The Rotary Club of Des Moines wants to remind our Readers that you can save $5 per ticket for the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival (coming up Saturday, Sept. 25th from Noon – 7pm) if you order online now.

Here’s more info from the Rotary website:

100% of the net proceeds will support Rotary’s “Music4Life” program, aimed at expanding music to youth in our local schools.

Enjoy  a day filled with local blues from Dudley Taft, Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies, the Cold Shot Band, the Stacy Jones Band and Rod Cook together with a variety of fine brews from 10-15 local breweries.

To complement your blues and brews, we will be barbecuing Bratwurst and B&E Market’s famous Tri Tip for your dining enjoyment.

The Festival will be located on the shores of Puget Sound at the Des Moines Beach Park. This is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine, you must be 21 or older to attend and no pets will be allowed inside the event.

There will be plenty of free parking in the Des Moines Marina.

While you are in town, you might want to visit the Des Moines Farmer’s Market and enjoy the Poverty Bay Arts Festival.

Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the gate.

Here’s the musical lineup:

• 12:00 -- 12:45 PM - Cold Shot Band
• 1:15 -- 2:15 PM -- Stacy Jones Band
• 2:45 -- 3:30 PM -- Rod Cook
• 4:00 -- 5:00 PM -- Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies
• 5:30 -- 7:00 PM -- Dudley Taft

Music4Life is a program to benefit elementary (fourth and fifth grade students) in Highline Public Schools.  The program is a collaboration between Highline Public Schools, the Rotary Club of Des Moines and many individuals and businesses, partnering to expand music education for all children in the Highline School District.

Music means different things to different people.  To children, learning to play a musical instrument is a meaningful activity -- it’s fun and it builds relationships that can last a life time.  To youth, music opens up the world -- its history and its many cultures -- and provides opportunities for teamwork and meaningful forms of self-expression.  Educators know that music benefits students academically, especially in mathematics, science, history and world languages.  Our community understands that music education helps a person lead a richer, fuller, more meaningful life -- and an arts-rich community is a more desirable place to live.

Music4Life is intended to give every student in the Highline Public Schools access to instruments in good working conditions so they can participate in instrumental and vocal music programs.  Initially, Music4Life will acquire 500 musical instruments and supplies to ensure that 50 percent of Highline Public Schools 4th and 5th grade students can participate in instrumental music.  In the years to come, Music4Life may expand to include a broader range of ages and grade levels, as well as additional music education programs.

To purchase tickets, save a few bucks and learn more, click here.

Tickets can also be purchased at CorkyCellars99 Bottles (206) 824-9462, (253) 838-2558 or Des Moines Drug (206) 878-2345, and through Rotary Club of Des Moines.

To whet your musical whistle, here’s a video of the Stacy Jones Band doing “Angel from Montgomery”:

The grand finale of 2009 as well as to the first decade of the 21st century is this Thursday night, Dec. 31st, and here’s just a taste of what’s going on in the general area for New Year’s Eve 2010.

First off, keep in mind that law enforcement in King County will be out in full-force, conducting their “X-52″ DUI patrols around the area, so get a designated driver, walk, ride your bike or take a cab if you’re going out.

Secondly, we recommend calling your establishment of choice prior to showing up, just to make sure that they’re open and that everything’s hunky dory.

And if we haven’t listed something else you know of, please email us so we can add it to our list!

DES MOINES:

NEW – “SALTY PAGAN” BLUE MOON RITUAL TONIGHT!
Possibly the most interesting NYE festivity will be a “Blue Moon Ritual,” followed by New Year’s Eve Party from 7pm on at the Saltwater Unitarian-Universalist Church (25701 14th Place So., Des Moines); will include food, dancing and merriment. Participants are invited to bring “1. An idea of what you would like to be rid of and an idea of what goals you have for the coming year. 2. A white candle or a white flower or something silver. 3. CD (If you would like to hear your own music played), as well as potluck finger food (items such as sandwich, vegetable, cheese, fruit, or pickle trays, beverage or other snack item). Dress from casual to fancy and everything in between, and childcare is available for this event!

Butler Bar & Grill, 22341 Marine View Drive South
, Des Moines; (206) 429-3709
$5 cover, “Cory Wild’s Band” is playing starting around 9pm; Champange toast at midnight, $1 shots, door prizes, and a raffle for $250 Butler’s gift certificate.

