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Illumifest this weekend

The second annual “Illumifest: A Fall Festival of Light” will take place Saturday, Sept. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the City/School Campus, 4200 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. Activities include free carnival rides and inflatables, live music, beverage garden, food vendors and fireworks. Call 222-3448 or visit www.illumifest.com.

Cheers to an all-Iowa event

The Sample Urbandale — An Iowa Wine Event will take place Friday, Sept. 25 at the Stoney Creek Inn, 5291 Stoney Creek Ct., Johnston. The event, which is the Urbandale Chamber’s fall social, includes Iowa wine, beer and food sampling from area restaurants. Admission is $25 per person in advance or $35 at the door. Register at www.uniquelyurbandale.com or call 331-6855 ext. 3.

Art, art and more art

The 7th Annual Arts and Crafts Show will be held at the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds from Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27. More than 300 exhibitors from eight states will sell some of the Midwest’s finest handcrafts. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission $6 and children ages 10 and under are free. Call (563) 652-4529.

Parent support group to begin

Parents of gifted/talented students in Des Moines Public Schools can register for “Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted,” a discussion group which will start Oct. 1 and run through Dec. 9. Meetings will take place Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Central Academy, 1912 Grand Ave., and provide parents the opportunity to interact with other parents and leaders who raise gifted children. A $25 fee covers the cost of a book. Register by Friday, Sept. 25. Call 242-7930.

Passport to Prosperity tickets available

Tickets are available for the 2009 Passport to Prosperity celebration on Oct. 3 in the Ballroom of the Quality Inn, 929 Third St. The evening, which begins at 6 p.m., includes a reception dinner and awards ceremony. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10. Register by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Visit www.iciu.org or call 282-8269.