require many special adaptations to survive in their environments. Join a zoo educator as we meet animals from the zoo’s Education Department and learn about their “otherworldly” adaptations!!

Mystery Food Box Challenge

Wednesday • 6/12 • 1:30 pm

Caitlyn Ferin from Fareway will be at the Winterset Library for a “Mystery Food Box Challenge”. This program is open to tweens and teens ages 10 and up. They will have one hour to create three dishes from food items provided. No cooking experience required!

Outer Space Odyssey with Science Center of Iowa

Friday • 6/14 • 1:00 pm

Ever wonder what it’s like to visit other planets in our solar system? Join us at Winterset Public Library along with the Science Center of Iowa, and you’ll do just that! Together we will follow the amazing journey of the Voyager spacecraft and see some of the awe inspiring photos that it has taken all while engaging in exciting experiments

Summer Monday Movies

6/17 • ET the Extra-Terrestrial, 10:30 am | Back to the Future, 2:00 pm
7/15 • Home, 10:30 am | A Wrinkle in Time, 2:00 pm

Martika Daniels Circus Variety Show

Thursday • 6/20 • 6:00 pm

Martika Daniels is an expert performer in the sideshow, and circus arts!! She will be joining us here at the Winterset Library to present her interactive circus variety show!! There will be silk fans, hula hoops, plate spinning, and a fun circus game!!

Children’s Museum of Omaha Discover Dome Science Experience

Tuesday • 6/24 • 10:30 am or 11:30 am for PreK -1st Grade
Tuesday • 6/24 • 12:30 pm for 1st through 5th grade

The Winterset Library along with 4 R Kids Early Childhood Iowa is excited to host the Children’s Museum of Omaha. The Discovery Dome Science Experience features a planetarium dome film and hands-on science activities.
One World, One Sky is a 23 minute planetarium show that follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu HU Zhu, a Muppet from Zhime Jie and the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together, they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth.

Mock the Movie

Wednesday • 6/26 • 1:00 pm

Teens ages 12 and up are invited to mock the movie The Meg! This will be an interactive movie, where you can use your smart device to put live messages up on the screen and also be interacting with teens at other libraries across the state as well!! So, grab your friends and go mock the movie! Get there early to get your smart device set up for interaction! Popcorn provided. This is a teens only event, no adults.

Pool Party

Thursday • 6/27 • 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Families are invited to the Winterset Aquatic Center for an evening of food and fun. There will be hot dogs, sides and drinks served from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, and families are welcome to stay and swim from 6:00 – 8:30pm. Please register every member of the family that will be attending.

Star Wars Escape Room

Monday • 7/8 • 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Families and children ages 10 and up are invited to test their skills in this Star Wars themed escape room. You will have 30 minutes to work together and solve Star Wars themed puzzles and clues to find the missing goodies. Groups of up to 5 people will need to sign up for time slots by calling the Winterset Public Library at 515-462-1731; registration will start on June 17th.

A Visit to the Rainforest

Monday • 7/10 • 11:30 am

A live webinar broadcast from inside North America’s largest indoor rainforest at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Learn the structure of this complex ecosystem, how plants and animals survive, and how the rainforest benefits us from thousands of miles away. This program is ‘supervised’ by either the two-toed sloth or the gibbons in the trees behind the camera.

Super-Creative Galactic Space Journey

Wednesday • 7/12 • 11:00 am

Join author/illustrator Tim Reed on a creative, intergalactic journey of the silly kind, as he ventures into a world of unknown aliens, silly stories and imaginative adventures. Tim will draw live as he tells stories for the audience and is sure to you leave you creatively inspired and feeling silly.

Night Under the Stars at Pammel Park

Thursday • 7/13 • 7:00 – 10:00 pm

The Winterset Public Library and Madison County Conservation will be hosting a night under the stars to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. This family-friendly event will be held at the nature center at Pammel Park. They will have moon/star activities, crafts, and a campfire with s’mores from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Upper Iowa University astronomy professor Jeff Butikofer will help attendees navigate the sky with their eyes and through telescopes from 8:30 to 10:00 pm. Bring your own telescopes if you have them.

All events (except Touch-a-Truck) require registration. Call the library (515-462-1731) or register online using the links below.

Register for June Events (open now and filling up fast!) Register for July Events (opens June 17)

You can see a complete listing of the programs of the Winterset Library at their website. You can also follow the Winterset Public Library on Facebook.

Winterset Ballet & Dance Studio

AcroDance 101

Mondays • June 3 – August 19 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Ages 7+ • $125 for the 12 week session

If your dancer LOVES to handstand, cartwheel, and roll around the house, and you want them to learn acro tricks in a fun and safe class environment, AcroDance may be the program you’re looking for. In this program, your dancer will learn beginner-level acrobatic tricks, partnering, and across the floor combinations. Created by the world-renowned Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA), Acro 101 is the highest-quality acro program available for beginner students.

