Serendipity in Siouxland, Sunset in Sioux City

A ferris wheel at the Midwest Rides Carnival in the parking lot of the Southern Hills Mall is silhouetted by a setting sun, Friday, May 10, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes life can be good to you. I was working on a project recently in Siouxland and had finished and stopped by a grocery store on my way home. As I was coming out I saw the sky and the beautiful sunset that was occurring. There is also a carnival that comes to Sioux City every year and sets up nearby. It’s pretty compact squeezed into a parking lot area but I couldn’t have positioned the sun any better while trying to not include too many other carnival items in the frame. And simply worked the light and the ferris wheel until the sun disappeared, well, and my camera battery died.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

 

Surprises in Siouxland, Lake View

One Sunday driving around southern Siouxland I stopped by the community of Lake View and was pleasantly surprised when I found a carnival and small annual festival the town holds every year. It was a day I couldn’t spend a lot of time since I was headed to another destination, but am always happy when I find something unexpected of a pleasant nature popping up when one leasts expects it.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some folk enjoy a day on the lake as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival on shore at the park, Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A park runs along the shore line where residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Families enjoy a day out in town as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Kids hit the rides as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A couple enjoy a view of the lake as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A carnival ride operator demonstrates the heat of the day as residents and guests of Lake View, Iowa enjoy a carnival , Sunday July 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Siouxland’s Early Sunrise, Sioux City

To me there is nothing quite like the peace and quiet and beauty of an early morning sunrise in Siouxland as the sun lights up the sky and colors the clouds that are there. Once past the inertia of actually getting up and throwing some clothes on and making some coffee, to witness the start of the day is breathtaking. But the early morning colors are so fleeting, I almost feel sad sometimes that I am not quick enough or have a plan ahead of time of where to be to photograph something in the foreground of early morning light. This weekend will be the celebration of Morningside Days, the 61st version actually. And later this month will be Memorial Day celebrations here in Siouxland and across the nation remembering those who serve and those who sacrificed.

Have a nice morning.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa