By Jared Curtis, Jason Hancock and Michael Swanger

There is nothing like wintertime in Iowa. When the cold winds blow and the snowflakes fall, people tend to stay inside and hibernate. But hundreds of brave souls will bare the cold in the name of competition at the first annual Des Moines Winter Games this weekend.

“We have a strong indoor athletic program, and we thought we could do more,” said Brian Becker, superintendent for the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. “We took a look at what other cites were doing, we brainstormed and the Winter Games sounded like a great idea.”

In the beginning, organizers had a few ides in mind, but once the public got involved the event grew.

“We started with six or seven ideas,” said Becker. “People began approaching us about different events, and now we have 14.”

Getting the community involved is essential to the success of the games, he said.

“We have been getting a lot of phone calls,” Becker said. “We already have people calling and suggesting events for next year.”

Max Kenkel, marketing coordinator at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, said people are bored during the winter because they think there is nothing to do.

“We want to make them aware that there are lots of things to do when the snow starts falling,” he said. “Lots of really fun things.”

Events like a softball tournament, flag football and broomball tournament are already at capacity.

“People will be out in full force,” said Becker. “Being at capacity for certain competitions is a good problem to have for a first time event.”

If this year’s inaugural event is a success, organizers plan to expand it next year and hope to grow it over the next 5 to 10 years.

“It’s a great chance for people to get out and be active,” Becker said. “People get to visit our parks, there is plenty of youth entertainment and spectators can watch for free.”

Becker also hopes it will boost the economy.

“Hopefully, in the years to come, we will get more competitors and spectators, which will bring in more spending in our economy,” Becker said.

One of the inspirations for the event, Kenkel said, was Minneapolis’ annual Winter Carnival.

“That event draws 200,000 people every year,” he said. “Now, obviously we aren’t expecting that number any time soon, since they have quite a few more years under their belt than we do. But I don’t think it will take us long to build momentum.”

This first year will most likely draw locals for the festivities, Kenkel said.

“But in five years or so, we’re hoping this can become a regional draw,” he said. “We’ve already had some people contact us from out of state planning vacations around the Winter Games. That’s exciting, and we hope down the road we can expect more of that.”

One of the more interesting events, the polar plunge, will take place in the pond at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, where participants jump into freezing cold water.

“We have gotten a lot of interesting individuals signed up for the plunge,” Becker said. “I’m hoping it will be televised.”

Another person interested in the plunge is Grand View College’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Jay Prescott.

“I plan on staying out of the water, but I will be cheering people on,” Prescott said. “But the polar plunge is something that is right up our students’ alley. So I hope a few of them will participate.”

Grand View College is supervising the snow sculpture event. Sleepy Hollow allowed the college to take the reigns and run with the event.

“We wanted it to be a competition, so we invited every four year college in the state,” Prescott said. “We want to have a mascot building contest.”

The contest will take place during a period of 24 hours, with everybody starting off with a large block of snow. If competitors want, they can work the entire time or at their own pace.

“We hope to have a traveling trophy and continue this tradition every year,” Prescott said. “Plus, it is a great way for our students to meet other college kids and have a lot of fun.”

The Winter Games have been heavily promoted on Grand View’s campus, and Prescott hopes the students will be out in full force.

“These are extreme weather sports, which is right up our students’ alley,” he said. “It’s great to be a part of this event and hopefully it will continue and we can start a tradition.”

Several local businesses are also participating, Kenkel said, either by donating prizes or by publicizing the event. Cityview is one of the sponsors.

“The Iowa Stars and Des Moines Buccaneers let us set up registration tables for our events at their games,” he said. “The local business community has been very supportive. They are key to this event being a success.”

Events like the Bucs and Stars sign-up tables have already helped attracted hundreds of competitors for the games.

One of the athletes participating is Kade Jones, a recent graduate of S.E. Polk High School and a snowboarding instructor at Sleepy Hollow.

“I’ve been snowboarding for more than 10 years,” Jones said. “My brother snowboarded and I always looked up to him, so as soon as I could, I started.”

Jones has entered snowboarding competitions before and is looking forward to participating in The Winter Games.

“It’s nice to get out there and push yourself to pull off bigger tricks,” Jones said.

Working at Sleepy Hollow allows Jones to get plenty of time on his board.

“When I’m not working, I try to get as many runs in as I can,” Jones said. “Hopefully the Winter Games will bring more people out to the park and introduce them to some of the different events.”

Along with the snowboarding competition, Jones will also be participating in the downhill mountain bike races.

“The guys from Rasmussen Bike Shop brought out a couple of the bikes so we could shoot the commercial,” Jones said. “I rode them, and they were a blast. I hope to make my own for next year’s games.”