Mandarin Kitchen, 22612 7th Avenue South
, Des Moines; 
(206) 878-8511
Karaoke, drink specials and great food.

Lighthouse Bar, 22239 Marine View Drive South
, Des Moines; (206) 824-4920
$10 prime rib $5 shots – Washington Apple’s, Crown Royal, Jägermeister, Jose Cuervo tequila, Sminroff vodka, Captain Morgan & $5 long island iced teas. 10pm on complementary late night snacks, not to mention pool and comfy couches.

BURIEN:

Mick Kellys Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd Street;
 (206) 246-2473
DJ Ken@ 10pm, champagne toast at midnight, No cover.

The Mark Restaurant, 918 SW 152nd Street, Olde Burien; (206) 241-6275
New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party – this event will be fun for everyone…for the shy or the outgoing. Join us as we navigate you through “Murder at the Four Deuces” with gangsters, hit men, politicians, entertainers, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance. THIS IS A TOTALY NEW MYSTERY FROM LAST YEARS. Price is $45 per person and includes Dinner, Toast at Midnight, Party Favors and of course…murder! You must register ahead of time and receive your character packet!

Elmer’s Pub, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW Burien; (206) 439-1007
Live band Grey Sky Falling, champagne toast at midi and music until 1:30am.

The Tin Room, 923 SW 152nd Street
, Olde Burien; 
(206) 242-8040
No cover, Dinner Specials, Champagne toast at midnight.

Side Street Kitchen & Bar, 717 SW 148th St (206) 402-5428
No cover, will be open until at least midnight.

Des Moines’ annual holiday bonfire will be held at Des Moines Beach Park this Wednesday, Dec. 16th, beginning at 6:30pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines annual holiday bonfire

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 16th; Bonfire from 6:30-8:00 pm; Performance from 7:10-7:30 pm

WHERE: Des Moines Beach Park, located at 22030 Cliff Avenue South.

INFO: Holiday revelers will warm by a bonfire and enjoy complimentary cookies, coffee, and cocoa while Argosy’s lighted Christmas Ship anchors offshore to perform traditional holiday songs.

Choir and schedule are subject to change and the bonfire is weather permitting.

For bonfire information, call the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department at 206-870-6527.

For boat parade and Christmas Ship information, call Argosy at 206-623- 1445.

(Photo courtesy Jana Klietsch)

When you’re out and about for Halloween this Saturday, in or out of costume, be sure and stop by Des Moines’ very own CorkyCellars because owners Ric and Dianne Jacobson are celebrating Corky’s 10-year anniversary.

Their traditional Saturday wine tasting will feature Chatter Creek Winery with owner/winemaker Gordy Rawson from 11 am until 6pm. You can also enjoy tasty mini cupcakes from Des Moines newest business, Baby Cakes Northwest.

And if you arrive  in costume you’ll get your name put in the “witches cauldron” for a chance to win a $50 CorkyCellars gift certificate.  There will also be special offers throughout the day.  Stop by and say “Happy Anniversary” to Ric and Dianne and CorkyCellars.

More info:

• Costume Contest – come in your Halloween best. Pictures will be taken and our judges will take it from there.
• Special Pricing for the day- 10% on six bottles, 15% on a case and CorkyClub members will save 20%.

CorkyCellars is located at 22511 Marine View Drive; phone: 206-824-9462.

Des Moines’ North Hill Community Center will be holding an “Irish Hooley” this Friday, Oct. 16th from 5pm to 10pm.

Right now you may be asking “what the heck’s a hooley?” According to our sources, a hooley is:

An old-fashioned Irish term for a dance and party.

It includes dancing, singing, refreshments and live music.

Here are the details:

WHAT: An “Irish Hooley” right here in Des Moines

WHERE: The Des Moines North Hill Community Center, which is located at 20827 3rd Ave South

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16th from 5pm to 10pm

INFO: From a flyer:

This will be a family-friendly event starting with a potluck supper, followed by a traditional Irish jam session, and then traditional Irish ceili & set dancing (folk dances).

Suggested donation is $5 each with $10 family max to help offset the rent, utensil, plates, etc.

We’ll provide the plates, silverware, cups, etc. You bring a food item & your beverage of choice. Barley & wine are allowed. There’s an electric stove, refrig, coffee pot and microwave onsite.

