This episode discusses things happening around Des Moines in January and February 2020. Updates include a delicious caucus, a serious caucus, majestic birds, the first run of the year, some restaurant news, some hard-to-score teas, a murder, a sold-out puzzle event, and lots, and lots of bikes. Check out the details of each update below, listen with the embedded player, or better yet, subscibe to the podcast following these easy instructions.https://dsm411.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DSM411_012920.wavFamily FriendlyCaucus for CookiesThis Saturday, bring your kids to Living History Farms to learn about caucusing in the sweetest way possible: by attending their Caucus for Cookies. Molly’s Cupcakes and Hy-Vee will be supplying a variety of cookies to sample. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to campaign and caucus for the cookie of your choice. Doors open at 1pm, but show up by Where: Living History FarmsWhen: Saturday, February 1st from 1-3pmCost: $4.75 – $7.25Link to more informationFreeCaucusingOne more reminder– don’t forget to caucus on Monday, February 3rd at 7pm!Where: Check your pricinct location hereWhen: Monday, February 3rd at 7pmCost: FreeLink to more informationBald Eagle Photography ClassDes Moines Parks and Rec is hosting a free Bald Eagle photography class this Saturday, February 1st on the Scott Street Bridge. From 2-4pm, Des Moines local photographer, Eric Burson, will be leading this outdoor class for newbies and experienced photographers alike. You must bring your own camera, must register ahead of time, and warm clothing is recommended.Where: Scott Street BridgeWhen: February 1st from 2-4pmCost: FreeLink to more informationGet ActiveRed Flannel RunDid you make any goals for 2020? Did one of your goals include participating in a run of some sort? Well you can get your running year off to a great start with the 31st annual YMCA Red Flannel Run, which is a 5K happening downtown on Saturday, February 8th. This year, they are also including an optional Y-Tri event, which will start the day with a 10-minute swim in the downtown Y pool, a 20-minute bike ride in the cycling studio, followed by the 5K, which will be run outside with the rest of the 5K crew. Wearing flannel is encouraged.Where: Wellmark YMCAWhen: Saturday, February 8thCost: $45 for 5K only, $55 for Y-Tri and 5KLink to more informationRestaurant SceneQuick Updates:–SKOL is closed permanently. Full Court Press, the restaurant group who owns the location, will open a new concept in that space in the spring.–Purveyor, the wine, charcuterie and dessert spot next to Raygun, is having a Grand Opening this Saturday, February 1st.The Thing You Know AboutSalisbury House EventsDes Moines’ favorite historic home, the Salisbury House, holds a variety of fun events throughout the year. Many of them have limited availability, and I never seem to catch them before they’re sold out! Well yesterday, the House posted three upcoming events, and as of this recording, tickets are still available:March 28 from 1-3pm: Tea at the Castle — $40(proper English afternoon tea)April 24 from 6-9pm: Murder Mystery Dinner — $100 (interactive murder mystery dinner party)May 9 from 1-3pm: Mother’s Day Tea at the Castle — $40Where: Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr.Link to more informationThe Thing You Don’t Know AboutThe Rook RoomHere’s something to follow. The Rook Room was created by a duo of friends who coordinate pop-up board game events. They are consistently hosting fun and unique events around Des Moines.Prime example: tomorrow night, they are hosting a jigsaw puzzle competition at 515 Brewing. Each group of four people will race to put together their copy of identical puzzles. Each team can also earn sabotages, to slow down their competition. And there will be beer. Sound like fun? Well, too bad, because the event is sold out. I was communicating with Tony, one of the owners of the Rook Room, and he said it was a surprise hit for them, and that they’d be setting up another puzzle event like this very soon.Many other events in the works:-This Friday, Flix Brewhouse is showing the movie, Clue, at -There is a Catan Tournament event coming up at the end of February.-A ‘Horrible People of Des Moines’ event is in the works, which will include, among other games, Cards Against Humanity.My advice: start following @therookroom on Instagram and Facebook, and sign up quickly for events that interest you.Link to more informationLooking AheadRAGBRAIThe 2020 Route was announced just a few days ago, and there’s only 171 days until the ride. Registration is open for weeklong riders through April 1st, so looking ahead– buy those tickets and secure your overnight lodging now, if you’d rather not sleep in a big field of people in tents.Where: Across IowaWhen: July 19 – 25Cost: $175 weeklong, $30 dailyLink to more informationIowa’s RideThe bike ride for people mad at the Des Moines Register.Where: Across IowaWhen: July 12 – 18Cost: $150 weeklong, $25 dailyLink to more informationThe post DSM 411: January 29th, 2020 appeared first on DSM 411.