Nicole Eckles, owner of Winterset Ballet & Dance, shared some information with us about AcroDance and how it differs from Gymnastics. “AcroDance uses acrobatic movements and skills while dancing. Acrobatique is a wonderful curriculum that emphasizes safety by building the strength and stamina needed to successfully perform acrobatic tricks and movements. Gymnasts train on a sprung-floor, with actual springs built into the mats: a forgiving surface to repeatedly practice advanced tumbling passes on over and over again. Acro Dancers perform on a hard stage, and must train the body to withstand the impact of the floor. Dancers don’t get the “rebound” action out of a hard floor like gymnasts do out of a spring-floor. Therefore, dancers train to get the necessary lift from their bodies, and emphasis on a strong “hub” (hips, glutes, core) is a must. Dancers that take Acro become stronger, safer, and more diverse dancers, which will, in turn, create more impressive, exciting, and artistic dancing.”

Princess Power Dance Camp

June 17 – 21 • 10:00am – Noon
Preschool & Kindergarten, Ages 3-5

Embrace the power of your inner princess! Dancers will sail with Moana, see the impossible become possible with Mary Poppins, find their inner beauty with Belle, and create a winter wonderland with Elsa. Join in for a week-long journey of dancing, arts & crafts, and endless amounts of fun!

Each day dancers will celebrate with a different princess and learn tap, jazz, and ballet dances and have a snack. Cost is $35 a day or $140 for the week (like getting 1 day for free!) Go to www.wintersetdance.com to register.

JoJo Dance Camp

June 17-21 • 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Ages 6-8

Grab your bows and get ready to party! If you’re a #nofilter and a #BestiesNotBullies kind of kid, this is the camp for you. Learn new and fun choreography to your favorite JoJo songs each day along with a snack and a craft. Cost is $35 a day or $140 for the week (like getting 1 day for free!) Go to www.wintersetdance.com to register.

InstaFamous Hip-Hop Dance Camp

June 17-21 • 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Ages 9+

Get your groove on and work on moves to make yourself #instafamous. Dance to the likes of Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, and other popular artists and have a fun time learning new choreography each day! At the end of camp, parents are invited for a brief showcase so dancers can show all they have learned. Camp includes a complimentary daily snack and craft for each dancer. Cost is $35 a day or $140 for the week (like getting 1 day for free!) Go to www.wintersetdance.com to register.

Summer Dance Intensive

Saturday • 6/29
For ages 9+

Ballet 9:00-10:15
Tap 10:15-11:15
Live, Interactive, Contemporary Class with CLI instructor 12:00-1:30
Live, Interactive, Hip-Hop Class with CLI instructor 2:00-3:30

Winterset Ballet & Dance is partnering with CLI Studios to give students ages 9 and up access to the dance industry’s top choreographers. Cost is $100 for over 5 hours of classes. Your dancer doesn’t want to miss this opportunity!

ISU Extension & Outreach

The Science of BBQ Camp

Friday • June 21 • 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Middle River Park Top Shelter

Youth in 4th through 8th grades will learn grilling methods and make delicious self-inspired recipes. Participants will explore various meat cuts and how cooking temperatures and the composition of the meat can affect the barbecuing process. Cost is $25 and will go up to $35 after June 1st. Register online or call 515-462-1001.

Get in the Zone to Fly Drones

Tuesday & Wednesday • July 30th & 31st • 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Winterset Administrative Building Gymnasium

Youth in 6th through 8th grades are invited to experience the excitement of exploring the world of drones. Learn about how to fly and why objects fly, master flying techniques and find out how to take great pictures with drones. Cost is $25 until July 1st and then $35. Register online through the Madison County Extension or at 515-462-1001

Whatever you find to fill your time, we hope this summer is full of fun and great memories!

 

 

All information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but PLEASE follow the links to go straight to the source for important details and the latest information

 

Thank you for reading The Winterset Citizen. All community announcements are provided at no charge, courtesy of the following sponsors:

American State Bank
Anchored Walls
Angel Wings & CT
Ben Franklin
Blanchard Family Dentistry
Bridges Financial Associates
Covered Bridge Realty
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Farm Bureau FS, Scot Clark
Groth’s Gardens & Greenhouses
Homefront Real Estate
The Iowa Theater
Johnson Insurance
Lowe Chiropractic Clinic
Madhaus Gallery
Madison County Health Care System
Madison County Historical Society
Madison County ISU Extension & Outreach
McDonald Tree Service
McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith, P.C.
Medicap Pharmacy
Midwest Heritage Bank
Montross Pharmacy
Pine Creek Ltd.
re:home
Rusty Stars Alpacas
State Farm, Charlotte Speer
Union State Bank
Village Bootery
White Lions Bed & Breakfast
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Winterset Cidery
Winterset Optimist Club
Winterset Parks & Recreation Department

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