West Des Moines Learnapalooza Coming to an End

After entertaining thousands of West Des Moines youngsters over the past decade and a half with fun, educational activities, Learnapalooza is taking its final bow Saturday, April 13.

Attendance has fallen off in recent years, causing leaders of West Des Moines Community Education to consider other uses for the $10,000 in private contributions budgeted for the daylong educational carnival.

“We have some things up our sleeves,” Evans said. “We’re just not ready to announce it yet.”

Evans said organizers never planned to make Learnapalooza an annual event, but after it attracted 3,000 guests the first year, West Des Moines Community Education gave it a permanent place on the annual calendar.

The event originally appealed to a broader audience, but attendance has dwindled over the years to less than 2,000 visitors, mainly preschool toddlers and their families.

Evans said organizers want to end the event to a “standing ovation.” Different themes are chosen every year – past events have been organized around circus and safari themes – so it seemed appropriate to plan this year’s Learnapalooza around the idea of a red carpet or final curtain call, Evans said.

“Learnapalooza would like to conclude with a standing ovation so it will still be a learning zone that has many fun and educational activities for children of all ages,” Evans said. “Families can experience and enjoy hands-on interaction with learning activities.”

West Des Moines city vehicles, including a fire truck, water truck and snow plow, will be available for children to explore and learn about. Younger children will be able to enjoy Preschool Palooza, where they can listen to a story, play a game or get a temporary tattoo.

Performances will take place during the event including, belly dancing and Stan Dahl playing his steel drum. There will be door prizes, Bingo for books (sponsored by the West Des Moines Public Library), Music-n-Motion with Denis Forney, free vision screening for children 6 months to 5 years old, and many other interactive activities taking place throughout the event. Enjoy complimentary drink and snacks, including popcorn.

Organizations from around the Des Moines metro area will be participating in Learnapalooza including – Blank Park Zoo, Campfire USA, CULTUREALL, Des Moines Area Community College, Safe Kids Greater Des Moines, West Des Moines Police Department, West Des Moines Public Arts Commission, and the Walnut Creek YMCA.

Personal care items will also be collected during Learnapalooza to help families in need through West Des Moines Human Services. Items needed include toothpaste, deodorant, diapers, laundry detergent, shampoo, and soap. West Des Moines Human Services. Human Services provides approximately 240 low-income households with personal care products.

What: Learnapalooza Who: Children of all ages and their families Where: Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, 625 S. 35th St. When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 13 Cost: Free Information: Complete schedule and list of performers on the West Des Moines Community Education web site.