Skipping the Straw Poll?

So maybe you don't want to gaze in awe at a yellow blimp floating 125 feet above Scheman. Maybe you don't want U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann to kiss your baby or former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum to shake your hand. Maybe you don't want free Famous Daves barbecue or free tunes from Randy Travis or the Nadas. Maybe you don't want to see Former Gov. Mike Huckabee play his guitar.

Fine, skip Saturday's Straw Poll and its free parking lot shows.

There are some other things to do in Ames this weekend but not all of them will be free.

Walk your dog at Pooches in the Park, on Saturday. Story County Conservation invited people and their dogs to walk through McFarland Park from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The event is free but people must preregister by calling 515-232-2516 before 4:30 p.m. Friday.


On Friday anyone especially college students and singles can head to  , 4518 Mortensen Road Ames, to hear Thunderbird Kingsley, a blues band. Music starts at 8 p.m. and there is no admission fee.


The Ames Historical Society will offer a historical tour of downtown Ames 10 a.m. Saturday. The group meets at the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market on Tom Evans Park. The tour is free, but people can pay $1 for their own printed guide.

It takes two to Tango, but if you still need to learn the steps you'll need about $30 to $40. Valerie Williams, teaches beginners Tango Practica from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Workspace in the Memorial Union. Participants then practice their new moves from 5 to 7 p.m.