Ames Appreciation Project Connects Neighbors, Celebrates Our Community And Country

Press release from the City of Ames:

June 4, 2021

Neighborhoods, individuals, families, and children are encouraged to participate in the new “Ames Appreciation Project” as part of the community Fourth of July celebration. This new event is designed to help neighborhoods reconnect, show gratitude for those who helped the community over the past year, and provide an option to be part of the Fourth of July community parade.

The City is providing a creative outlet for expressions of appreciation and gratitude through neighborhood banners for the Fourth of July parade and providing “maker space” creative workshops for residents to design yard signs to thank community helpers or share their appreciation. Those interested can learn more about Neighborhood Associations and the Ames Appreciation Project at a kick-off meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, at the Ames Public Library. More opportunities to make a sign or pick up supplies are planned before July 4.

“Strong neighborhoods are the building blocks of strong communities, and we wanted to create a new event that promotes neighborhood pride and communication,” said Neighborhood Liaison Julie Gould. “As we move away from the restrictions of the pandemic, it’s important to acknowledge what we’ve been through and celebrate the things we love about our community and the people in it.”

This first-time program will include opportunities to decorate blank yard signs and banners in preparation for the Fourth of July. Additionally, City staff will be available to share information about program and services for Ames neighborhoods.

Participate two ways:

• Neighbors are invited to create a banner representing their neighborhood and walk during the Fourth of July parade at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 4. Banners can be displayed in neighborhoods after the parade.
• Neighbors are invited to create an “Ames Appreciates” yard sign to recognize community helpers during the pandemic. Signs will be installed in the front of City Hall for display the week of Sunday, July 4, through Friday, July 9. Participants can pick up their signs at the end of the week at the Planning & Housing Department, second floor of City Hall.

Opportunities to make a yard sign are planned prior to the Ames Municipal Band Concerts. Participants can use paints and markers to design yard signs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, June 17 and June 24, at Bandshell Park near the playground. The “Maker Space” will be available just prior to the regularly scheduled Ames Municipal Band concerts at 8 p.m. Look for a City of Ames booth at the Ames Farmers Market on Saturdays, June 19 and June 26, to create your yard sign or pick up banner supplies.

Please note the Independence Day fireworks will begin at dusk (typically after 9:30 p.m.) on Saturday, July 3. There will not be a community pancake breakfast this year.

For more information about participation in the Ames Appreciation Project, contact Julie Gould at julie.gould@cityofames.org or call her at 515.239.5443.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.