Although Jones might compete in other events, he is just looking to get outside and have some fun.

“All the events are interesting,” he said. “I might try the downhill kayak event, but it will be a last minute decision.”

Though working at Sleepy Hollow gives Jones a slight home field advantage, there are other experienced athletes on the field.

“I played Broomball when I was at college in Iowa State,” said Julie Stundins, a Horticulture Inspector for the Des Moines Parks and Recreation. “We thought it would be fun to compete, so we got a Parks and Rec team together.”

When Stundins was asked about participating in the polar plunge, she answered, “Maybe next year.”

Kenkel had a similar response.

“I’ll be pretty busy running around trying to make sure everything is going smoothly,” he said. “I may try to do the polar plunge, but I’m not sure. Everyone else will be having fun out there; planning it is what is fun for me.”

Some events are just for fun, while some are for more competitive winter athletes, so there is something for people of all skill levels and ages, Kenkel said.

“We really strived to make this event something anyone could enjoy,” he said. “We’re really excited to get going.” CV

2008 Des Moines Winter Games

When: Friday — Sunday
Where: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, Brenton Skating Plaza, Ash Field, Carney Park, Western Gateway Park, Gray’s Lake, Waveland Golf Course, Grandview Park and Savage Softball Complex
Admission: Free
To compete: Call 262-4100 or visit www.dmwintergames.com
Blog: www.myspace.com/dmwintergames

Schedule of events

Friday
The Polar Plunge — This event kicks off the Winter Games during the evening when participants can take a dip in the pond at Sleepy Hollow. Costumes are encouraged. Participants must bring a non-perishable food item. Heating tent available to change in before and after event.

Broom Ball — Brenton Skating Plaza, 9 p.m. Each team consists of six to eight players with a team registration of $150. There will be a $2 fee for equipment rental. Games last 30 minutes.

Iowa College and University Snow Sculpting Contest — Sleepy Hollow, 6 p.m. Twenty college teams compete for $200 and a trophy in building a replica of their school mascot. Winners will be determined on Saturday, followed by a heated tent dance party with free food and entertainment. Entry fee is $200 per team.

Saturday
Ski and Snowboard competition — Four events at Sleepy Hollow: Slalom (4 p.m.), Moguls (5:30 p.m.), Slopestyle (6:15 p.m.) and Big Air/Best Trick (TBA). Categories include men’s and women’s 13 and older, and 13 and under. Awards ceremony at 10 p.m.

Downhill Mountain Bike Race — Sleepy Hollow, 11 a.m. Includes dual slalom snow bike racing down man made course with gated turns. Single runs last about 30 seconds. Races continue until final racers are left. Participants must be 16 and older and wear a helmet.

Snow Kayak Races — Sleepy Hollow, 10 a.m. Depending on participant interest, a heat for two-person kayaks may be added. Kayaks will be provided, but participants (16 and older) can bring their own.
Snow Golf Tournament — Sleepy Hollow, times TBA. Shotgun start for best-ball tournament on par-three course.

Sled Races — Sleepy Hollow,1 p.m. One heat for sleds made of cardboard and duct tape. Participants will be judged on speed, creativity, control and strength of construction.

Ice Skating — Brenton Skating Plaza, 8 a.m. - noon. Free group skating lessons, coffee and donuts from 8 – 9 a.m. Skating demonstration at 9 a.m. Free public skate after the competition. Skate rental $2.50.

Snowball Softball — Savage Softball Complex and Carney Park, starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Double elimination men’s 12” slow-pitch tournament. Trophies and T-shirts awarded to top four teams.

Flag Football — Ash Field, 18th and Lyon streets, times TBA. Trophies and T-shirts awarded to top four teams.

X-Treme Cross Country Race — Waveland Golf Course, times TBA. Prizes awarded to top finishers in each class.

Big Dig — Western Gateway Park, 10 a.m. For children 12 and under. Multiple events, including digging by hand in three piles of snow for prizes. Piles of snow are arranged by age. Other events include Snowball Throwing Competition (at targets), 10 a.m., for kids 12 and under; Kids Snow Shoe Races, 10 a.m., for kids 12 and under; and Snowman Building Contest for kids 12 and under. Participants for all events must bring a non-perishable item to compete.

Sunday
5K Cross Country Race — Waveland Golf Course, 10 a.m. Registration fee of $15 to be paid on-site for participants. One-heat only race with competitors grouped by age (under 14 through 60 and over) and gender and certificates awarded to the winner in each group.

Adult 5K Snow Shoe Race — Waveland Golf Course, 9 a.m. Entry to compete is free with donation of one non-perishable food item. One-heat only race with competitors grouped by age (under 14 through 60 and over) and gender and certificates awarded to the winner in each group.

