Fairfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Michael Halley has lived in Fairfield since 1993 when he came to attend the local university. He co-founded Natural Selections in 1995 and in 2007 he began working at Danaher Oil Company. Since then he’s served with Live on the Square, Volunteer Center, Jefferson County Wellness Action Coalition, Go-Green Commission, Cultural Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, and is the 4th Ward representative on the Fairfield City Council.

What do you like to do with your kids on the weekend?
My kids and I like to visit Noah’s Ark animal shelter most Saturday afternoons to play with the cats and walk the dogs, and we often go to the library to chill out with a good book. We play at the parks and ride our scooters when it’s warm and go sledding and build forts when it snows. They like to eat at their favorite restaurants every week, some of which are so reasonably priced it’s easier to go out than to cook at home.

Do you have a favorite outdoor activity?  Indoor activity?
In the warmer months I enjoy triathlon training: swimming in our public lake, running and biking on our scenic trails. When things cool down I go indoors to play basketball, floor hockey, and my newest passion – dance. There are nearly infinite opportunities for fun physical activities and self-expression that it’s easy to wish you had more time in the week to do it all.

How did you get involved in the local dance scene?
I watched a performance in the Sondheim Center of local dancers of varying experience and thought it looked like fun. With no formal dance training I enrolled in ballet class at Fairfield Art of Dance studio and started working on a contemporary partner dance with the studio owner. After just two months I found myself on stage dancing for hundreds of people, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback fueled my desire to improve my technique and continue to perform. I’ve been on the Sondheim stage many times since that first night and I plan to be there many times in the future. Dance is a beautiful combination of fitness and artistic expression, once you start it’s easy to get hooked.

How will you start your Friday night?
My Friday nights usually start with my show on our community radio station, KRUUFM. A buddy of mine started an alternative music show 5 years ago that runs from 8-9 every Friday night and he and I have been playing tunes and telling bad jokes ever since. It’s a great way to unwind from the work week and share some great music with our community, and with the world thanks to online streaming.

What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Fairfield (this weekend or in general)?
If it’s summertime you have to try the soft-serve Radiance Dairy ice cream at Everybody’s whole foods store – it’s really unlike anything you’ve ever tried. Any time of year it’s always fun to see a show at the Sondheim Center. You might see some of our amazing local talent or some world-class traveling show. Either way you will be delighted and thoroughly entertained.

If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
Lately I’ve enjoyed romantic dinners at Top of the Rock. The classy Mediterranean atmosphere and great food make it ideal for a special night out. Their artichoke dip appetizer is so good, and I think I’ve sampled all of their regular desserts and can vouch that each one is as delicious as the next.

What’s Fairfield’s best-kept secret?
Fairfield’s best kept secret is definitely our people. Our community has a naturally open, inviting vibe that allows people to relax and be themselves. As soon as I visited Fairfield I knew it’s where I wanted to be more than anywhere else in the world, and I’ve called it home ever since. Even people who visit on occasion talk about how FF feels like a second home. We really are one big (mostly) happy family, and we love meeting new people!

Find out what the locals love about Fairfield!   Here are some recommendations from notable locals on what you’ve just got to check out;

Ginny Hughes

Ginny Hughes is the Marketing Director of the Jefferson County Health Center.  Ginny has served on various boards and committees, including Jefferson County Health Center Foundation Board, Past President of the Fairfield Rotary Club, Rotary Club Board.  She is currently active in local Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson County Wellness Action Coalition.

Where is your favorite place to take your dog?
My dog loves Bubbles pet grooming in the walking alley north of the Square.  She has a fear of  groomers and Marilyn is so loving and compassionate.  She actually looks forward to getting “her hair and nails done”.  She really looks forward to showing off our new hair-do at the dog park.

