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Celebrate Community and Fun at the Raccoon River Palooza

Katherine Harrington

From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

Get ready for a day full of fun, music, and community spirit at the fourth annual Raccoon River Palooza, scheduled for June 8th at the scenic Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park. This year’s festival, presented by Superstorm Restoration, is not to be missed as this year it combines the best of the City of West Des Monies’ Park Palooza and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’ Raccoon River Rally into a single spectacular event.

From 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, attendees of all ages can enjoy a variety of free activities. The excitement includes the “Touch a Truck” event, “Cops & Bobbers,” and free rentals at the Raccoon River Boat House. For families, the Kids Zone offers face painting, balloon and tattoo artists, giant inflatables, your favorite sports mascots, and a host of games sure to delight.

Music lovers will be thrilled with performances by local favorites, including the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The festival also features a business expo with near 20 community businesses and organizations, a plethora of food trucks like Freedom Blend Coffee, Outside Scoop, Karam’s Grill, and Hotsy Totsy, and a refreshing beer & beverage station by Thirsty Pigs.

A highlight of the day will surely be the famous Cardboard Boat Races at 2:00pm, where creativity and paddling skills meet in a fun and fiercely competitive environment. Watch as participants race their handmade boats, battling not just each other but the risk of sinking!

Organized by the West Des Moines Chamber’s Explore WDM Committee and the City of West Des Moines, this festival not only serves as a significant economic boost but also highlights our beautiful city as a prime location for business and talent. It’s a testament to the hard work of regional leaders dedicated to enriching our community.

Bring your friends and family to Raccoon River Palooza for a day of endless fun and community bonding. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant spirit of West Des Moines and make memories that will last a lifetime. This is one festival you don’t want to miss in a city that is second to none!

Thank you to sponsors who help to make this event happen including presenting sponsor Superstorm Restoration, Bronze Sponsors Dupaco Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union, Family Fun Zone Sponsor Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, and Event Partner Bozz Prints.

We look forward to seeing you there! #DSMUSA #GoWestWDM

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