Fireworks — Sleepy Hollow, time TBA.

Hot fun in the Wintertime

Air Lanes
4200 Fleur Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 285-8632

Nothing beats the winter blues like a good game of bowling, or winning a trip to Las Vegas! In addition to bowling specials daily, Air Lanes has karaoke every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9 p.m. The winner of the midnight sing-off each Friday and Saturday night wins a three day/two night trip to Las Vegas. Air Lanes is smoke free on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Civic Music Association
Performance held at Drake University Sheslow Auditorium – Jordan Stage
2507 University Ave, Des Moines
(515) 280-4020
www.civicmusic.org
All shows are Fridays 7:30 p.m.

Ruby Hinds
Feb. 22, 2008

Dr. Michael White Quartet
March 7, 2008

Ahn Trio
April 11, 2008

Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd St.
Des Moines, IA 50312
Tickets: 515-277-6261
www.dmplayhouse.com

Enchanted April
Through Feb. 10, 2008

High School Reunion
Febr. 15, 2008 - March 8, 2008
Sarah, Plain and Tall
March 28, 2008 - April 13, 2008

Hoyt Sherman
1501 Woodland Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-0507
www.hoytsherman.org

The Friends of Bob & Tom
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Lisa Lampanelli
Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Larry Carlton & Robben Ford
Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 8 p.m.

Peter Pan (Iowa Dance Theatre)
Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, 2008 - 2 p.m.

Longview Golf Centre
The Longview Golf Centre offers a variety of things for the cold, winter months. The 40,000 square foot climate controlled dome features an indoor driving range, with 34 tees on two levels. Golfers can use the realistic “fiberbuilt” hitting and landing area surfaces and putting green and targets to work on accuracy and short distances. High school golfers are welcome during any non-peak time for a discount. Nine holes of miniature golf and a variety of indoor sports can be played in the dome, such as: soccer, baseball, softball and flag football. The open field is also available to practice any sport, play catch, kick a ball into nets, and pitch.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
Altoona, Interstate 80, Exit 142
(800) 325-9015
www.prairiemeadows.com

Al Ford Quintet
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 from noon - 4 p.m.

Al Welsh Orchestra
Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 4 - 7 p.m.

Allan Robuck as “The King
Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 8 p.m.-midnight

An Evening with B.B. King
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Backstage Boogie Band
Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 from 8 p.m. - Midnight
Saturday, March 22, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight

Big Kahuna 6
Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 18, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 25, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 3, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 24, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Blackjack Tournament
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 6 p.m.

Breakfast Special - $5.95
Monday, March 10, 2008 from 6 - 11:00 a.m.

Dale Menning & the Stardusters
Dance Band
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 from noon - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 from noon - 4 p.m.

Dance Lessons - FREE
Sunday, March 2, 2008 at noon from 3 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dic Youngs Show
Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, Feb.14, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 6, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 13, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 20, 2008 form 5 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 5 - 9 p.m.
Fat Tuesday Pancake Breakfast
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 from 6 - 11 a.m.

Final Mix
Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight
Friday, March 21, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight

Last Shades of Dawn
Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight
Friday, March 7, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight
Friday, March 14, 2008 from 8 p.m. – midnight

Lonesome Fugitive
Saturday, March 22, 2008 from 4 - 7 p.m.

Maurie Goode & the
Country Gentlemen
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 from Noon -
4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 from Noon - 4 p.m.

Poker Tournaments
Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 23, 2008 at noon
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 30, 2008 at noon

Route 66
Saturday March 8, 2008 from 8 p.m.-midnight

Rural Edition
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from noon - 4 p.m.

Sentimental Swing
Sunday, March 2, 2008 from 4 - 7 p.m.

The Likely Suspects
Friday, March 28, 2008 from 8 - midnight

The Rivieras
Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight

Tom Jones
at The Meadows Events Center
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Voodoo 3
Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8 p.m. - midnight
Wheelin’ Dealin’ Game Show
Game Show
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 7 p.m

StageWest
221 Walnut St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 309-0251
www.stagewestiowa.com

Jerry Springer The Opera
Through Feb. 10, 2008

The Lieutenant of Ishmore
April 4, 2008 - April 13, 2008

Miss Witherspoon
May 2, 2008 - May 11, 2008

Travel Services Unlimited & Wine Etc.
555 Walnut St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 282-5100

Full service travel agency and wine store conveniently located in the Kalaidescope downtown. It’s not too late to get away to somewhere warm! Or, if you can’t get away, stop by to check out their unique selection of wines to enjoy this winter.

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