Iowa Girl on the Go

Happy 4^th of July! I attended my second Yankee Doodle Pops concert last night. Held on the west terrace of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, this was the 25^th annual pops holiday concert.

I went for the first time last year and learned a few things. First, people walk around the whole time, so I learned not to sit right behind a sidewalk or you’ll have your view of the stage blocked pretty much from start to finish. I also learned that people talk during the concert. So, my expectations were lowered. One last thing I learned: where to sit to see the fireworks. That was a big takeaway from last year.

Last night we arrived much later than the previous year, so we didn’t have as much time to kill. We’d already figured out that it’s easier to get out of downtown if you park your car far away and walk to the Capitol grounds; we parked in the parking garage at 5^th and Keo (yes, I know this is like a mile away, but it works for me).

Last night’s concert was grand. The Symphony played all the right music (“Stars and Stripes Forever” is my favorite); Simon Estes performed; and the fireworks were spectacular. Even the weather cooperated. I am now in the mood for tomorrow’s holiday.