To whet your appetite, events incorporating plenty of sunshine, Mid-Western and Iowan heritage have been skillfully worked into the program:
Barn Dance/Hog Roast
Re-live the pioneering days of Iowa's eary pastorlists during a Barn Dance and hog roast at the Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn. The superbly restored barn provides an excellent backdrop to enjoying Mid-Western hospitality and heart warming cuisine.Mississippi Belle
Imagery from the Novels of Mark Twain springs to mind when contemplating a river journey on the mighty Mississippi. Fortunately, the "Mississippi Belle," is a comfortable paddle steamer plying the muddy waters for pleasure, not fish, and the only moisture that will touch your body will be carefully tilted to your lips. Golf and Gambling excursions
A gambling adventure to one of Iowa's venues is planned for Thursday June 23. Transport departs smartly from the IMU at 13h30, with the transportation cost not to exceed $25. If chasing elusive balls is more to your liking than chasing elusive winnings, then an outing to Finkbine Golf Course is planned for Thursday June 23rd. Cart and transportation fees for the event will be depend upon the number of individuals interested in participating. The maximum cost for the event should not exceed $40.00 US per person. Tee time will be 2:00 pm. PLEASE NOTE: Finkbine golf course does not have rental clubs available so you will need to pack a toothbrush and a 3 iron in your luggage.
Cocktail Reception Hancher Auditorium
Attracting regular Broadway and International shows, Hancher auditorium will host a reception for conference attendees to allow the all important informal mingling that builds friendships and hatches fabulous ideas.
Pearl Button Capital of the World
Located just under an hour from Iowa City, Muscatine is located on a bend in the Mississippi River. Freshwater clams or mussels were used to make mother-of-pearl buttons by an
entrepaneurial
German button maker named John Frederick Beopple who settled in the area in 1897. At the height of production, over 6 billion buttons were produced in a year.
Tour departs, Friday June 24th at 1:00 pm from the south entrance to the IMU. Tour includes the Muscatine Pearl Button Museum, seeing the expanse of the Mississippi River and the undulating countryside. Cost is $15.00.
Tour of Kalona
Take a break from the mainstream by visiting Kalona. On this mini tour, your guide will provide an understanding of the Amish way of life. You will have the opportunity to visit quilt and handicraft stores and enjoy the wholesome atmosphere of a life unhurried. The tour last for approximately 90 minutes.
Cost is $15.00. buses leave from the south entrance of the IMU at 12:30 pm on Saturday, June 25th.
Fae Ridge farm
Shaped by the "Slow Food" movement taking hold in Iowa, visit a flourishing organic farm with a cornucopia of seasonal bounty. Transport departs at 9.45am from the south entrance of IMU. Monday - June 27th cost to be decided.
