Nov. 19, 2009

Preregister to help release butterflies Dec. 5 at Reiman Gardens

Thousands of tropical butterflies, more than twice the usual number, will fill Reiman Gardens' butterfly wing from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010, for the multicolored "Butterfly Blizzard" event. And, as part of it, guests can participate in a butterfly release on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Each participant will be given a butterfly to release and a certificate detailing the species of the butterfly, personalized with his or her name.

Participants must preregister to ensure that a butterfly is reserved for them. To make a reservation, call 4-2710 and give your name(s) and the number of butterflies you wish to release. A small number of butterflies will be available that morning for non-registered guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost for the first butterfly released is $5 (members and non-members), $8 for two and $12 for three, with each additional butterfly costing $3. The general public also pays regular gardens admission to attend the release event.

Live music

Local musicians will play during the following days and times:

  • Saturday, Nov. 28 (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Cecil's Harp
  • Saturday, Dec. 5 (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Brewer Project
  • Sunday, Dec. 6 (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), Ames Flute Choirs; (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Ames Euphonium Choir
  • Saturday, Dec. 12 (1:30-3:30 p.m.) Johnston Station Jazz Band
  • Sunday, Dec. 13 (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Junction Jazz Society
  • Saturday, Dec. 19 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), Jive for Five Brass; (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Johnston Station Jazz Band

Toys for Tots

Reiman Gardens will be a collection location for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots this holiday season. New, unwrapped toys for children ages newborn to 17 years collected Nov. 27-Dec. 18 at the gardens will be distributed to children in the community. For each toy donated, guests receive a $2 discount on their admission to the gardens.

Reiman Gardens will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the winter months (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day).