F2 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F3
GLOBE GAZETTE EXPLORE 2016 – TABLE OF CONTENTS F4
Craft breweries and vineyards serve fine libations
F9
More paths, more events for North Iowa bicyclists
F10 Band Festival kicks off long music-filled weekend F12 Get ready for one smokin’ good time
F48 Action almost daily on North Iowa baseball and softball diamonds F50 Changes all around: New feel at the Mason City Motor Speedway
F14 Mason City Summer Calendar
F51 North Iowa golf courses offer wide variety of settings and challenges
F15 Cannonball Day will include visit from Great Racers
F52 County fairs highlight agricultural roots
F16 No need to switch off your minds this summer
F53 Explore North Iowa’s county parks
F18 National night out looks to make nights safer
F57 Explore North Iowa’s state parks
F21 Celebrate nation’s birthday in Mason City, Clear Lake F23 Surf ready to rock away the summer F23 Clear Lake Summer Calendar F26 More events planned for this year’s Puckerbrush F28 Tree Town expects to keep growing, attracting big name acts F30 Saddle up for North Iowa horse events F31 Activities fill busy Osage summer F32 Osage Summer Calendar F34 Lakefest Weekend offers three times the fun F35 Enjoy the night out on the town in one of North Iowa’s home towns F36 Charles City Summer Calendar F38 ABATE Freedom Rally attracts bikes, bikers from wide area F39 Strike up the (municipal) bands F40 It’s a summer of fun as communities hold special events F42 Horse ballet: The annual Britt Draft Horse Show F43 Splish, splash, just avoid the crash F44 Rolling down the road at 10 miles an hour F45 North Iowa Area Tractor Rides F46 National Convention offers fun for community, gathering for hobos Brynley Miles of Omaha carries a bucket of water to build a river for a sandcastle July 3, 2015, at the Clear Lake State Park beach. CHRIS ZOELLER, The Globe Gazette
F4 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Craft breweries and vineyards serve
FINE LIBATIONS
AARON THOMAS, The Globe Gazette
Bob Rolling, owner of Lake Time Brewery, holds a glass of beer at his brewery in Clear Lake.
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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F5
COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
N
orth Iowa has a lot to offer locals and visitors when it comes to finding a good drink. In the past 10 years, several craft and microbreweries, vineyards and wineries have popped up from Algona to Clear Lake and Mason City. “It would be nice to have craft beer everywhere,” Bob Rolling said, laughing. “It’s a fun time to be in the industry and Iowa has just touched the surface for craft beers.” Rolling moved to Clear Lake eight years ago and decided to open Lake Time Brewery. “I was a home brewer for 15 years,” he said. “The timing was right and Clear Lake needed a brewery.” The population around the lake dramatically increases in the summer months, and Rolling feels he has provided the perfect place to hang out and relax after a day in the sun. He connects with multiple local festivals, even one in Des Moines. “It’s a great way to get your name out there,” Rolling said. “We do American Craft Beer Week on May 21st.” Lake Time has 10 beers on tap. With that much variety, Rolling said he has a little something for everyone. “Life’s too short to drink bad beer,” Rolling said.
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Peter Ausenhus of Worth Brewing Co. has moved his business to a larger location in Northwood. In addition to increased space for customers, a custom brewing system gives the company the increased volume it needs to sell kegged beer in North Iowa and southern Minnesota. RUSTIC BREW Joel and Kathy Heuer decided to open Rustic Brew in Hampton with Brad and Kim Mulford in 2013. They have 14 beers total and rotate some out seasonally. “I was a home brewer,” Joel said. “It’s been a whirlwind and we’ve been so lucky to have so much community support.” The Brew sends beer up to
Mason City’s festival in the fall and is considering starting a festival in Hampton. Rustic Brew is a combination brewery and coffeehouse that also serves food and wine. “It’s a great draw because wives don’t always want beer and husbands don’t always want wine,” Joel said. TRAIN WRECK WINERY Steve Larson of Train
Wreck Winery in Algona says he is happy with how his business has taken off. The winery is located at the old Chicago North Western Railroad station in Algona while the vineyard rests at the Clark Century Farm south of Livermore. The farm is adjacent to the site of a train wreck on the old Minneapolis-St. Louis Rail Line, giving it the name Train Wreck Winery.
