"Dead Moines" Is Alive, Exciting
Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 25, 1997)-- Much to the disagreement of Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson, Des Moines has plenty of events and facilities offer to its community-- and especially to Drake students.
Last week during an interview, Carlson declared Des Moines, Iowa, "dead." He said hefelt that there was nothing that Des Moines could offer that was of any interest.
"I have lived in Des Moines most of my life, and I feel that there are enough activities to do," said Kelly Caldbeck (P2). "I think it is impressive that we can get shows like 'The Phantom of the Opera,' and I also love the restaurants and bars that are down on Court Avenue. Des Moines is also so close to cities like Chicago, Ill., and Kansas City, Mo., that there is hardly a chance to miss out on anything."
In downtown Des Moines, many diverse activities are offered at places such as the Civic Center and Vets Auditorium.
"Last semester, there was an array of Des Moines vendors that set up booths in the Civic Center. All of them were companies that had issues concerning women. I felt it was very informative, and I am glad that it was offered here in Des Moines," said Calen Dallavis (J2).
Also, if there is an event that doesn't come through Des Moines,
chances are in will be held in a nearby city such as Omaha, Neb., and Ames, Iowa.
"The Dave Matthews Band didn't come to Des Moines in the last tour, so my friends and I went to Ames and Omaha to see them play," said Caldbeck.
Other nearby cities include Kansas City, Mo. and St. Louis, Mo. In Kansas City, the Plaza Shopping Center and the Nelson Museum of Art are common attractions. In St. Louis, the Arch is a popular place to visit.
"Des Moines isn't the busiest city, and I know it doesn't attract absolutely everything, but I definitely wouldn't call it dead," said Caldbeck.
© 1997 CyberPress Communications, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Drake University 50311.
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