Countdown to Golden Circle Games

Unofficially it’s summer. For most of us this means weekend trips to the lake, sand volleyball leagues, leaving work early for a day on the golf course and — for very special people — summer work hours. There was a time when Greater Des Moines (DSM) had nothing to offer during the summer except for the I-Cubs. Those days have come and gone with the addition of 80/35, NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship, Principal Charity Classic and various craft beer festivals. One event that has remained constant throughout the years is the Golden Circle Games.

If you are unfamiliar with the Golden Circle Games, it’s okay. Six years ago, I had no clue what I signed up for when a coworker emailed me asking me to join her team. The day of the event was like nothing I expected. The parking lot in front of the Grandstands was almost at capacity by 2 p.m. The games have been around for more than 20 years and this was the first time I’d heard about it.

Our first game was at 4:30 p.m. so we had some time to hangout, check out the costumes and enjoy an afternoon outside of the office. The first game we played was tug-of-war. Of course, everyone wants to win tug-of-war; it’s the game that everyone knows how to play! You quickly learned just how important strategy is. The first game was embarrassing. It was over within 10 seconds. After that loss, we start to communicate as a team, pull together and stayed low to the ground. This was the biggest lesson of the day — teamwork. A day full of chanting and cheering helped us win most of our games and really learn how different people from different departments can come together and find a way to win. By the end of the day I was hooked. The Golden Circle Games would become a June tradition.

Don't Miss Out on the Golden Circle Games in Greater Des Moines (DSM)

Since that first year, I’ve invited friends, coworkers and anyone that says there is nothing to do here to form a team and sign up for the games. June 13 (the date for this year’s Golden Circle Games) is definitely a great time, but it also offers you a chance to get to know your cube neighbor a little better in a creative, exciting way outside of the normal work environment. While registration has come to an end, you can always join the fun. Come to the fairgrounds after work on June 13 and see what you've been missing!

LaVerne Greenfield
YPC Student Coordinator