Historic Valley Junction Rubber Boot Bash Celebrates 20 Years Since Devastating Flood

A news release from the Historic Valley Junction Foundation:

Bring your lawn chairs to the Val Air Ballroom as the Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents our first annual Rubber Boot Bash, a Music in the Junction kick-off fundraiser on Saturday, March 23, from 5-10 p.m.

Located at the Val Air Ballroom, visitors are invited to enjoy live music and help raise money to fund the Historic Valley Junction Foundation.

This event will feature live music from Brother Trucker, noted local Americana roots rock band, and others. 

Brother Trucker will perform from 7:30-10 p.m. as the headlining band, but live music will start at 5 p.m. with Matt Woods.  Other scheduled activities include a “Pass the Boot” fund drive and silent auction. 

Admission is $5 per person.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of being “dry” since the floods of 1993, this event is an opportunity to raise funds for the Historic Valley Junction Foundation (HVJF).  HVJF is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, which aims to advance the growth and development of the Historic Valley Junction area into a vital and dynamic commercial, residential and tourist area through business improvement, design, organization and promotion.  HVJF provides the Des Moines metro area with over 20 events annually, celebrating local business, arts and culture.

The floods of 1993 brought major devastation to the Valley Junction district.  All buildings had water damage, some with 6 inches, some with 6 feet. Broken windows and doors, warped floors; layers of mud were everywhere. Over the past 20 years, this community has made a full recovery above and beyond anyone’s highest expectations. The addition of a full multi-million dollar levee continues to protect the area. The district has excelled, with the addition of upper-end galleries, specialized retailers and dedicated entrepreneurs and volunteers.  This accomplishment was recognized in 2012 when the Historic Valley Junction Foundation received the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA).

Valley Junction is home to over 150 distinctive stores, restaurants, and independent businesses, each with its own unique historical character. Known for its unique specialty stores, Valley Junction is one of central Iowa’s most unique attractions. Visit our website,www.valleyjunction.com for more information and a complete calendar of events.