Don’t forget, today in southern Dallas County, the 21st annual Prairie Awakening Celebration will be held, and the public is invited to immerse themselves in the rich Native American culture of central Iowa.

The event is hosted by Dallas County Conservation, and will run from 3-9 p.m. at the Kuehn Conservation Area southwest of Adel. Conservation Outreach Coordinator Ken Keffer says the theme for this year is “Much Can be Learned While Watching Children at Play,” and the festivities will include youth-oriented performances from the Meskwaki Nation. Dallas Chief Eagle will once again lead most of the activities, including the hoop dance presentation, drum circle, and closing bonfire stories. There will also be a rehabilitated raptor release and monarch butterfly tagging.

Keffer encourages people of all different backgrounds and cultures to attend the celebration, particularly children, as he says it’s a very unique and moving affair. He adds, six hours may seem like a long time for the program, but promises it’s filled with activities to keep your attention. “You don’t have to stay for the whole event, but you sure absolutely can. We’re going to have food concessions set up out there, come and go as you please. It’s a free event, there’s no need to register, but bring a lawn chair or some blankets for seating. We also try to keep this a pet-free event, so keep that in mind.”

To learn more about this year’s Prairie Awakening Celebration, click the first link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Keffer. You can also click the second link to visit the official informational page.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2019/09/02/lets-talk-dallas-county-9-1-2019-ken-keffer/
https://www.dallascountyiowa.gov/services/conservation-and-recreation/conservation/upcoming-events