Ames, Set, Go!

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

The rules of hair care are simple and finite!

This week, we take a trip down Ames’ athletic past and learning about those who rose above their central Iowa roots. The history is more than just Fred Hoiberg and Harrison Barnes.

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, the classic cars roll-in, 4-H’s history is told, there’s bingo with a food drive, Craig Swalwell brings the dance tunes and Legally Blonde turns 25.


Anthony Capps, Editor
[email protected]

Event Spotlight

Ames Little Cyclones basketball player Fred Hoiberg (Photo: Iowa State Athletics)

Lecture

Ames Athletes Who Made It to the Big Time

7 p.m. Tuesday | Ames Public Library

Ames has been an outsized source of athletic talent that rose far above their Story County roots. Tom Kroeschell, former communications director of Iowa State Athletics, talks about the achievement of Ames natives beyond the exploits of Fred Hoiberg and Harrison Barnes. This includes pioneering women competitors from Karen Koellner to Erica Lynn-Douglas who put Ames on the map in high school and collegiate competition.

 

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Calendar of Events

Wednesday, May 20

River Valley Veterans Network
6 p.m. | Torrent Brewing Company
The gathering creates a welcoming space for veterans to connect with one another, discover resources and explore employment opportunities in a relaxed, supportive environment. Businesses who value veteran talent are invited to attend.

Thursday, May 21

🚗 21st Annual Wayne Larson Classic Car Roll-In
5 p.m. | North Grand Mall
The Wayne Larson Classic Car Roll-In brings together car enthusiasts, families, and friends for an evening filled with classic vehicles, great conversations and strong community connections. Whether you’re showing off your ride or just coming to admire the classics, there’s something for everyone.
FREE

 

High-energy country-rock and storytelling that’s a must-see for fans of authentic Midwestern grit.
$9+

 

🏫 Learn with the League: The History of 4-H
7 p.m. | Ames Public Library
This presentation will take a look at the founding of 4-H in the early 1900s, including the key role Iowa played in the beginning of the 4-H movement. We’ll review how the core principles established in the beginning have guided 4-H programming over time.

 

🛒 Parking Lot Bingo and Food Drive
7 p.m. | Daisy’s Dog House, 1620 S. Kellogg Ave., #108
Led by Purple Cow Junk Removal, join for a night of bingo, laughs and doing good for our community for a food drive. Bring nonperishable goods for a chance at prizes. Vanessa Taylor and Evian Waters host.

Friday, May 22

🎤 Craig Swalwell Band
7 p.m. | Mucky Duck Pub
Rock and roll all night with these guys! They’re guaranteed to entertain so bring your dancing shoes.

Saturday, May 23

🌽 Main Street Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Main Street
This week’s entertainment highlights are Joyful Colorz face painting and the Ames Bookmobile, plus music from Boone Fiddler.

Sunday, May 24

🎥 Legally Blonde 25th Anniversary
4 p.m. | Movies 12
Fashionable sorority queen Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) follows her ex-boyfriend (Matthew Davis) to law school, where she discovers that there is more to her than just looks.
$11.50

Monday, May 25

🚩 Memorial Day Parade
10:15 a.m. | Ames Municipal Cemetery
A Memorial Day parade will take place downtown followed by a presentation at the Ames Municipal Cemetery at 11 a.m. In case of rain, the parade will be canceled and the program will move to the Ames City Auditorium. The event includes a keynote speaker and performances by the Ames Municipal Band.
FREE

Upcoming events on our radar

🎤 May 29: Ames on the Half Shell: Burnin’ Sensations, Bandshell Park
🌻 May 30: Gardens Galore, Northcrest Community
🎶 May 31: Across the Water, Alluvial Brewing
🎤 June 7: Roosevelt Summer Sundays: Weary Ramblers, Roosevelt Park
🎨 June 11: Art Walk, downtown Ames
🎭 June 11-28: Footloose, Ames Community Theater

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