The pot luck supper will be followed by an Irish jam session. All musicians are encouraged to join in. The noise will start winding down at 10pm to keep the neighbors happy as we have more events planned in the months ahead at this venue. ( happy neighbors = more events at their venue)

There’s plenty of parking on the south side of the bldg. If we overflow the gravel parking lot we can spill over into the grassy area there.

For more info on this event, plus photos and video samples of previous hooleys: http://www.hoilands.com/hooley_invite.htm

We’re also sponsoring another Irish Hooley on Nov 20th – same venue, same price n details.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce (of which we’re proud members) is holding its 20th Anniversary Gala Party on Saturday, Oct. 17th at the Seattle Airport Marriott.

The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, music by members of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, dancing, and a program highlighting the Chamber’s 20 years of service. The Chamber will honor loyal and dedicated members who have been part of the Chamber since its inception.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce 20th Anniversary Gala

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 17th beginning at 6pm

WHERE: Seattle Airport Marriott, located at 3201 South 170th Street in SeaTac.

INFO: Reception and Silent Auction begins at 6pm and Dinner and the Program at 7pm, followed by dancing.

The Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 20 years of serving the business community on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Seattle Airport Marriott. 

Since 1989, the mission of the Southwest King County Chamber has been to be a leader in the business communities it serves – Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines. The Chamber provides business advocacy, outreach and networking opportunities.

Cost is $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Gala/festive attire. At this time Baker Commodities is a Platinum Sponsor. The Chamber is seeking auction items and sponsors of various levels for this event.

REGISTRATION: Register online here.

SPONSORSHIP: You can sponsor this great event and get some excellent, targeted publicity – just download this PDF here.

PROCUREMENT: The Chamber is still seeking items to put up for bid – you can donate by completing an for auction procurement form here (PDF).

COST: $75 per person or $600 for a table of 8

RSVP: For more information, contact the Chamber at (206) 575-1633 or email staff@swkcc.org.

If it’s September, it must be time for the third annual Oktoberfest at Burien’s Elliot Bay Brewhouse and Pub (a WLB Advertiser) – that’s right, following in the German tradition, Oktoberfest starts in September! Big difference is that the Germans celebrate for 16 days, into early October.

Elliott Bay’s celebration will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26th.

Michael Goldsmith, General Manager of Elliott Bay, sat down with WLB earlier this week to lay out their plans to be a part of Burien’s Oktoberfest. The aim is to provide the city of Burien and surrounding area with a “family friendly area-wide celebration in the broadest sense.”

“We’re really excited about the music,” said Michael. “We’re presenting live music inside and outside from 2-9pm.”

Here’s a line up of the bands:

• Mellifluous Zephyrs will be playing traditional German Polka music on wind instruments
• Jonathan Kimball will play Folk/Blues and Acoustic
• Sunderlyn, “a powerpop altrock band” according to their website

In addition to the music, Elliott Bay has developed a special Oktoberfest Menu. In the true Oktoberfest tradition they’re setting up beer tents outside with “festival-style tables.” This means that you may have to sit with strangers, but the more you get into the spirit of Oktoberfest, the less strange they might be to you.

Elliott Bay is Burien’s only award-winning brewery, making the beers their customers enjoy right on the premises. Such popular local beers as:

• B-Town Brown
• Highline IPA
• Hop von Boorian

This family-friendly neighborhood pub offers a full pub menu, large party facilities, tournament-sized shuffleboard tables, along with party platters and beer to go. Monday-Wednesday they’re open to from 11am-10:30pm. Thursday-Saturday ’til midnight. The kitchen closes 30-minutes before the doors are locked. On weekends they open up early for brunch at 9:30am. They’ve also got a great happy hour with great happy hour food and beers.

If you can’t wait ’til Elliott Bay’s Oktoberfest, stop by and give ‘em a try. Then stop back on Saturday, Sept. 26th and enjoy the fun, food, ice cold beer, music…and make some new friends!

You’ll find Elliott Bay Brewhouse and Pub at 255 SW 152nd, right at the corner of 4th Ave SW. For more information, call (206) 246-4211 or visit their website here.

