20 Jun 2012

Grand Canyon Rafting - the Demand is Back

By Cindy Woudenberg

Grand Canyon, AZ (June, 2012) - Travel demand is back for Grand Canyon rafting trips during the summer months of June, July and August. Historically this has been the prime time for the limited number of commercial whitewater trips available on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Arizona River Runners sees this trend returning as demand increases for these Colorado River trips.

If you have a Grand Canyon family rafting trip on your bucket list, now is the time to plan ahead and secure your space for summer 2013. Reservations are normally made up to a year in advance with many trips selling out immediately after they are made available. There are group rates offered for families and corporate groups of 10 or more traveling together.  Now for a limited time, Arizona River Runners is still accepting 2013 reservations at current 2012 prices. To take advantage of this win-win special, you need to act now because it won't last long.

The popular early season "Hikers' Specials", introduced a few years ago, are available for 2013 in April and early May for those adventure seekers and hiking enthusiasts who don't have to plan their travel around school schedules. These 6, 7, 10 and 12 day white water rafting trips offer additional time for side canyon exploration during the milder Arizona spring temperatures. Many of these amazing hiking trails are only accessible from the Colorado River.

Arizona River Runners Grand Canyon raft trips are all-inclusive; everything is supplied from camping equipment and rafting gear to food, drinks, snacks and more. To secure a whitewater trip for 2013 at 2012 rates call 1-80-477-7238. For your trip of a lifetime don't just look at the Canyon...experience it from the Colorado River looking up. You may never be the same!

Grand Canyon Rafting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Arizona River Runners

White water rafting through the Grand Canyon offers a unique view of one of the most popular natural wonders of the world. Experience the vacation adventure of a lifetime on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Arizona River Runners.  Since 1970 they have provided all-inclusive Grand Canyon whitewater trips with customized rafts, all the camping and rafting gear, and food for your Colorado River trip.

20 Jun 2012

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site -- This week's National Park Getaway

By Rick Martin
WEST BRANCH, Iowa - This week the National Park Getaway takes readers to east central Iowa to visit the birthplace of the 31st president of the United States.

Ten miles east of Iowa City, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site tells the story of Hoover's life and achievements, and how a small community opened a world of opportunity to a child of simple beginnings.

Visitors can tour the cottage where Hoover was born, a blacksmith shop, West Branch's first one-room schoolhouse, and the Friends Meetinghouse where the Hoover family worshipped. Also located on the grounds are the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, the gravesites of President and Mrs. Hoover and an 81-acre tallgrass prairie.

If you visit this summer, you'll find plenty of activities designed to entertain. The park is hosting a summer concert series on Thursdays through June and family day camps throughout July. If you're in the area, you won't want to miss the annual Hoover's Hometown Days festival, celebrated during the first weekend of August.

Visit www.nps.gov/getaways to learn about Herbert Hoover and the turbulent era of his presidency.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 397 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
18 Jun 2012

Pistol Annies Join Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Country act Pistol Annies will open for the Miranda Lambert Grandstand show on August 12. Tickets for all shows are on sale now. The 2012 Grandstand line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

Trio Angaleena Presley, Ashley Monroe and Miranda Lambert make up the Pistol Annies. They began writing and recording songs together straight away, but barely had six tracks down when they were offered an opportunity to make their official debut on national TV via the Academy of Country Music's "Girls Night Out" special on CBS in April 2011. The Pistol Annies' smoking debut is an album equal parts sass, heartache and hard knocks, sweetened with just enough wistful Southern romance to reveal a teasing hint of vulnerability.

Country music heats up the Grandstand this year. Other acts include The Band Perry with Easton Corbin on August 14. August 17 features country icon Hank Williams Jr. and his "Taking Back the Country" tour. Country superstars Rascal Flatts will take the stage with Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge on August 19. See iowastatefair.org for the complete line-up.

Tickets for all concert and track events are on sale through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 9, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays - Fridays and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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13 Jun 2012

"It's a Sweet Thing" at the Corndog Kickoff

By Allyson Krull

DES MOINES, IA (06/12/2012)(readMedia)-- The Blue Ribbon Foundation will host the sixteenth annual Corndog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party on Saturday, July 14 in the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the event's sixteenth year, with a focus on the Fair's sweet treats! "It's a Sweet Thing" to be a part of a night filled with exciting auction packages, entertainment and all of your favorite Fair foods, while helping to raise funds to restore the Iowa State Fairgrounds!

The live and silent auctions are filled with enticing packages. Take in the U.S. Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series in suite seats at the Iowa Speedway on August 4. See the Iowa State Fair in a new light with a behind the scenes tour of the Fairgrounds. Or, go backstage to meet Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, the Eli Young Band and Edens Edge, plus see their concert from the front row!

