Axios Des Moines

July 03, 2023
🎆 It's Monday and we're poppin' off.
- Find the metro's best Fourth of July celebrations in this list by Catch Des Moines.
😎 Weather: Sunny with highs around 92°.
🇺🇸 Programming note: We're off tomorrow for the Fourth of July but will be back in your inboxes bright and early Wednesday morning!
Today's Smart Brevity™ count is 532 words — a 2-minute read.
1 big thing: Speed dating rises
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Singles are partying like it's 1999: They're speed dating and joining social clubs, writes Axios' Carly Mallenbaum.
What's happening: With pandemic isolation happily behind us, people looking for love are meeting IRL and embracing more ways to make physical connections.
By the numbers: Attendance at Eventbrite events that mentioned "dating" or "singles" rose 62% in the early months of this year, compared to the same time last year, according to Eventbrite data.
- And the number of those events increased by 20%, the ticketing site said.
Zoom in: Sue Bennett co-founded "The Smitten Project" in Des Moines in 2021 after spending extensive time on dating apps following her divorce nearly a decade ago, she tells Axios.
- As a local business owner, Bennett didn't always feel comfortable with posting her photos and information online.
- The Smitten Project is a way to help people meet in-person and avoid online concerns like cat fishing and spam profiles.
How it works: Members subscribe to the service for notifications and/or access to singles events like this Thursday’s group outing to the botanical garden.
- It starts at $10 a month and attendees sign a "code of conduct" that stipulates treating each other with respect.
- Non-members are also allowed at some events.
The bottom line: Even if they don't find an instant love connection, the hangouts have been a great way for people to make friends, Bennett says.
Do you see yourself with a new career?
✔ Check out our Local Job Board.
- Director, Promotional Strategy & Execution at Rite Aid.
- Senior Director, Communications at National Center for Youth Law.
- Vice President of Human Resources at Infobase.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.
2. Fireworks are illegal in these metro cities
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Ordinances in Des Moines and most metro cities prohibit the personal use of fireworks — even on July 4.
Why it matters: Confusion about their legality contributes to ongoing problems.
- Even fireworks retailers are commonly unable or unwilling to provide customers with accurate information about the legality of what they sell, Councilperson Connie Boesen said in a meeting last week.
State of play: Iowa lawmakers legalized fireworks in 2017.
- Cities can't generally prohibit them from being sold but can regulate the legality of shooting them off.
- Fines can run hundreds of dollars.
Zoom in: Altoona, Clive, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights are among the metro cities that also prohibit fireworks, according to Des Moines city staff.
- Ankeny, Bondurant, Norwalk and Waukee allow them during limited times on or around the Fourth of July.
3. The Ear: Come on, Barbie, let’s go farming (ah ah ah yeah)
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
🐶 Furry Friends Refuge in West Des Moines is worried about their animals reactions to the city’s planned July Fourth fireworks show nearby at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. (WHO-13)
💍 Iowa State star and 49'ers quarterback Brock Purdy is engaged to Jenna Brandt. (Des Moines Register)
🏓 A private equity firm is investing in Smash Park to help accelerate the “eatertainment” company’s expansion plans. It has venues in West Des Moines and Pella. (Business Record)
🌽 Thanks for the headline, Katie Greenstein!
4. Bracket Battles: Best Iowa picnic foods


'Tis the season for outdoor get-togethers, and we want to know your opinions on the most coveted "can't skip" food item at a local potluck.
😋 Methodology: We chose eight of our favorite foods, including entrées, sides and desserts.
- This is subjective — use whatever metrics you need to cast your vote in the brackets.
🗳 Let the games begin! Vote here. The first round closes Wednesday at noon and we'll crown the winner next week.
💦 A massive Slip N' Slide at Nahas Aquatic Center returns for this year's Fourth of July celebrations.
- Open from 1-3pm with pool admission.
👋 Have a safe holiday!
- We'll see you back here Wednesday!
This newsletter was edited by Everett Cook and copy edited by Lucia Maher.
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