Wednesday night's "Celebrate Des Moines Caribbean Style' beach party at Beach Park near the marina was a hit. Pictured, Edith Lizarraga, Life Enrichment Coordinator for Wesley Homes, served free ice cream. Click on photo for SLIDESHOW.
SLIDESHOW. Click on photo for more.
A large, colorfully-dressed crowd turned out for Wednesday night's "Celebrate Des Moines Caribbean Style' beach party at Beach Park near the marina. A large stage featured an array of musical performers including the four-piece Toucans Steel Drum Band, which contributed an authentic Caribbean touch. Also performing were musicians selected from the Aug. 8 "Des Moines Got Talent" Summer Beach Park event, including Nickolas Paul Adams, a singer/guitar player, and Janine Akins, a gospel singer who performed "El Shaddai", a Contemporary Christian Amy Grant hit containing Hebrew lyrics.
The event was one of many summer celebrations sponsored by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, the Des Moines Art Commission, and the Des Moines Legacy Foundation. Key organizer Patrice Thorell, Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Director, called several others to the mic to thank them, folks who also helped with the event, including Sue Padden, Senior Services Manager of Des Moines.
Judson Park Retirement Community also sponsored the event, and had a booth. El Dorado West Retirement Community, Burien, also had a presence there and staffers served free "mocktails" with a Caribbean flair. Wesley Homes served free ice cream.
The Kent Lowes sponsor a free "Build it and Grow" event for kids every other weekend at the store. Chris Perkins of Lowes assisted kids who built wooden toys at the Caribbean party.
Kris Van Gaskin, Director, Des Moines Area Food Bank and helpers handed out free Tuna sandwiches, peanut butter and yogurt sandwiches, beef wraps, apples, and veggies to passers-by. Their summer meal program extends the school lunch program. They serve over 500 lunches and 400 snacks a day to children including those at neighborhood parks and summer schools.
Tomorrow night is another such event, the Outdoor Family Movie, "The Lorax", 8:00 p.m., also at Beach Park.
Poverty Bay Arts Celebration is this Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., again at Beach Park- Art, music, food & family fun.