The Corndog Kickoff has been a pre-fair tradition since it began in 1997. First held in Pioneer Hall, 480 people were in attendance. Since then, the event has grown to raise over $2.3 million for the restoration and preservation of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The 2011 event brought in a crowd of 1,300 and raised a record high of $280,000!

"The Kickoff continues to grow and we are looking forward to another great year," said John Putney, executive director of the Blue Ribbon Foundation. "This event plays a vital role in our fundraising efforts to preserve and improve the Iowa State Fairgrounds and we are grateful for all of the support."

Take advantage of the advance ticket price by ordering now. All inclusive Corndog Kickoff tickets are $75 each until June 30. After that date, tickets will be $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732, online at www.blueribbonfoundation.org or at the door the night of the event.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $85 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Kickoff, please contact the Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or bluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

 

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08 Jun 2012

State Fair Express Offers Convenient Ride to Iowa State Fair

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (06/06/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair and Windstar Lines have partnered to provide round trip transportation to the Fair from 42 locations throughout the state. The convenient and affordable State Fair Express will offer motor coach service during the Iowa State Fair August 9-19.

Each State Fair Express ticket includes:

• Round trip transportation on a deluxe Windstar Lines motor coach

• Fair admission

• A complimentary bottle of water

• Fair coupon book offering food and drink discounts with more than $30 in savings

• Daily Program with map of the Fairgrounds

• Easy pickup and drop off in the Fair's North Lot at Gate 15

The State Fair Express will arrive at the Fair at approximately 10 a.m. and will depart at 6 p.m. Adult fare includes ages 12 and over, child fare includes ages 5-11 and children under 5 ride free. Persons under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket pricing varies by location. A complete list of routes, pricing and pickup locations follows.

New in 2012, the State Fair Express will offer four non-stop routes. These routes include Cedar Rapids (August 9), Charles City (August 10), Sioux City (August 10) and Ames (August 12).

Please call Windstar Lines Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888.494.6378 or visit www.gowindstar.com/iowa-state-fair.php to make State Fair Express reservations. Payment must be made in full at the time of reservation. Windstar accepts Visa and MasterCard.

Reservations can be made up to one week prior to departure. The State Fair Express runs rain or shine and no refunds will be issued. A minimum of 30 people must book for the trip to run. If the trip does not meet the minimum requirement, cancellation of the trip will occur seven days prior to departure and you will be notified by Windstar Lines. If a cancellation occurs refunds will be given.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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08 Jun 2012

Kick Off Summer in Traverse City with Michigan's Top Vintages

By Andrew McFarlane
Celebrate the best vintages from the Grand Traverse Region with the 2012 Traverse City Wine & Art Festival on Saturday, June 30th. Discover the flavors that have captured top honors in head to head national and international competition with wines from California, France and other leading wine regions.

Wine-maker Lee Lutes said of the 2011 harvest: "These wines have lush fruit on both the nose and the palate. They have body in the mouth that only comes from well-developed fruit, and there is a lingering finish that simply begs for food."

This is Michigan's only festival celebrating all the senses with some of the region's finest wine, food, art and music brought together for one spectacular evening. Pair any of more than 125 Leelanau, Old Mission Peninsula and northern Michigan wines with cuisine from the area's top eateries including Trattoria Stella, Siren Hall, Patisserie Amie and Poppycocks.

Headlining this year's festival is platinum recording artist Rusted Root. They'll be joined by Orpheum Bell, Lauren Mann and a medley of music and dance performances throughout the evening. Wander the Food Garden as you sip wines & ciders and explore the work of fine artists on display beneath the canopy of the historic arboretum at the Grand Traverse Commons.  

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top travel destinations in the world for 2012, Traverse City is home to more than miles of pristine beaches, wilderness and dunes.  "Artists have long been drawn to this region and it comes as no surprise that its beauty has inspired exceptional art and attracted nationally acclaimed artists to make this their home. Northern Michigan is an artist mecca, but all the same it is a rare opportunity to find a gathering of these jewels in one place," said Dawn Thomas of ArtCenter Traverse City.

The festival is from 3 - 10pm, and tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door available at http://traversecitywinefestival.com
08 Jun 2012

"Fill Up On Missouri Fun"

By Sarah Luebbert

"Fill Up On Missouri Fun" Break Time Stores Promote Tourism

Jefferson City, Mo. ? Exciting announcement! The Missouri Division of Tourism, VisitMO.com and Break Time Convenience Stores have teamed-up for a great summer tourism promotion.

In the "Get More Missouri Per Gallon" contest, June 1 thru Aug. 10, travelers have a chance to win a free, fun-filled Missouri getaway package. Everyone needs gasoline in their car, right? Now, when you "fill 'er up" at a Break Time, you could be a lucky winner. How? Simple!

