The Haunt speakeasy
For information on the recently opened The Haunt bar/speakeasy downtown, we now have a dedicated information page with photos, videos, hours and more.
3rd annual Holiday Hullabaloo
Holiday Hullabaloo is one of the best Christmas events you will find. This event started in 2022 at Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa. In 2023, it moved to the former Woodsmiths Store location on Hickman. For 2024 it is back at its original home at the event center (just around the corner from last year’s location).

We missed it in 2022, but had a great time exploring last year, and have just begun exploring this year’s version.
The event is family friendly with plenty of free (with paid admission) kids activies including:
- 9 hole mini golf
- “Build a toy” sponsored by Home Depot
- Bounce house
- Decorate (then eat) a cookie with Mrs. Claus
- Santa’s “control center” (an interactive exhibit with lots of buttons that make sounds, and appearance from one of Santa’s elves via a monitor)
- Photos with Santa (you can use your own camera, or buy a photo printout)
- Walkaround characters (Jack Frost, Susie Snowflake, Sugar Plum Fairy, The Grinch, plus a few others I haven’t “met” yet)
- Entertainment (such as Jonathan May comedy magic)
- Sock skating
- Snow Ball Fight arena
- Snowman building (decorate “box” snow people).
- Build a LEGO creation (and a kiddie version using huge blocks).
- …and more!

There is also food and drink available to purchase including:
- Outside Scoop ice cream – we tried several flavors; my favorite so far is the Dutch Letter ice cream. A second location at the other end has ice cream sandwiches.
- Main Street Cafe & Bakery – cookies, grilled cheese, burgers and chips, hot dogs, mac and cheese
- Mini Donuts – for those craving a bit of state fair flavor
- Serving Joy Coffee – a new coffee vendor (they started this past summer) with hot coffee drinks
- and Horizon Events Center selling soda, water, Power Aid and “adult beverages” including canned drinks, wine and cocktails.

This event is a fundraiser for Dorothy’s House, which is “…a safe place for survivors of human trafficking, exploitation and prostitution” — a very dark and serious subject, which makes this light-hearted family event a wonderful contrast to their serious mission.
The event is laid out in one main area with a gift shop at the entrance (with a coat check), then the food court, and various exhibits along the walls (Candyland, Toyland, Lego play, and more) and in the center — such as Santa’s spot. At the end is a stage with seating where entertainment will be found (musicians, dancers, comedy/magic, and more various things throughout the event’s run).

There are some side rooms where Breakfast With Santa is held on Saturday mornings (additional ticket for this one), as well as the golf/build a toy/etc.

Find out more on the website:
https://www.holidayhullabaloo.com
Maybe we’ll see you there this season!
Holiday Hullabaloo (Tracy White) video
Pelican Post video
Simon’s Restaurant video
Puppet’s Confectionary video
Let’s get caught up with videos. If you follow our Facebook page or YouTube channel, or subscribe to the video podcast, you’ve already seen this…
Halloween Haunted Houses around Des Moines
Be sure to visit my October project:
https://dmhauntedhouses.com
HartSmart 3-D Printing video
After driving past this place on Douglas Ave. for the last few years…

…I finally decided to stop in and see what they were. Surely Des Moines does not have a store dedicated to 3-D printing, do they?
They do! Here’s an interview with Brandon Hart.
Here are the links to go along with the things mentioned in the video:
Furry Friends Refuge video
We adopted a kitten from Furry Friends Refuge recently.
Sully Meat Market video
I stumbled upon this place while having lunch at Cazador around the corner. I have since made several stops in to pick up some Iowa beef and other items. Nice place.
April 11, 2024 – Sully Meat Market in Ankeny.