You'll Find Me at the Winter Olympics Watch Party in Downtown DSM USA
Growing up, my family always teased me with nicknames like Jack Frost or Frosty because of my preference for this time of year. As an avid winter sports fan, the cold was welcomed as every four years brought with it the Winter Olympic Games. Inspired by the opening ceremonies, neighborhood athletes young and old would begin to emerge from their winter hibernation to partake in our backyard Olympics. We would bundle up in the warmest clothing we could find and declare loyalty to a random nation, yet the oldest of the gang always managed to claim the red, white and blue. The hills behind our houses became mountains and the streets were reimagined into bobsled tunnels using trashcan lids for sleighs. Parents would come out in droves to support their son or daughter’s nation, even participating themselves at times. Medals were awarded in the shape of different colored rubber bands that would be proudly worn as a reminder of our triumphant victories. It was a community tradition that warmed the hearts of the families on the block and one that I cling onto to this day.
Winter Games in DSM
After moving to Greater Des Moines (DSM), I realized just how similar the DSM community is to my former stomping grounds. Through events produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, DSM continues to remind me why wintertime activities mean so much to me. This winter I will be able to relive my childhood memories through the Winter Games at Brenton Skating Plaza. Complementing the Winter Olympics, this two-day festival features everything winter and ice related for the low price of free.
Winter Games Lineup
The Des Moines Curling Club will be hosting a curling demonstration on Friday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. for Olympic hopefuls like me. Olympic bobsledders, Jean Prahm and Dan Steele, will be showcasing what it takes to be a bobsledding champion.
With Friday’s festivities running from 5 to 11 p.m. guests will witness a live performance of the national anthem alongside a fireworks show before warming up in the heated tent to watch the lighting of the torch on big screen televisions. Throughout Friday night you can carve up the ice rink in a Glow Skate, catch live music, satisfy your cravings at the food trucks or witness a spectacular ice carving performance. But make sure to showcase your best USA gear as prizes will be given to the adults in the most patriotic attire.
The festivities continue on Saturday from Noon to 5 p.m. with a game of Broomball and a performance by professional figure skaters. There will be the opportunity to witness another ice carving demonstration and delve into a winter sports playground to explore an array of winter sports equipment. After the events, the rink will open for a public skate until 11 p.m. in case you missed the opportunity the night before. Saturday is also the chance for youngsters to show off their USA pride, with prizes being awarded to kids in patriotic costumes.
Embrace the Season
The winter months can bring out the humbug in anybody, but the Winter Games at Brenton Skating Plaza offer a perfect opportunity for families to spend time together and support the DSM community while rooting on the nation’s best in the 2018 Winter Olympics.
An exciting celebration of sports and outdoor recreation, The Winter Games will be held at Brenton Skating Plaza in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) as we cheer on Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Visiting Downtown DSM is easy with plentiful street and ramp parking options.