What is your favorite healthy eating spot in Fairfield?
We are so lucky that we have so many places to choose from!  Depending on my mood, I know I can get something healthy at the India Café, Revelations, Thai Deli, Noodle House or Everybody’s.   Of course I eat at the Jefferson County Health Center everyday and there is always something healthy to eat there. (more…)

Its official… the holiday season is here! The Fairfield square has been lit up like a Christmas tree and the gingerbread houses are in shop windows.  I’ve been trying to squeeze in some holiday shopping before its too late.  I love shopping for gifts even when I have some challenging people to buy for.  Number one on that list is my mom.  I headed to Thymely Solutions to see about creating a gift basket for her that would be useful as well as meaningful.  I ended up having the best time putting together a spa basket with lots of herbal creams and lotions including French lavender soap, a therapeutic eye mask, some aromatherapy oils and lots of imported chocolates.  I think she will love it and I may even get to help her out with the chocolate!  My favorite thing?  The Amrita Aromatherapy roll-ons… I’ll take “stress-free” please! (more…)

A Few of My Favorite Things! Part 1

Before we all break out into song about mittens and snowflakes, let’s acknowledge that women love shopping and taking time to pamper themselves.  And with the Holidays coming up, there is no better time to highlight some of the things I love to see, do, buy and experience in Fairfield.  So here are just 3 of my favs: (more…)

If you live in SE Iowa, you’ve probably had a little trouble with rain and lightening in the last few weeks.  About 10 days ago, our phone system had a little run in… and lost. If you have tried to call our office in the last week, you’ve probably had some difficulties getting through.  Our phone guys have been scrambling to get us up and running as well as provide a much needed upgrade to our system.  I must admit, I’ve enjoyed the quiet in the office but it will be good to be able to take calls again! 

Of course, technological challenges seem to run in pairs.  Today our email freaked.  It was working just fine… then BAM, nothing goes out.  How did we used to work without phones and email?  Thank goodness I still have my blog and twitter… and soon, thanks to my web guy and my phone guy, I will be up and running with full force. 

So to all you web guys and phone guys who work under any condition, enduring our frustration, burning the midnight oil so that we can keep in touch with our associates, I offer my heartfelt thanks.  You have become heroes in my eyes.

This year’s All Things Italian Street Festival and 1st Fridays Art Walk was a wonderful success. Four to five thousand festival-goers enjoyed over 900 lasagna dinners and over 1800 freshly-filled cannoli. (more…)

Friday, June 4th 6-9 pm On the Fairfield Square

It’s that time of year when the pastoral land of Fairfield, with its charming town square, becomes an Italian Piazza, complete with singing, dancing and food!  Oh the food!  Let me just say that if you go home hungry, its your own fault!  In addition to the cannolis and lasagne, there will be several food vendors in the “Merchants of Venice” area located near the square.  There are rumors that a record breaking crowd is expected so come early, eat lots, sing loud and laugh long!  Arrivederci

Yep, those “good vibration” guys are doing a show in Fairfield on Labor Day and the organizers are planning a great afternoon!  The Nadas from Des Moines will be opening at 12:30 and the Beach Boys take the stage at 2.  The Fairfield Middle School, 404 W. Fillmore, will be a rockin’ place. Folks are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs (and your friends!) and make a fun afternoon out of it.  I understand that there will be lots of food and beverages for sale.  It’s a great way to end the summer… come on out and have a great time!

Lt. Governor Patty Judge has been traveling the state visiting some of Iowa’s well-known attractions and hidden treasures. This morning she stopped in Fairfield to tour the Stephen Sondheim Center and was welcomed by a great crowd, including Fairfield’s Mayor Ed Malloy, Senator Becky Schmitz, members of the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and other community leaders.  One thing that really impressed me was her conviction that Iowa offers lots of great vacation options which are sometimes overlooked because they are so close to home.

I think we really surprised her when we took her up on stage to be part of the cast of Way Off Broadway’s Pirates of Penzance.  She was very brave and donned a pirate hat for a special photo opportunity.

Yo ho ho Patty!  Thanks for stopping in Fairfield!

The BYU Ballroom Dancers are coming back!  This time they will be doing several dance demos and short performances, followed by a ballroom dance lesson for the community.  Where else can you spend a fun afternoon watching top level ballroom dance up close and then learning some dance moves to use on your own?  This is going to be fun!!!!!  This Saturday, June 13 at 1:00 pm at the Sondheim Center.

So come on out to watch, come on out to dance, but come early… tickets go on sale at 10 am Saturday June 13th.  All seats are $5.