Weekend Pick: Groundhog’s Revenge

Last weekend a few people had to pull a groundhog out of his burrow to check on winter. This weekend will feel like winter with -7 deg (Fahrenheit) forecast for Saturday’s overnight low. As this is American Heart Month, have a heart for those people who walk and run in this weather and make sure sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. That includes going the extra step and making sure the curb cuts near your home or office are passable. Don’t forget the snow dams that are created along alleys and driveways. Friday afternoon will mark 48 hours after the snow stopped and in Des Moines that means the sidewalks are supposed to be walkable. The city number to call to report non-compliant address is (515) 283-4950.

Throughout this past week I kept hearing about activities for this weekend. Then as the week progressed and my work load increased, I began to forget what I had heard. Notes do not help when I don’t remember where I put the various pieces of paper.

If you have not yet seen Enchanted April at the Des Moines Playhouse (831 42nd Street) this is the last weekend for the play. It’s also worth seeing a second time if you want to dream of lands farther south and much warmer. Show times are on Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, February 10th, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $24-$34, or $20 for students.

If you don’t find the right garden items at the Home and Garden Show, you might have better luck at the Botanical Center (909 Robert D. Ray Drive). Friday through Sunday it is holding a Spring Ahead Festival. There are numerous seminars from which to choose at a cost of $20 each ($10 for members). These include sessions on bonsai and on orchids, as well as on Asian calligraphy. On Saturday, February 9, 2008, the Volunteer Advisory Council is holding its annual Scented Geranium and Rosemary sale from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Then on Sunday it is time for Botanical Blues with Janey Hooper from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; cost is $4. The blues series, originally scheduled for 8 weeks has now been extended into March.

Genghis Blues is playing at the State Historical Museum (600 East Locust) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The museum’s literature describes this show as “a film bout exploration and friendship.” It is a story about Paul Pena. Blind and playing the blues, he discovered throat singing in 1995 and eventually won a competition. The cost is $5, or $4 if you bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank of Iowa.

There are numerous literary, athletic, and general entertainment events around the city, as there are every weekend. On Monday, February 11th, there will be a couple special events. It will be the launch of Iowa’s celebrations honoring Abraham Lincoln on his 200th birthday (February 12, 2009). Look at the inset for more details.

M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa. She encourages organizations and performers to send news about their upcoming events to events@AroundDesMoines.com.