Yesterday’s heat didn’t keep Ames residents away from the seventh annual Summerfest in Campustown. Face painting, a portrait studio, petting zoo, cake decorating and root beer garden were among the activities at the fest, along with live music from artists Damon Dotson and CTRL C. 

Another public piano was unveiled in Campustown as part of the Ames Public Piano Project. It read “Be strong and courageous,” and Patricia Izbicki, a Ph.D student at Iowa State University, played during the day. 

It was the first year for airbrush tattoo artist Leanne Otting to participate in the event, after running her business for 14 years. A long line formed as people watched what exactly she was doing. People picked the stencil and the color, and could then get a tattoo wherever they wished. Otting’s stencils included a dragon, flower and a butterfly. “I probably brought about 25 or 30 stencils here today. Stencil of butterfly may be the most popular one,” said Otting.

It was even a day for a new member of the Campustown Action Association to bring a fun an educational activity to Summerfest. The Ames Historical Society brought 19th century costumes for people to try on and take pictures in. “Back then, social etiquette restricted that women have dresses that went down their ankles,” said Alex Fejfar, research and media specialist for the Ames Historical Society. “It was a good way for people to know about the history.”

In the Volunteer Center of Story County tent, people designed kindness bags and put small items like stickers and cards in them. “I’ve heard a couple of stories about how people tried to be a nice friend. It would be nicer when everybody tries to help each other – and it’s fun to smile,” said Anne Owens, a member of the Volunteer Center of Story County.

Nick Allmon, a student at Iowa State who also works for Sylvan, said that they were showing how computer programs could make different parts of a Lego robot move.

“There is a huge demand for engineers right now. It’s more important to invest an effort to let kids start with that,” said Allmon. “Our goal is to showcase that learning during summer can be fun and beneficial.”

Craig Christman was among the yellow t-shrt clad volunteers who really make Summerfest work the way it does. “I’m a welcome person here,” said Christman. “I try to lead people to the different events, and tell them what things are, so that they are not just wandering around. Hopefully, help them enjoy it.”

“This is my first time here at Summerfest in Ames,” said Ken Cai. “I was riding a bike with Ames Bicycle Coalition and accidentally found out they are riding here together.” Cai’s favorite activity was the license plate design, which was put together by the Ames Bicycle Coalition. “Kids make their license plates and place them on their bikes. It’s pretty good to bring their awareness to bike safety issues.”

Alyssa Dragin and Brandi Barrett both came to the event for the first time. Barrett said that she regretted not attending the last Summerfest, and this year she could see friends and talk to them. Dragin gave a few reasons why she decided to attend this year. “Because I’m 21, and there is beer here and my dog can come. It’s close by, you can just walk here, so I think that will attract a lot of people. It’s exciting to bring the community together.”

Wandering and talking to people, Karin Chitty, the executive director of Campustown, had a big smile on her face. She said that there was a huge positive response from everyone. “Thank you to all of our members, all of the city, people that come to help provide for everybody, and special thanks to the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau offering the grant and allowing us to bring in a lot of these activities free for the public,” said Chitty. “I’m just very happy that everybody came down to enjoy it!”