Jolly Holiday Lights — one of our area's most prolific winter traditions — is getting ready for its big move to the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona next month.

• The event, which runs from Nov. 17-Jan. 7, is changing from its ticketed drive-thru format to a free, walkable experience around the mall.

Why it matters: It's the biggest fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Iowa, which grants "wishes" for local, critically-ill children.

• But CEO Sara Kurovski tells Axios she's "very nervous" about how much the organization will raise after they were forced to unexpectedly pivot plans this year.

State of play: In March, Adventureland leadership told Kurovski that Jolly Holiday Lights could not return after hosting the event since 2016, she says.

• Make-A-Wish Iowa decided to move to the Outlets of Des Moines, which offered to help with the transition.
• The goal is to raise $1 million, which will help grant nearly 70 wishes.

What's new: Attendees will walk around the outlet mall to see the lights.

• There will be lights to music, rooftop displays, 3D freestanding lights and the return of the "Wish Shop" with Santa.
• Fundraising will come through selling a coupon book, plus events like a Sip & Shop night, train rides and breakfast with Santa.

Flashback: Jolly Holiday Lights moved to Adventureland from Water Works Park after floods destroyed equipment and canceled the event in 2015.

• Make-A-Wish Iowa can't return there due to the group's insurance provider.

What they're saying: "Change is always a little nerve-wracking," Kurovski says, noting the event typically takes 12 months to organize. But "this is for the almost 400 kids waiting for a wish in Iowa. We know that the Iowa community will rally for them."

Of note: Adventureland spokesperson Alex Payne tells Axios that after last year's event, both organizations "mutually agreed to explore other options."

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Wells Fargo Arena is getting a new floor.

Why it matters: It's where the state basketball championships are played.

• The current floor has been in use since the arena opened about 20 years ago and is starting to have "dead spots," Chris Connolly, general manager of the Iowa Events Center, tells Axios.

Catch up fast: The hardwood floor is like a puzzle that is taken apart and stored when the arena is used by the Iowa Wild ice hockey team or non-sports events like concerts.

• It has been sanded multiple times, resulting in locations where ball rebound is weak.

State of play: Officials from the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) and the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) recently offered to buy a floor for their arena use.

• IGHSAU and IHSAA agreed to share their floor with events like high school state dance and drill or the Harlem Globetrotters.

Of note: The Iowa Wolves, the NBA G-League team which also plays in the arena, has separate flooring.

• They recently agreed to share it for future college or NBA preseason basketball games.

State of play: New flooring will cost the high school groups between $200K- $250K, Connolly estimates.

• It's anticipated to be in place by March.
• The old flooring will likely be sold or donated to another group.

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Today's the grand opening of Mediacom Stadium — the new home field for Des Moines Public Schools and Drake University.

State of play: The $24 million, 4,000-seat venue will host multiple DMPS athletics and Drake's soccer teams.

What's next: Tonight's Roosevelt vs. Waukee matchup will be the stadium's inaugural football game.

• Kickoff is at 7:30pm.

🏥 UnityPoint Health is no longer merging and has named a new CEO for the company. (Des Moines Register)

🌽 Harry Stine, Iowa's richest man, is now worth nearly $10 billion. (KCCI)

🍲 Oak Park, Ingersoll's newest fine dining restaurant, opens next Tuesday. (WHO-13)

📚 Planned Parenthood's last DSM book sale is today through Monday, ending a 60+ year annual event. (KCCI)

Thanks for the pun, Emily Kessinger!

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