Ah Spring, where are Thou in Siouxland, Bacon Creek Park, Sioux CIty

Trees are still looking barren around a walking path at Bacon Creek Park in Sioux City, Iowa Monday, April 1, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The current season looks much like the past season in Siouxland, winter, not spring. The same brown color, and bare trees reinforce that perception, except the temperature is warm enough to take a walk through Bacon Creek Park and enjoy some of the outdoors until Spring comes into full bloom.

Trees are still barren along a walking path around the path at Bacon Creek park in Sioux City, Iowa Monday, April 1, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

In sparse patches some green is emerging which is a welcoming sign. If one like to get out and photograph, finding elements to show spring is here is challenging for a photographer. It’s not there staying back waiting for someone to snap a photo.

Some green lichen appears near the water Bacon Creek Park in Sioux City, Iowa Monday, April 1, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

But there are some in the park that are still enjoying themselves, winter or spring, rain or shine, oblivious to Mother Nature’s actions, just enjoying those moments they can.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A duck sits and tries to enjoy a little peace by itself near a walking path at Bacon Creek Park in Sioux City, Iowa Monday, April 1, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Two ducks, or maybe geese, find a little solitude in some water across from Bacon Creek in the park of the same name in Sioux City, Iowa Monday, April 1, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Nature and Man in Siouxland, Yankton, SD

Pidgeons take flight off of one of the towers at the Meridian Bridge, a long-time landmark, in Yankton, SD Saturday, April 6, 2019.(Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I always enjoy the juxtaposition of manmade objects of whatever and nature and the interaction between. Man’s hand print is everywhere now. Overpowering in some places and definitely taking up space in others. But nature adapts and birds use some objects or structures to their own advantage. And on a beautiful spring day with temps in the 60’s and a little sunshine, what a wonderful time to do a little soaring with your friends and then take a break on a structure courtesy of man.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Pidgeons roosting around one of the towers on the Meridian Bridge, a long-time landmark, also enjoy a nice day in Yankton, SD Saturday, April 6, 2019.(Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Helping the Homeless in Siouxland, Sioux City

A participant tapes a box in place at the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A few shelter go up in the early evening during the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Every year a homeless event sponsored by local agencies in Siouxland helps raise awareness for people to understand what it’s like sleeping rough and being less fortunate is help at a local baseball diamond where people can sleep out overnight. It’s a good event which reminds people “there by the grace of God” that some of us are more fortunate. I didn’t attend the event in the last couple of years because of other commitments, and this year was surprised by what appeared to be a lower turnout that I remember seeing in previous years. But maybe I just don’t remember.

Only a few shelters are set up in the early evening at the start of the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

As night settles in participants bring out lanterns for their shelter during the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes I wonder with so many social issues involved in homelessness from substance abuse, to mental afflictions or the inability to continue to thrive economically and make ends meet for a family, if many of us don’t get burned out. Then this issue like others takes a back seat to more current affairs or to dealing with our own life’s problems. It seems a simple thing to want to help people do better, but that doesn’t always seem to be the case either. And there never seems to be an easy solution.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Participants work on their shelter at the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

People warm themselves by a fire on a cold, wet evening while participating in the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Participants work on their shelter at the Siouxland Homeless Sleepout at the Lewis and Clark baseball stadium in Sioux City, Iowa Friday November 2, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Time Travel in Siouxland, Riverssance Festival, Sioux City

Fairy princesses blessing everyone they see and having fun at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A family outing at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The local Riverssance Festival in Siouxland every year transports people back to an era of a simpler time. Simpler by our standards. But a fun couple of days of fantasy life where most are lords and ladies or landed gentry. Well, almost lords and almost ladies. But all are still having fun living the dream.

Three young lassies enjoying the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Maidens in a fetching pose during the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Dressed for the occasion at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The festival this year fell within a wet period for the area, seven to eight days of near constant rain or drizzle. And many folk found themselves near fires for a little warmth as they walked about the encampment.

A number of fires were going to help people beat the damp and chill at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I enjoy most seeing people in costumes they either like or what they believe represents them. And that is always fun.

