Celebrate Viva L’talia this weekend
The Italian-American Heritage Festival of Iowa “VIVA L’TALIA” will celebrate on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31 on the Court Avenue Bridge. This year’s festival will be filled with live entertainment, artists, crafts, imported Italian products, specialty items, food and various contests. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is free both days until 5 p.m. when it is $5 per person. A portion of the admission proceeds will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of Iowa. Visit www.italianfestivalofiowa.com.
The Dude abides
The second annual “Dude-A-Rama” will be held Saturday, July 31 at the AMF Lanes, 3839 N.E. 14th St. The fun-filled evening, which begins at 7 p.m. and is intended for those ages 21 and older, celebrates the 1998 film “The Big Lebowski.” The event includes bowling, White Russians, costume contest, trivia, live music by Floodplane and more. Tickets are $25 or $30 at the door, which includes unlimited bowling and shoe rental, entry into the costume and trivia contests, and door prizes. Visit www.dude-a-rama.com.
Send off the troops
The Iowa National Guard sendoff ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1 at Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave. Sendoff will include Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, Company C, 1st Battalion and 168th Infantry (Newton unit). Following the ceremony, soldiers will report to their mobilization station at Camp Shelby, Miss., for additional training and preparation before departing to Afghanistan. Visit www.iowanationalguard.com or call 252-4531.
National Night Out set
The Urbandale Police Department, 3740 86th St., will have its second annual “National Night Out” celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti crime programs and to strengthen community and police partnerships. The free evening will include food, dunk tank, climbing wall, K9 demonstration, games, crafts, prizes, bicycle rodeo and more. Visit www.urbandale.org or call 278-3900. CV
Send news of your upcoming events, noble, nefarious or lost causes; as well as generally weird happenings to matt@dmcityview.com.
