☕📰Don't Water Your Lawn

Good morning Ankeny!

In honor of yesterday being flag day, here’s a flag story for you. When Ohio teenager Robert Heft designed the 50-star American flag as a high school class project in 1958, his teacher gave him a B-minus and told him he lacked originality. Heft disagreed and struck a deal: if the design was accepted by Congress, the grade had to go up. Out of more than 1,500 submitted designs, President Eisenhower chose Heft's. Needless to say that B- became an A.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chase & Chance

Last week we asked if you wanted live music and bigger events from surrounding towns added to the Digest. The vote wasn't close. You'll see the first ones sprinkled into this week's lineup. Thank you all for helping make the newsletter better! As always, feel free to respond to this email with any feedback. We're all ears.

Lawn Watering Ban

Put the sprinkler away. Central Iowa Water Works has issued a mandatory lawn watering ban effective immediately, covering Ankeny and most of the metro. The reason: elevated nitrate levels in source water have pushed treatment facilities to their limits. Drinking water is still safe, but the regional system is running out of capacity to treat it if demand stays high. Newly installed sod and seed gets an exception; everything else stops. Indoor conservation is strongly encouraged while the ban is in place. (more)

The Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team put together one heck of a run before falling 1-0 to No. 2 Valley in the Class 3A state semifinals last Friday in Ames, closing out a 16-3-1 season. The Jaguars dominated possession and outshot the Tigers 21-7, they just couldn't get through Valley sophomore goalkeeper Reagan Gardner, who turned in a 10-save performance to end Centennial’s incredible season.

Despite disappointing losses for both Ankeny schools to round out the season, two Jaguars and one Hawkette earned spots on the Class 3A all-state first team from the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association. Centennial's Emmarie Becker (midfielder) and Evie Boyle (defender) were both selected, along with Ankeny's Ava Paoli after leading the Hawkettes with 14 goals and seven assists. Mady Postma, who led the Jaguars with 11 goals on the season, achieved second-team status along with Ankeny’s Isabel Squires, and Centennial’s McKenna Gray earned an honorable mention. Awesome seasons from both squads. Check out Ankeny Fanatic for more happenings in Ankeny sports!

Let’s Get Bloomin! @ The Local Event Venue - Come mix, mingle, and create your own stunning flower vase arrangement with a self-taught bloom enthusiast. There will be charcuterie, refreshing drinks, and good vibes included. Seats are capped at 20 so grab yours before they're gone. 6:30pm (info)  

Art Camp Week 3 @ AR Workshop - Perfect for kids ages 7–12, Art Camp Week 3: Sew Good Series. Teaching beginner sewing and embroidery skills through five hands-on projects. Campers will cut, stitch, and create their way through the week! Runs Tuesday through Friday. 9:30am - 12pm (tickets)

Bingo & Treats @ Uptown Garage - Bingo, drinks, and treats from Weazers Cookies. Every purchase enters you in a drawing for a free slice of cookie pie! 6-8pm 

Mahjong 101 @ AR Workshop - New to Mahjong? A 3-hour intro session where everything is provided, so just show up ready to learn! 5:30pm (tickets)  

Community Band Performance @ Ankeny Bandshell - Settle in at 7:30PM for a free concert, with the band warming up on-site starting at 5:45PM if you want to arrive early! 

DJ Bingo @ The Other Place - Free, weekly bingo with… A DJ! 7pm (info)

Beats & Eats @ Market & Pavilion - A fun-filled Thursday evening featuring live music from Red Dirt Renegade, inflatable football and soccer, airbrush art with Leanne Otting, parkour with Paul Hubbard, and activities with the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library. 5-7:30pm (info)  

AYP After Hours @ Good Trip Travel Co. - A casual, high-energy evening of conversation, connections, and a chance to explore one of Ankeny's coolest local businesses! Every attendee has a shot at winning a $25 gift card in the raffle, so come ready to meet your people. 5-7pm (info)  

Thursday Night Acoustics - Grab your friends, pull up a chair, and let the music set the tone for the perfect Thursday night out! Follow The District on social media each week for featured artists and locations. 5:30-8:30pm

Sips & Songs: Day Ashworth & Jeni Grouws Band @ District Stage - Get ready for a big night of music! Stick around after for Silent Disco from 10PM–Midnight! Free, all ages welcome, and takeout from District restaurants is encouraged. Gates open at 5:30pm

Movies Under the Stars @ Wagner Park - Grab a blanket and head outside for a free showing of Lilo & Stitch. Bring your lawn chair, pack your snacks, and settle in as the movie starts at dusk! 8:45-11pm (info)  

🎸Alexander Richard @ The Cabaret - 8pm

🎸Jason Kincel Band @ The Soggy Frog - 6pm

🎸Ben Puttman @ Ballard Golf & Country Club - 7:30pm

Fitness in the Park @ Town Square Park - Start your Saturday strong with a free outdoor Pilates class led by Club Pilates. Bring your mat, water bottle, and a friend and get ready to feel good. 9am

🎸Magick K with Brian Holland @ Good Times - 9pm

Farmers Market @ Market & Pavilion - Fresh produce, local meats and eggs, homemade food goods, and handmade crafts! 8am-12pm

🎸Velvet Trio @ The Soggy Frog - 5pm

Elkhart Truck Pull @ Main Street: Elkhart - Head to the Elkhart City Festival and watch trucks thunder down Main Street! Wristbands are $15 for the truck pull and $10 for Kids' Park events. Cash or Venmo only, purchased on site. 3pm (info)

 Father’s Day Baseball Trolley - Treat Dad to a day he'll actually remember. Hop on the trolley at Whiskey River. It’s a ride to the Iowa Cubs game and back, with drinks allowed on board, ice and water provided, and zero parking headaches! Tickets are $45/person and include your game ticket, kids are welcome. 11:30am-5pm (tickets)  

🎸Dan Medeiros @ The Cabaret - 1-3pm

🎸Royce Johns @ The Soggy Frog - 1pm

Sports Card Show @ Uptown Garage - Spend Father's Day the right way: browse, buy, and trade sports cards alongside cold craft brews, live games on TV, and fellow collectors, all under one roof! Free admission, (the whole family is welcome). 10am-3pm (info)

Thanks for reading today’s Digest. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who drives a Toyota.

See you next week.