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story and Ad like this for your Business on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Our nearest neighbor to the north, the beautiful City of Normandy Park, has posted the following schedule for what’s going on there on the 4th of July – everything from a 2.8K Fun Run to a Children’s Parade to a Social at The Cove:

“Join your neighbors and friends at the Normandy Park 4th of July Social sponsored by the Normandy Park Community Club and the City of Normandy Park from 10am until 1pm. All Normandy Park residents are encouraged to join in the fun for these morning and early afternoon festivities:

10:25am: 2.8K Fun Run. It’s free, but pre-registration is highly suggested. The course is from Marvista Elementary to Marine View Drive & Shoremont. Runners be sure to arrive at the starting area before 10:10am as number pick up will close at that time. This year’s custom designed race t-shirt can be ordered in advance by all runners for pick it up at the finish line. Non-runners may purchase any left over shirts at the end of the race. They are only $15 each. Contact the Cove office to register 206-242-3778 or visit www.npcove.org

10:30am: Children’s Parade. Everyone is welcome to join in, either from the start (be at Marvista no later than 10:15!) or from anywhere along the parade route, which ends at the Cove Building. Classic cars, floats, wagons, bicycles, strollers, horses, marching bands – - all are encouraged to participate. Paint your face, decorate your bike, get out your flags; be festive or plain. Please, however, no campaigning or political signs. The Normandy Park Arts Commission will once again offer children prizes for the best decorated bicycles. Children who participate in the Parade are encouraged to decorate their bikes in the holiday spirit and enter the Bike Decorating Contest. Prizes will be awarded for the Best Patriotic decorations

11:15am: Social at the Cove. After the parade everyone is invited for free Ice Cream at the Cove. To satisfy your lunchtime hunger, hot dogs and beverages will be offered. Festivities include Classic Car Show and, Large Blow Up Toys and Temporary Tattoos for youngsters. All of this will be accompanied by Live Patriotic Music on the lawn.

Line the streets, enjoy the parade, and attend the Community Social at the Cove!

Road Closure Information:

• Marine View Drive and Shorebrook Drive will be closed to motor vehicles during the festivites from approx. 9:30am-12:00pm. Please use caution and consider alternate routes.

If you’re considering other local fun on the 4th, here’s a link to our sister site The B-Town Blog’s schedule for 3 Tree Point’s all-day block party.

The Des Moines Yacht Club is holding its annual “South Sound Opening” day of boating season on Saturday, May 9th, starting at 2pm, with a flag ceremony, speeches, drinks, dinner and live music with “The Tropics.”

Here are the details:

WHAT: DMYC’s South Sound Opening Day

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th starting at 2pm

WHERE: Des Moines Yacht Club, located at 22737 Marine View Drive South

COST: $25 per adult, under 12 $5 per child; RSVP to (206) 878-4441, (206) 212-6882 or via email to: wagirl62@comcast.net

INFO: “As you probably know, Saturday, May 2nd is the traditional opening of boating season – Seattle Opening Day – hosted by the Seattle Yacht Club. It has the big parade of boats and the crew races in the Montlake Cut.

Well, the following Saturday (May 9th) is South Sound Opening held at the Des Moines Yacht Club. It is a much smaller event, but is lots of fun, and is open to the public.”

More information on the DMYC web site (www.desmoinesyachtclub.com).

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REMINDER: Our first-ever blog party and “No Foolin’ Fundraiser” for the Des Moines Food Bank starts at 6pm tonight at the Butler Bar & Grill, so please make sure to at least drop by and say hi anytime (we’ll probably be there until they kick us out)!

We kindly ask that you also bring two cans or boxes of non-perishable food items to donate for your hungry neighbors.

We’ll be blogging live throughout the night, so come in and find the geeky comedy nerds near the computer and LCD monitor!

Butler Bar & Grill is located at 22341 Marine View Drive South on the main strip in Des Moines; phone: (206) 429-3709.

And remember, if you can’t make it tonight, but still want to help the food bank, you can donate online here.

We’re having our first-ever “No Foolin’ Fundraiser” Blog Party on Wednesday, April 1st (appropriately it’s April Fool’s Day) at Butler Bar & Grill, and it’s going to serve as a fundraiser for the Des Moines Food Bank.

You’re invited to come – just bring two cans or boxes of non-perishable food (or $5 cash) as your donation to help feed some hungry neighbors.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Waterland Blog’s “No Foolin’ Fundraiser” for the Des Moines Food Bank

WHEN: Wednesday, April 1st, from 6pm on

WHERE: Butler Bar & Grill, located at 22341 Marine View Drive South in Des Moines (map below); phone: (206) 429-3709

COST: 2 (or more) cans or boxes of non-perishable food items, or $5 cash donation

Some of the evening’s fun will include:

• We’ll be demonstrating this here blog by doing “Live Blogging”
• Meet the staff of The Waterland Blog!
• Fun, friends and most importantly…Fundraising for the Des Moines Food Bank!

