ia: The best of Iowa arts and cultur

Iowa Farm Sanctuary residents Eli and Angel pose for their portraits. (Photo: Kyle Heim)

Bales of joy at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary

By Kyle Heim

Deep in the heart of rural Iowa, a farm unlike any other in the state offers a peaceful home for more than 100 residents.

Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a safe haven for dairy calves born too small to be sent to slaughter, turkeys who survived a tornado at a factory farm, goats who suffered frostbite during Iowa’s unforgiving winters and many others that have experienced hardship yet carry on with unmistakable resilience.

Spend enough time around the rescued farm animals and you’ll see a melting pot of personalities that shine brighter than the afternoon sun that frequently scorches the property in Oxford every summer. It’s a place where friendship and empathy flourish, where it’s not uncommon for a goat to befriend a cow, and where a volunteer grieving a loss may seek the comfort of Buddy, a tripod cow who is not only surviving but thriving.

The residents’ stories have brought visitors to tears and volunteers to lifestyle changes. One even inspired a Newsweek article: “Bull born with three legs melts hearts as he enjoys the ‘life he deserves.’”

When I first arrived for my volunteer orientation in July 2022, I didn’t know the differences between a Holstein and Jersey cow, couldn’t differentiate between hay and straw, and thought “muck” was something that happened in rugby. Or was I thinking of ruck?

As I fumbled with the latch on the entrance gate, little did I know I was walking into what would become a sanctuary of my own.

Less than an hour later, I was scooping, or mucking, cow pies larger than my head, brushing goats and feeding animal crackers to the sheep.

I’d soon meet one of my best friends, Tay, and for the first (but certainly not last) time in my life, bond with a cow as fiercely as I had with the dog I had growing up. Tay’s initial greeting was unlike any other I’d ever received — covering my entire left arm in slobber.

Many of my early volunteer days ended with a trek to co-founders Shawn and Jered Camp’s backyard, where I’d help Tay get a drink from the hose.

Read the full story of Kyle Heim’s experience at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary in our current issue of ia magazine.

Vikings face off in battle demonstrations during Tivoli Fest in Elk Horn. (Photo: Museum of Danish America)

Aebleskiver alert: It's Tivoli time in Elk Horn!

Enjoy all things Danish during Tivoli Fest in Elk Horn May 23-24. The town of about 600 is home to the largest rural Danish settlement in the United States.

Throughout the weekend, you can celebrate Danish and Danish-American traditions and history with free admission to the Danish Windmill and a trip to the Museum of Danish America.

Kick things off on Friday with a “rhubarb reimagined” cooking contest and live music performances in the evening. On Saturday, find more live music at the fire station, along with a parade and a 5k. As you stroll through town, you just might spot some Vikings demonstrating their battle skills, minting coins and generally living their best Viking life.

The full schedule is packed with things to see and eat, including aebleskivers, the addictive golf ball-sized puffs made from a secret Old World recipe of pancake batter and dreams.

Pet baby bunnies, piglets, puppies and other new additions to the orchard during Baby Animal Days. (Photo: Center Grove Orchard)

Celebrate summer with baby animals and strawberries

Sometimes when we’re scouring event calendars to decide what to include in this newsletter, we find irresistible surprises. So obviously, Baby Animal Days near Cambridge caught our attention.

The event at Center Grove Orchard (essentially, the Disney World of farms) promises the joy of cuddling and playing with a lineup of puppies, goats, kittens, bunnies and more. Plus, the orchard is hosting Strawberry Fest at the same time. As consolation for having to leave the adorable animals behind, you can go home with baskets of fresh strawberries and sugar snap peas.

But kids eventually grow up, so mark your calendar: Baby Animal Days are scheduled for the next six weekends (through June 15).

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in southeast Iowa boasts1,653 acres, including a stretch of the Des Moines River. (Photo: Iowa Department of Natural Resources)

State park spotlight: Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

Spot spring ephemerals at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, along picturesque trails that traverse 1,653 acres of hills, bluffs and valleys. Meander along the Des Moines River at this southeast Iowa site after the melt; “Keosauqua” is a Native American term meaning “the stream bearing a floating mass of snow, slush or ice.” Or paddle on the picturesque 30-acre lake, which features a historical beach house lodge and offers a sandy area for swimmers and sunbathers as the weather warms up.

Visitors will find both Indigenous and pioneer history, as well as a collection of Civilian Conservation Corps structures, at the park, which is the second oldest in the state. A series of 19 burial mounds built by an ancient group of Woodland Culture Indians is situated along a peaceful overlook in the northwest section. And Ely Ford, now a beautiful picnic and trail area, was once a river crossing point on the Mormon trek westward. This site is now a component of the Mormon Pioneer Trail.

There is so much to explore that you just might want to stay overnight. Six rustic-modern family cabins take accommodations a notch above tent camping, with indoor cooking, flushing restrooms and shower amenities. Learn more and find cabin rental information here.

A special exhibit on magic lanterns currently on display at the Ames Public Library. The library will receive an award from the Ames Community Arts Council May 18. (Photo: Ames Public Library)

Celebrate those who celebrate the arts

The Ames Community Arts Council will honor local Iowa artists and organizations at the Arts Awards Celebration at Reiman Gardens May 18. The free event recognizes those who go above and beyond to serve the Ames community. Some people and organizations receiving recognition include:

Stephani Schebart, Hazel Hammer Cherished Volunteer Award. Shebart stage manages events for the Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association, the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and Iowa State University’s Music and Theatre Department Musicale.

Ames Town and Gown Chamber Music Association, Special Recognition Award. The organization just celebrated its 75th anniversary, bringing world-famous music ensembles and emerging artists to the community.

Ames Public Library, Arts in the Workplace Award. The library offers dozens of arts and culture events for community members, including art exhibits, performances, story times and cultural festivals.

Linda Hardie, Veronika Ruedenberg Cultural Entrepreneur Award. Hardie owns Hardie Clay Studio and created a welcoming space for clay-lovers with a commitment to education and accessibility.

Tammy Koolbeck, Bill Pelz Arts Advocacy Award. Koolbeck is executive director of Stephens Auditorium, where she uplifts diverse and engaging performing arts in Ames.

Mel Crippen, Lifetime Achievement Award. Mel has promoted events through “Mel’s Breakfast Club” on the radio for more than 30 years. His show promotes local concerts, plays, musicals, art shows and more.

See all the award descriptions and recipients online.