Staying warm on a damp and grey day at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A costumed fairy at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And of course it’s always fun watching the performers. Each has a skill set their share with their audience and a real joy for bringing this period of time to life for those attending.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A performer plays with fire at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Off with his cabbage head at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

So close yet so far, as a warrior maiden lances a hoop at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A performer plays with fire at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A fair maiden and her bird of prey at the Riverssance Festival in Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Oct. 6 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Enjoying a Day in Siouxland, Stone State Park, Sioux City

Some days are just to be enjoyed. A walk in a local state park, taking in the sights and natural sounds, and just enjoying the moments of solitude, beauty and contemplation.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stone State Park in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Celebrating Art in Siouxland, Art Splash in Sioux City

Each fall around Labor Day the Sioux City Art Center puts on an art celebration in Siouxland known as Art Splash. A juried group of various types of artists from around the region set up booths to display their wares for people to buy. And most people, depending on the weather, come out to enjoy what’s there and some go home happier with newly acquired pieces of art.

Visitors browse the artists’ booths during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Joseph Murray of Jefferson, Iowa sits among his paintings during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The location of the event has changed over the years. Up until 2011 it was held in a park along the Missouri River, when during that year the hundred year flood forced a relocation. Then it was held in Grandview Park, where the hills may have presented a challenge for people to walk up and down to view the artists.

Now in its 25th year, the event is at Riverside Park, nestled among a flat woodland area that later hosts the community’s Riverssance Festival as well. I enjoy going each year just to see what people are doing. At this point in my life I have fewer needs for more things, and the ability to afford art now is prohibitive for me personally. But it doesn’t mean one can’t draw inspiration and enjoy a day out and see what creative people are doing. And the artists are not limited to just visual arts. One artist, Paul Imholte, bills himself as a stringman and plays a variety of instruments.

Artists’ booth sit among a grove of trees during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Stringman Paul Imholte performs on a hammer dulcimer during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And different people take away from the event different experiences that may be portraits or time spent with family. Even during those years of inclement weather, people can still enjoy what is offered.

Chun Wang of Shawnee KS works on a sketch of Ben Honomichl of Jefferson, SD during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A mother and son enjoy a bit of lunch along with a number of their closest friends during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Art Splash makes for a nice Labor Day weekend activity both for the artists and area residents who are supporting people who also labor, but in a creative manner adding another oft times needed dimension to life.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

The Sioux CIty Growth Organization decorated their booth with balloons to draw attention to themselves during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Two young artists due their best to add to an already colorful pickup truck to make an overcast and rainy 25th anniversary of Art Splash more memorable which was held at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Vvian Miller of Akron, IA talks with a couple interested attendees during the 25th anniversary of Art Splash at Riverside Park in Sioux City, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A look into Nature in Siouxland, Alex Wiles at the Betty Strong Encounter Center

Photographer Alex Wiles talks about his Flood Plain Project involving the Missouri River at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Alex Wiles is a very accomplished photographer and spent part of a recent Sunday in Siouxland at the Betty Strong Encounter Center sharing his passion of photography which he uses to help illuminate the need for conservation. He has traveled the world seeking to shine a lot on endangered species and share that knowledge with others.

Photographs by Alex Wiles fill an exhibit space as attendees listen how he photographed the animals for his Flood Plain Project involving the Missouri River while giving a demonstration at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Photographer Alex Wiles gives a demonstration to attendees about how he photographed the animals for his Flood Plain Project involving the Missouri River at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Wiles not only explained his project about the Flood Plain, but had also set up a demonstration to share with photographers attending the talk how he goes about photographing these creatures. Working as a freelance photographer and from some grants, he is a bare-boned, simple equipment photographer focused on results and not name brand gear. It was refreshing to see such work being done with minimal dollars invested. Although in recent years third party photography brands have produced some gear that rivals some of the larger known brands but don’t break the bank. So if it’s damaged in the field, it’s easy enough to replace. Although having done freelance work for a few years one tries not to damage gear in the field.

Photographer Alex Wiles explains to attendees how he photographs animals for his Flood Plain Project involving the Missouri River at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And it’s nice to see someone pursue their passion attempt to make a difference, and share that and their knowledge with others along the way.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Photographer Alex Wiles explains to attendees how he photographed some of the animals for his Flood Plain Project involving the Missouri River at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)