Please spread the word by forwarding this page, and/or downloading a PDF of our poster, printing and posting it around town.

We hope to see you there!

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There still is time to get your tickets for Des Moines’ black-tie birthday gala – but you’d better hurry – the Black Tie Dinner Gala and Auction that kicks off a year of celebrating 50 years as a city is this Saturday, March 21st.

The evening gala – with a silent basket auction, no-host bar, dinner and dancing, and some ring-a-ding-ding entertainment featuring Frank Sinatra vocal stylings by Joey Jewell – will be in the dining room of the Highline Community College Student Union Building, located at 2400 S. 240th Street.

The basket auction and cocktail hour begin at 6pm with dinner at 7pm.

Tickets are $75 per person and a table for eight is $560, and can be purchased at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S. 220th St.

For information, call 206-870-6527.

The gala is sponsored by the city and Puget Sound Energy – the 50th Anniversary celebration’s major corporate sponsor.

Major 50th anniversary events during the year will also include:

• The official birthday celebration on June 17
• Fireworks Over Des Moines on July 4, preceded by a concert by Junior Cadillac
• An Anniversary Summer Festival on July 18 with a Seafair-sanctioned Grand Parade, car and boat shows, cultural activities, a sock hop and barbecue, children’s activities, a teen dance, and the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market.

The 12th largest city in King County, Des Moines incorporated on June 17, 1959. This community of almost 30,000 residents is inviting residents of neighboring South King County cities and beyond to discover Des Moines and experience the historic downtown Marina District during the 50th anniversary celebration.

More information is available at the 50th Anniversary Website: www.desmoines50th.com

An exhibit of Vintage Automobile Photos by Dan Wend will premiere at a reception party at Butler Bar & Grill in Des Moines this Thursday, March 19th, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Vintage Automobile Photograph exhibit by Dan Wend

WHEN: Reception party is from 4:30-7:30pm Thursday, March 19th; photos remain on exhibit until April 19th

WHERE: Butler Bar & Grill, located at 22341 Marine View Drive South (map below); phone: (206) 429-3709; website: www.butlerbar.com

INFO: Please join us at Butler Bar & Grill in Des Moines for a show of Vintage Automobile Photographs by Dan Wend.

These pictures of classic cars and vintage hood ornaments reflect the grandeur and innovation of an earlier age, and capture the idealism and power of a younger, newer America.

Butler Bar & Grill has a great collection of gas station memorabilia and neon signage, assembled by owner Mike Colello, that makes Butler Bar & Grill the perfect setting for these timeless images. For more information, check out http://www.wendimages.com.

Butler Bar & Grill is located at the site of historic Butler Garage on Marine View Drive in scenic downtown Des Moines, next to the Des Moines Cinema.

Here’s the Photographer’s Statement by Dan Wend:

Seeing the world through a camera lens and being able to freeze a moment and place in time is one way of capturing and manipulating the world and my experiences in it.

When I go back and study my photos, I often find new details and nuances in lighting or composition that allow me to relive the initial sensations that inspired me to stop and take the photo in the first place, making new discovering in the process.

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Last Saturday, March 7th, the Des Moines Yacht Club held its annual Commodore’s Ball, and member Pat Nardo (NOT a member of the DMYC; he says that he “tried to join, but not having a boat they wouldn’t qualify me for the ship in the bottle that I have from my Dad!”) was kind enough to share these photos:

Pat also shared this recap:

All I can say here is, this is one of the more active spots in Des Moines for those who crave an occasional “night out” with no fear of trouble breaking out.

The tri-tip beef and halibut dinner was spectacular and friendship travels at one a minute here.

They had self manufactured, rose table center pieces that were lighted, ingeniously engineered and, at the evening’s end, sold all 24 of them for only $20.00 each!

It was wonderful, dancing with our wives to the music of Michael Crain. There is, we are aware, a generation that refers to this classic period music as “elevator music”. To some degree, this is true, in that it does elevate the spirit.

Mixers were provided and many of us brought champagne for the occasion.

Our dear friend, Bob Rothwell performed magnificently as master of ceremonies, ever generous with praise and kudos for the club membership and past commodores.

