This episode marks the 1-year anniversary of DSM 411, your weekly updates about things happening around Des Moines. In case you didn’t catch the big announcement last week, this 50th episode will be the last one– at least for now.To be clear– DSM 411 isn’t completely going away. I plan to continue to research interesting and fun things happening around Des Moines. Instead of spreading that info in a weekly podcast, I will be turning my focus and time to social media. If you follow DSM 411 on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you can expect to see an uptick in updates there. I’m proud and excited to have made it to the 1-year mark, and I’m looking forward to the next iteration of DSM 411.Let’s get to this last episode. We have 7 categories of events to cover.This episode discusses things happening around Des Moines in March 2020. Updates include pro swimmers, a hero, a run, an event to support pets in need, another run, an unusual tailgate, and a parade. Check out the details of each update below. Listen with the embedded player below, or in your favorite podcast player.document.createElement('audio');https://dsm411.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSM411_030420.wavFamily FriendlyUSA Swimming TYR Pro Swim SeriesThe USA Swimming TYR Pro Swim Series has returned to the Downtown Wellmark YMCA. Beginning today, March 4th at 5pm and running over the next three days, you can see some of the fastest swimmers in the US, including swimmers like Ryan Lochte, Olivia Smoliga and Katie Ledecky. There are single session tickets available, as well as tickets to all sessions.Where: Wellmark YMCAWhen: March 4th – 7thCost: Single session tickets: $5 – 15 Child, $10 – 20 AdultAll session tickets: $45 – 85 Child, $60 – 85 AdultLink to more informationFreeLunch and Learn: Life and Legacy of Carrie Lane Chapman CattNext Tuesday, March 10th, block out your calendar over the noon hour, because there is a free lunch and learn event happening at the State Historical Museum. Register ahead of time, and then bring your lunch, or order a boxed lunch at the museum while you learn about the life and legacy of Iowan Carrie Chapmann Catt, a suffragist and peace activist who was a key figure in the passage of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. This August will mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment going into effect, and the State Historical Society will be marking this milestone with monthly programs and events.Where: State Historical Museum of IowaWhen: March 10th from 12pm – 1pmCost: FreeLink to more informationGet ActiveLoop the LakeIf you enjoy running outdoors, you should check out the Capital Striders running club. A great introduction to the group is their annual Loop the Lake spring race scheduled for April 4th. This 8K race traditionally loops around Gray’s Lake, however the course may be modified again this year to account for the construction on the north side of the lake. Registration is $35 through April 1st, and there are also free fun runs available that day for kids 12 and under. Check out all of the details at capitalstriders.org.Where: Gray’s LakeWhen: Saturday, April 4th at Cost: $35 – 40Link to more informationGive BackPainters for PetsYou can support the Pet Project Midwest, as well as local artists by attending the Painters for Pets event, tomorrow evening, Thursday, March 5th, at Mainframe Studios. This casual, annual fundraising event includes live and silent auctions of local artists’ work, as well as drinks, food and music. The Pet Project Midwest is an organization that supports the pets of elderly or disabled people, and also created iowapetalert.com which reunites lost pets and their people. Support this great organization and get some new beautiful art for your home by attending this event tomorrow night from Where: Mainframe StudiosWhen: Thursday, March 5th from Cost: $25/single, $40/doubleLink to more informationThe Thing You Know AboutSt. Patty’s Day Half Marathon & 5KThe annual St. Patty’s half marathon and 5K are scheduled for Saturday, March 14th. Registration is $75 for the half, and $37 for the 5K through March 11th. The race will begin and end at the Capitol Building, and will of course end with a post-race beer for those 21 and older. Head to iowaruns.com for details and to register.Where: Begins and ends at Capitol BuildingWhen: Saturday, March 14th, registration closes 3/11Cost: $75 for half, $37 for 5KLink to more informationThe Thing You Don’t Know AboutSt. Patrick’s Pre-parade TailgateThe annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is happening on Tuesday, March 17th, downtown Des Moines at noon. What you may not know is that this parade, put on by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, costs the group nearly $30,000 to put on. This covers fencing and police presence for safety, as well as paying for all of the parking meters. To help offset this cost, the group is offering a new event this year– a pre-parade tailgate is happening at 13th and Grand downtown, beginning at 8am that day. It’s $5 to get in, and will continue until the parade begins at noon.Where: 13th and Grand DowntownWhen: Tuesday, March 17th at 8am. Parade is at noon.Cost: $5 admissionLink to more informationLooking AheadDSM 411 on Social MediaBe sure to follow DSM 411 on social media to keep up with future updates:InstagramFacebookTwitterThe post DSM 411: March 4th, 2020 appeared first on DSM 411.