Pick up a "Fill Up On Missouri Fun" punch card at any Break Time Convenience Store in Missouri - there are 80 locations scattered across the Show-Me State.

Every time you fill your tank at any Break Time, simply have the clerk punch your entry card. Fill up your gas tank five times during the June thru Aug. 10 promotion and turn in the completed punch card at any Break Time; you'll be entered for a chance to win one of 12 terrific Missouri getaway packages. But wait! You can enter as many times as you fill a new card.

Find details at any Break Time store. Go to VisitMO.com/Breaktime for information about the 12 exciting Missouri getaway packages.

"Fill up on Missouri fun." You could be a winner.

About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to www.VisitMO.com.

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06 Jun 2012

July 2012 at the Field Museum

By Rita Bellouze
05 Jun 2012

Harkin Announces $11.5 Million for Iowa Air Services

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that 27 Municipal Airports and airport services have been awarded a total of $11,515,836 from the US Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration. Harkin is a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the DOT.

"Ensuring Iowa's municipal airports have the resources they need to update, repair, or replace their facilities is important to maintain safety and efficiency.   These airports are important for employers and the operation of companies in local communities," said Harkin. "The multiple communities affected by these grants will use this funding for a wide variety of activities that will support aviation across the state."

Details of the funding are as follows:

Arthur N Nue, Carroll-$236,700 for the acquisition of replacement snow removal equipment.

Atlantic Municipal Airport-$510,763 to assist meeting design standards.

Clinton Municipal Airport-$281,146 for the rehabilitation of existing apron pavement.

Creston Municipal Airport-$412,408 to enhance access to the airport.

Davenport Municipal Airport-$233,500 for the rehabilitation of existing runway pavement.

Decorah Municipal Airport-$375,547 for taxiway construction.

Decorah Municipal Airport-$67,500 to update the existing master plan for future airport needs.

Forest City Municipal Airport-$216,000 for the rehabilitation of existing taxiway pavement.

Grinnell Regional Airport-$351,000 for the rehabilitation of existing taxiway pavement.

Guthrie County Regional Airport-$382,500 for construction of a hangar building.

Independence Municipal Airport-$52,200 to update the existing master plan for future airport needs.

James G. Whiting Memorial Field-$585,000 for construction of a hangar building.

Keokuk Municipal Airport-$4,106,172 for the rehabilitation of existing runway pavement.

Mason City Municipal Airport-$886,604 for the rehabilitation of existing parking lot pavement.

Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport-$138,485 for the rehabilitation of existing taxiway pavement.

Muscatine Municipal Airport-$129,088 for the rehabilitation of existing taxiway pavement.

Muscatine Municipal Airport-$50,400 for the removal of obstructions on runway.

Northeast Iowa Regional Airport-$45,000 for the evaluation of environmental issues related to proposed extension of a runway.

Oelwein Municipal Airport-$31,500 to update the existing master plan for future airport needs.

Pocahontas Municipal Airport-$29,251 for the rehabilitation of existing runway pavement.

Red Oak Municipal Airport-$142,106 for the replacement of snow removal equipment.

Sac City Municipal Airport-$50,400 for a new runway vertical/visual guidance system.

Schenck Field, Clarinda-$313,920 for the rehabilitation of runway lighting system.

Sioux Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field-$360,000 for the rehabilitation of existing taxiway pavement.

Vinton Veterans Memorial Airpark-$43,290 for the rehabilitation of existing runway pavement.

Waterloo Regional Airport-$967,856 for the rehabilitation of runway lighting system.

Webster City Municipal Airport-$517,500 for the construction of a hangar building.
05 Jun 2012

Loebsack Announces Funding For Local Airport Improvements

By Joe Hand

Loebsack Announces More Than $233,000 for Davenport Airport Improvements

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the Davenport Municipal Airport will receive a total of $233,500 to make improvements to the runway.  These funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) grant program.

"Access to local airports allow our communities to grow, as well as fuel additional economic development in the region," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased that the Davenport Municipal Airport is receiving this grant which will help fund much needed runway improvements and allow the airport to continue functioning safely and effectively."

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Loebsack Announces Nearly $180,000 for Muscatine Airport Improvements

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the Muscatine Municipal Airport will receive a total of $179,488 to make improvements to the taxiway and runway.  These funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) grant program.

"Access to local airports allow our communities to grow, as well as fuel additional economic development in the region," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased that the Muscatine Municipal Airport is receiving this grant which will help fund much needed runway and taxiway improvements and allow the airport to continue functioning safely and effectively."

Specifically, the airport will receive:

$129,088 to rehabilitate the existing taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life

$50,400 to remove obstructions in the runway approach

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