The following events will receive grant funding during 2010:

Iowa State University Dance Marathon 2010 (January 23, 2010) – The largest student-run philanthropy on the ISU campus, Dance Marathon 2010 will be held in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. This 15-hour fundraiser will help support over 80 Iowa families, with children with life threatening illnesses.

History Connections (January –July 2010) – The Ames Historical Society (AHS) will create and print a new brochure called “History Connections”. The piece will be a companion to the walking tours in downtown Ames and complement the other current AHS marketing materials.

Performing Arts Series at Stephens Auditorium (January –September 2010) – The Iowa State Center will promote its world-class line-up of Broadway performances, popular musical entertainers and special performers.

“The Magical Lamp of Aladdin” (February 5-14, 2010) – Join the Story Theater Company as they bring exotic Arabia to life during their presentation of “The Magical Lamp of Aladdin” A cast of 30 area children, ages 10-16, will perform in this lively show at the Ames Community Center.

Gospel Extravaganza (March 26, 2010) - This annual event hosted by CONNECT, includes gospel music, praise dancing and spoken word to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Due to the growth of this event in recent years, the 2010 event will be held at Stephens Auditorium.

“Celebration of Garden Ornamentation” Display – Reiman Gardens (Begins April –June 2010) –It’s “A Little Gnome Fact” will be just one of the great displays this spring and summer at Reiman Gardens as they explore and “grow” our interest in a variety of garden ornaments, including the classic pink flamingo, gazing balls and even a tribute to their living ornaments residing in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing.

Street ‘N’ Greet Block Party Trailer (April – October 2010) – The Block Party Trailer will be used at neighborhood events and for a variety of other community events throughout Ames from April-October, helping create a social atmosphere where neighbors and community members can get to know each other better.

Monroe Crossing Bluegrass Mass Concert (April 11, 2010) – Ames Chamber Artists will host a special concert that will feature two special guest groups, the Iowa State Singers and the Minnesota blue grass band Monroe Crossing.

Exhibition & Catalog of 28th Annual ISU Fashion Show(Begins April 15) – The ISU Textiles and Clothing Fashion Show will create an exhibit featuring its first and second place winners for the 2010 Fashion Show. They will also showcase a new Audience Choice winner as a part of the 2010 exhibit in the Mary Alice Gallery in Morrill Hall.

Celebrate Singing Choral Festival (April 16, 2010) – Experience this biennial musical performance, hosted by the Ames Children’s Choir at the Ames Middle School. The event will feature 250 youth vocalists performing individually and as part of a mass choir.

Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival (April 24, 2010) – Known as the largest environmental film festival in North America, this event will use film to inspire a diverse audience to be more environmentally active and raise awareness for environmental efforts within the community.

AM in the Plaza (May 29, June 26, July 31 and August 28) – The Ames Community Arts Council will host this morning educational art series in Tom Evans Plaza to introduce a variety of artists to a youth-focused audience, including marionettes, puppeteers, storytellers and more.

Community Photography Exhibit (Summer 2010) – The Octagon Center for the Arts will host a juried exhibition featuring photographic images taken by Story County residents, showcasing sports activities, architecture, wildlife, nature, cultural events, or any other subject occurring within the city of Ames.

Iowa Youth Ballet’s Spring Performance (June 12, 2010) – Enjoy the Iowa Youth Ballet’s season finale as they host their “2010 Ames Dance Festival” at Stephens Auditorium, providing a complimentary, semi-professional dance presentation for community residents and visitors.

Four on the Fourth Road Race (July 4, 2010) – Start your Independence Day with Friendship Ark Homes as they host their annual holiday road race at Ada Hayden Park. Participants can choose from either a 4K or 4-mile race.

Ames 4th of July Fireworks (July 4, 2010) – It would not be Independence Day without an inspiring fireworks display. Find your favorite spot in the community and watch the night sky as the Ames Jaycees present another fantastic, colorful display.

Special Olympics National Games Torch Run (July 10-11, 2010) – Share the Olympic spirit as the Special Olympics National Games Torch Run kicks off in Ames on its way to the 2010 Special Olympics Summer National Games in Lincoln, NE.

Free Pool Day at the New Donald and Ruth Furman Aquatic Center (July 13, 2010) – Area residents and visitors will receive free admission to the new Aquatic Center from 1-8p.m.on Tuesday, July 13 when they bring one canned food item or personal hygiene item to be donated to the Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) food pantry.

All Iowa, Open Car Show (July 31, 2010) – Car enthusiasts from across the state will be invited to an outdoor car show at the Iowa State Center parking lots. This event will be open to all makes of vehicles.

Ames Family Fest (August 7, 2010) – Bring the entire family to Bandshell Park in Ames for a day filled with fun. Enjoy inflatable games, a variety of food vendors, stage entertainment and more during this free event.

Cyclone Family Weekend (October 1-3, 2010) – This annual event brings in ISU students’ families for a three-day weekend event, allowing them to enjoy the Ames area, attend a Cyclone Football game and participate in a variety of events. Families come from a range of states throughout the country.

Run for the Roses (October 10, 2010) - Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and the Ames Area Running Club will host their annual 5K/10K run/walk at the Ames Middle School. Participants and the public are also invited to enjoy a delicious omelet breakfast, immediately following the race. Proceeds will support arthritis research.

Flag Football State Championship (October 23-24, 2010) - Ames will be the host site for the 2010 Flag Football State Championships. This 1st annual event will invite teams from across the state to participate in this highly competitive weekend event.

Snow Magic on Main (November 19-21) – Start your 2010 holiday season in the Main Street Cultural District. Enjoy holiday open houses, the Main Street tree lighting, a visit from Santa, an enhanced Snow Ball Drop event and many more activities for the entire family.

Net Fest Basketball (November 20, 2010) – Come watch hundreds of Iowa youth show off their ball handling skills. Net Fest 2010 will be held at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center and will be open to both male and female participants in grades 3-8.

The Ames Community Grant Program was established in 2006 to provide funding to assist cultural, educational, arts, environmental, athletic and other local organizations. Funds will be used to develop projects, special events and activities with the potential to attract visitors to the Ames area or to enhance visitors’ experiences, while improving the quality of life for Ames residents. Awards are granted annually on the basis of merit as determined by a Community Grant Committee and administered by the Ames Conventions & Visitors Bureau (the Bureau). The program is funded by five percent of the hotel/motel tax income of the Bureau.

For more information on the Ames Community Grant Program, call 515.232.4032 or go online at www.visitames.com/members. For more details on the 2010 grant events and a variety of Ames area activities, check out the Bureau’s online event calendar at www.visitames.com.