One couple came over the stormy sound that evening and braved the fierce elements just to be part of this gala evening!

Here are some other upcoming Des Moines Yacht Club events:

1. Steak Fry & Bingo Night
   • Saturday, March 15th at 5pm
   • Bring your own favorite meat for the grill, along with a side dish salad or dessert.
   • Bingo cards will be $5 each.
   • There will be prizes for each bingo and a grand prize for the final round of black out. BYOB. For details, call Randy Gabrielson at (425) 766-7268.
2. DMYC Marine Swap Meet
   • Saturday March 28th, from 9am to 3pm
   • “The Largest Indoor Swap Meet in the Northwest”
   • Rent Indoor or Outdoor Space and offer your spare parts and boating accessories for sale. Have fun turning your useful but no longer needed boating stuff into cash.
   • Call Simon or Yvonne Josowitz with questions or to reserve your space at 253.884.1103 or email syjos@msn.com
   • To volunteer to help with the Swap Meet – call Karen Hazzard  253.952.2731.
   • Call Simon or Yvonne Josowitz with questions or to reserve your spaceat 253.884.1103 or   email: syjos@msn.com.
   • To volunteer to help with the Swap Meet – call Karen Hazzard at  253.952.2731

Des Moines launches its celebration of 50 years as an incorporated city with a black-tie gala on Saturday, March 21st in the Student Union Building dining room at Highline Community College, 2400 S. 240th Street.

The black-tie gala – sponsored by the City of Des Moines and Puget Sound Energy – includes a silent basket auction, no-host bar, dinner and dancing, with entertainment featuring Frank Sinatra vocal stylings by Joey Jewell.

Tickets are $75 per person, and a table of eight is $560. Seating is limited to 280.

Tickets are on sale at the Des Moines Field House, 1000 S. 220th Street. Proceeds will help fund additional 50th anniversary events.

The second major event is the city’s official birthday party on June 17 – the actual date of incorporation in 1959 – at Des Moines’ historic Odd Fellows Hall, 728 S. 225th Street. This event, free to the public, will include an open house, historic displays and talks, and a community birthday cake, as well as a time capsule and a hot-air balloon.

Fireworks Over Des Moines, the city’s traditional Fourth of July celebration at the Marina and Beach Park, will feature a spectacular pyrotechnic display that also commemorates 50 years as a city – preceded as the sun sets behind the rugged Olympic Mountains with a concert by Junior Cadillac, food and patriotic fun for all ages.

Prior to these holiday activities will be the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market. A “Waterland City” 50th Birthday Festival on July 18 will energize the Des Moines Marina with a grand parade downtown with Moby Duck and the Seafair Pirates, and the Marina entertainment stages, sidewalk cafes, and an evening sock hop in addition to the Farmers Market, plus activities just for kids.

A number of additional local events that take place annually will include the city’s birthday theme – making 2009 a great year for those who live nearby to discover this undiscovered jewel in their own backyard – and will be announced soon.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines’ 50th Birthday Black Tie Gala featuring Dinner, Entertainment, Dancing and Silent Auction

WHEN: Saturday, March 21st

WHERE: Highline Community College Student Union Building dining room

COST: $75 per person, or a table of 8 for just $560 (that equals just $70 per ticket). All proceeds fund the 50th Birthday Celebration.

TICKETS: Available at the Parks & Recreation Office, Corky Cellars, downtown WaMu branch or from Birthday Steering Committee Members.

More info at http://www.desmoines50th.com/

VIDEO: Here’s a sneak peek, ring-a-ding-ding video of Joey Jewell

Des Moines is turning the big 5-Oh this year, and the festivities begin March 21st with a full-blown black tie gala shindig at Highline Community College featuring entertainment from Joey Jewell, an Entertainer who sings like Frank and Dino, with the sensibilities of the Rat Pack.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines’ 50th Birthday Black Tie Gala featuring Dinner, Entertainment, Dancing and Silent Auction

WHEN: Saturday, March 21st

WHERE: Highline Community College

COST: $75 per person, or a table of 8 for just $560 (that equals just $70 per ticket). All proceeds fund the 50th Birthday Celebration.

TICKETS: Available at the Parks & Recreation Office, Corky Cellars, downtown WaMu branch or from Birthday Steering Committee Members. More info at http://www.desmoines50th.com/

VIDEO: Here’s a sneak peek video of Joey Jewell to give you an idea of what to expect: