They call it: The Week of Love

Good morning, Ankeny. Valentine's Day is Friday, which means you’re almost too late to lock down dinner reservations before everywhere is fully booked. I got you there, didn’t I? It’s on Saturday. Anyway; speaking to the men. If you don’t already have plans booked… well, my girlfriend says you’re late. If flowers and chocolates aren't your thing, there's plenty happening around town this week that doesn't involve a prix fixe menu. Here's what's going on.

In today’s digest:

Lets get started.

— Chance

Not sure if anyone else would find this interesting or not. Been thinking of adding in a little bit of community history every once in a while. I do a lot of researching when I am choosing what I want to write about for the week and history always seems intriguing. Let me know what you guys think!

Anyways, I guess for this edition it’s considered more of a fun fact than a history lesson. I am sure that most of you are aware that a few years ago Ankeny was ranked one of the top growing cities in the U.S. Little did I know; Ankeny was at only 27,000 and a few extra, residents in 2000. As of 2024 the population was 76,207… We are almost to the point of tripling in size in under 30 years.

We're basically the Midwest's most popular new subdivision, except it's an entire city and nobody can agree on where to put another stoplight.

So if you bought a house here in 2000… Well congrats, you're basically a real estate genius.

Imagine a stunning display of premium cheeses, savory meats, fresh fruits, and decadent chocolates, all thoughtfully curated for your Valentine. Skip the stress of cooking and let us create a luxurious, ready-to-enjoy charcuterie board that speaks volumes of your affection. Make this Valentine's Day deliciously memorable. Order your bespoke board today at All Aboard Charcuterie By Diane.

Max Wardell took first place at the Missouri Welding Institute's national competition, beating out more than 250 of the country's top high school welders. He earned over $29,000 in awards and a full-ride scholarship. Wardell got into welding through Orbis, Ankeny Schools' career exploration program, which led him to classes at Central Campus and an internship with John Deere. Max is a prime example of success with career powered, hands on, learning.

Ankeny ads two state champions to the list! Lauren Watson and Jammie Krah both claimed state wrestling titles in Coralville on Friday. Watson, a junior, pulled off a massive upset by pinning four-time state title contender Katie Buscaglia. The win was especially stunning since Buscaglia had never lost to another Iowa wrestler before. Watson's reaction said it all; pure disbelief frozen on her face. Both wrestlers add to Ankeny's already dominant girls wrestling program. (Details)

The Ankeny String Music Initiative brings together string players from across town; i.e. violins, violas, cellos, basses. Giving student musicians a place to actually play together. The group is advocating for a string orchestra program in Ankeny Schools and working to build a stronger foundation for string education locally. Check them out.

Mathew Garcia | 🕰️6-9PM | Firetrucker Brewery (Details)

Dan Medeiros | 🕰️6:30-9:30PM | B&B Theaters (Details)

Jasper Tide Band & Comedy | 🕰️7PM | Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille (Details)

Well guys, there isn’t much happening for live music this weekend. I guess the day of love is too important!

What a perfect day for the EVENT OF THE WEEK!

THEME ANNOUNCEMENT for 2026 Ankeny Chamber SummerFest presented by Karl Chevrolet!

Show up in person at the Ankeny Chamber Office or watch it LIVE on Facebook on Tuesday, February 10th at 🕰️4:00PM. (Details)

🎲Rom Com Trivia @ B&B Theaters | 🕰️7:30-8:30PM | Get into the Valentines day mood with some Rom Com trivia! (Details)

🍷Blind Wine Tasting @ WineStyles | 🕰️6-7:30PM | Blind wine tasting with Valentine themed charcuterie boards. (Details)

🧘Yin Yoga @ The Tight Club | 🕰️5:45PM | Get relaxed at The Tight Club for $15 (Details)

🍷Sweet Pairings @ Copperwood Senior Living | 🕰️3:30-5PM | Sample a selection of wines and artisan cheeses while enjoying the company of the Copperwood residents. (Details)

🕯️Craft Bar & Candle Pouring @ AR Workshop | 🕰️2-5PM | Get warmed up for a pre Valentines weekend! (Details)

🛍️Galentine’s Sip N’ Shop | 🕰️4PM | Grab your best gals and join us in supporting 11 small businesses in Ankeny for a fun late night shopping experience! (Details)

🌹Valentine’s Day Floral Sale @ Trail Point Aquatics & Wellness | 🕰️12-6PM | Create a custom bouquet for yourself or someone special in your life at our custom bouquet bar! (Details)

🧘Galentine’s Day Mocktails & Mats @ The Tight Club | 🕰️6-8PM | Adaptogenic mocktails featuring Pesche + a Tight Club house mocktail. (Details)

🛍️Galentine’s Day Shopping @ The District | (Details)

💆🏻‍♀️Galentine’s Popup @ Coachlight Clinic | 🕰️9-4:30PM | Celebrate Galentine’s Day with glowing skin and exclusive perks! (Details)

💍Permanent Jewerly @ Mainstreet Boutique | 🕰️1-4PM | Create your own custom welded bracelets, anklets, necklaces & rings. (Details)

🛍️Galentine’s Day Shopping @ The District | (Details)

🫧Bubbles & Berries @ Forget Me Not Design | 🕰️10-4PM | Delightful love potion drinks and samples of our amazing new food items. (Details)

🚂Valentine’s Escape Trolley @ Whiskey River Ankeny | 🕰️6:30-11:30PM | The Ultimate Date Night… or Date Nightmare (in the hottest way possible) 3 Different Stops! (Details)

🎲Heated Rivalry Trivia Event @ Uptown Garage Brewing | 🕰️10AM | Kick off Valentine's Day with a dose of trivia hot enough to melt an entire hockey rink! (Details)

🤡Love & Laugh On Tap @ Firetrucker Brewery | 🕰️8PM | Stand up comedy —> Here are the (Details)

Have anything interesting? Curious about partnerships? Reply to this email. I read every single one!

Have a very lovely weekend!

Chance