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!

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.

What is your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy a sunny Saturday?
I love the solitude of riding my bike on the trails.   I try to do the entire loop when I can.  The hills make it a perfect workout.  Just when I think I can’t take it any longer, I reach the top of the hill and enjoy the coast down.

What’s Fairfield’s best-kept secret?
We have so many best-kept secrets…but the word is getting out!  One of the amazing things about Fairfield is all the entertainment options.  There is usually something great going on at the FACC, a concert at Revelations or Café Paradiso, or some form of participatory dance class or event at the Morning Star Studio. Sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do because there is so much!

What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Fairfield ?
When I have friends come to Fairfield for the first time, I like to take them to Revelations.  They get to watch the eclectic mix of Fairfield residents coming in for lunch, coffee or a business meeting and it gives them a good feel for what I love about this town.    Another must do is to attend a live music event at any of our great venues.

Where will you be seen shopping?
When I need some shopping therapy I go to Adela’s for some jewelry or a new purse, or Kim’s Kottage for some unique clothing.  I recently purchased a great scarf there that had the perfect colors for fall.   Our local shops do such a great job bringing a unique retail therapy experience to Fairfield.

Any special plans for the weekend?
This weekend I will be catching up with some girlfriends at Vivo’s Restaurant.  We are really looking forward to some great food, good wine and a nice atmosphere where we can reconnect.

The organizers have planned a host of daytime activities to get you in the mood.  Starting at the Farmer’s Market, enjoy performers and jugglers, then spread out to a variety of locations where you can learn about the art of making espresso, cook some pasta or watch some amazing chalk art being created on the downtown sidewalks.  You can check out all the daytime activities here.

The evening festivities will start at 5 pm and include musicians, vocalists, dancers, art demonstrations, Bocce, which is  Italian lawn bowling and, of course, the FOOD!

Last year, the All Things Italian Festival was named one of the “must see” events in Iowa and based on my experience, this event needs to be on your bucket list!   This is truly a unique experience for Iowa and I hope to see you strolling the Piazza in Fairfield this Saturday.

Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Company

Capture the Magic

This will be an unforgetable evening of Ballroom Dance and glamour! (check out the videos on the home page of this website)

It’s almost here and if you don’t have your ticket, RUN, don’t walk to the Convention Center Box Office or visit www.iowatix.com and get your ticket.

• 1st of all, this will be an amazing show
• 2ndly, over 200 tickets have already been sold
• and last but not least, you don’t want to get caught in line getting tickets at the last minute and miss part of the show!