Community events enhance the vibrancy of Ames

Earlier this month, my wife and I attended a truly unique event in downtown Ames: the inaugural “Farm to Table” dinner hosted by the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (the Market). If you didn’t hear about this event, let me tell you that it was fantastic.

It was a beautiful summer evening and the 500 block of Main Street felt like a quaint little backyard barbeque complete with bistro lights overhead and live music in the background. The food was procured through Market vendors, prepared by Aunt Maude’s staff, and served family style by volunteers of the Market. It was truly a magical evening of celebration and comradery right in the heart of our community.

Farm to Table was a fundraiser for the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market and the Ames Chamber of Commerce is a proud supporter. In our efforts to make Ames the best place to live, work and do business, we support events and activities that help enhance the vibrancy of the community. The weekly Market, as well as the Farm to Table dinner, are events that we proudly underwrite because we see the community benefit it provides.

Each Saturday from May through October, the Market brings thousands of people to downtown Ames. From fresh produce and flowers, to candles and home goods, the Market offers something for everyone. It is wonderful to see the mix of people the Market attracts and who then shop in our Main Street businesses. This is great for the economy, but equally important is the sense of community it provides for both new and longtime residents. It also provides a fun activity for those visiting and truly showcases what Ames has to offer.

As the president of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, I attend a lot of events. From Chamber events such as ribbon cuttings and Business After Hours, to community events like Oktoberfest and Crafts & Draughts, my calendar is usually overflowing with a variety of events. So when I hear people say “there’s nothing to do in Ames” I get frustrated because that’s simply not the case.
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Great events like Farm to Table are happening all the time in Ames, and these gatherings are treasures that help make our community thrive. But, as residents, it’s up to us to seek out these activities through resources such as www.ameschamber.com, www.thinkames.com and www.amestrib.com. This fall, join me in supporting the variety of unique and diverse events that continue to enhance our vibrant community, and help make Ames the #SmartChoice to live, work and play!