Incoming Exchange with Niagara, CanadaOct 21-28, 2012
Twenty-one ambassadors from Niagara, Canada joined us for our welcome dinner at the Ced-Rel Supper Club. Hosts and ambassadors got acquainted while enjoying a wonderful meal and learning about plans for the week ahead.
Monday: We headed to Dubuque to experience the Mississippi River Museum and Eagle Point Park. On the way home, we stopped in Dyersville for the Field of Dreams and the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier.
Tuesday: The group explored the small town of Dysart. They met the blue hat ladies, toured the Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery in Traer and the Matchstick Marvels in Gladbrook. They ended their day learning about the Meskwaki Tribe and enjoying an Indian Taco dinner on the Meskwaki Settlement.
Wednesday: A shorter day was spent touring Kinze Manufacturing and attending “The 39 Steps” at the Old Creamery Theatre. The day was topped off with FF member hosted dinners for ambassadors and hosts.
Thursday: This was a day to learn about farming in Iowa. We learned its history by touring the Heartland Acres Agribition Center in Independence. A special addition to the day was a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright house in Quasqueton. Our next stop was the “today” farm of Diane and Cliff Bowers. Cliff and Diane were wonderful hosts who explained the modern farm of today. They grilled steaks and pork chops for everyone to enjoy along with covered dishes our members brought.
Friday: Cedar Rapids Day started with a tour of The Grant Wood Studio. After that, we saw the National Czech & Slovak Museum, took a walking tour of downtown and ended the day at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
Saturday: We ventured down to the Herbert Hoover Museum and Grounds in West Branch followed by a wonderful lunch fixed for the group by the ladies of the Bethany Lutheran Church. A soup supper at the Marion Public Library was provided for the farewell party. The Niagara Club stumped a lot of us on celebrities from Canada. On Sunday morning the ambassadors headed back to Canada via car with some stopping on the way and others driving straight through. Great friendships, great activities, great food equaled a great week!