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F6 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
File photo
Mason City Brewing’s Craft Beer Festival and Street Food Fair is becoming bigger each year, featuring music, food and beer. Owner Dallas Clark, a former Super Bowl champion, decided to plant grapes in May 2008 and officially opened the doors of the winery in December 2011. “We have 170 retailers across the state and we try to get out to them for wine tastings on a regular basis,” Larson said. The winery holds Sangria Saturdays beginning in
May that run throughout the summer. They’re also preparing to roll out a new, sweet red wine called “Hooterville Express” where $2 of every bottle purchase will go to breast cancer awareness. “It’s been fun every day since we opened,” Larson said. “We take our wine-making seriously but we try not to take ourselves too seriously.”
North Iowa Wine & Beer WINERIES & VINEYARDS 99 Bottles Winery and Vineyard, Garner. Train Wreck Winery, Algona. TownsEnd Winery and Vineyard, Hansell. Bell Aire Estates, Saint Ansgar. Old Bank Winery, Kanawha. Plum Creek Winery, Algona. Dome Winery, Belmond.
Mt. Valley Vineyard, Forest City. BREWERIES Rustic Brew, Hampton. Lake Time Brewery, Clear Lake. Mason City Brewing, Mason City. Worth Brewing Co., Northwood.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F7
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FF8 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Riders in the junior race push off at the starting line Saturday during the Omnium Race Weekend at the 2015 Bicycle, Blues and BBQ Festival in Clear Lake. CHRIS ZOELLER, The Globe Gazette
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F9
More paths, more events for North Iowa bicyclists COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
CLEAR LAKE — Cycling is gaining traction in North Iowa. With more communities adding bike paths, more cyclists are out and about. “The infrastructure in Mason City and Clear Lake is a safer environment for cyclists,” said Tim Putnam, organizer for Clear Lake’s Bicycle Blues and BBQ. “It’s encouraging them to come out and enjoy.” Matt Curtis of Wayne’s Ski and Cycle said he has seen more community interest over the years. “There’s definitely a lot of people who seek out rides,” Curtis said. “Cycling can be very social.” Bicycle, Blues and BBQ is the biggest bike event in North Iowa and one of
Curtis’ favorites. “It brings a lot of people together,” he said. What started as a bike race event turned into an event for everyone with blues festival music and great food, Putnam said. “Clear Lake has been extremely supportive. Being in City Park with the festival atmosphere is fun, inviting and family friendly.” The event has grown significantly, according to Putnam. Organizers expect between 7,000 and 8,000 people this year. “The great part about our races is the competitors do win a prize purse and the men and women get the same amount,” Putnam said. This year, they will give
Summer Bicycle Events • JUNE 4 — North Iowa’s Gran Fondo, Clear Lake; 14-, 30- and 60-mile loops. • JUNE 11 — Halfway to Heaven, Garner. • JUNE 18 — St. Ansgar 2x4 • JULY 7-9 — Bicycle, Blues and BBQ, Clear Lake. • SEPT. 4-5 — Cannonball Cross East Park, Mason City. USA Cycling sanctioned Cyclocross race. • SEPT. 10 — St. Johns Century Ride, Mason City. out more than $50,000 in cash purses total. “It’s a competitive sporting event at the highest level” Putnam said. “You’re not racing against yourself or your own times, it’s the one who makes it across the line first wins.” Putnam said he was also happy to see significant growth in the junior racing category, with more youth getting involved. “Cycling is good for all
ages,” Curtis said. “It’s easy on the joints and easy on the body for people who are seeking a healthy and fun activity.” Entertainment this year includes Armadillo Jump, Blue Rooster and Tweed Funk. Even those who aren’t in to racing can participate in rides across North Iowa. “It’s addicting. That sounds funny, but it is,” Curtis said.
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F10 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Band Festival kicks off long music-filled Memorial Day weekend
Kendall Krull, 2½, of Northwood, watches the 2015 Band Festival parade.
A member of the Clear Lake High School Band performs in 2015.
File
The king and queen of the 2015 Band Festival are Kelby Schultz of Central Springs High School and Britta Becker of West Fork High School.
MASON CITY — The North Iowa Band Festival is staying downtown for the second year. “We heard such great feedback last year so we’re keeping it downtown again,” festival coordinator Colleen Frein said. The festival had been held in East Park since 1992 until last year. Originally, it was held in Roosevelt Stadium and was moved downtown in 1982 after the stadium was torn down. The 78th annual Band Festival will be held May 26-30, over Memorial Day weekend. This year’s theme will be “The Sounds of Music.” “This event brings in tens of thousands of people to town,” Frein said. “It’s the largest free event of its kind in the Midwest.” Four people who have long been associated with music in Mason City will be honored at this year’s event. Dr. Darrell and Susan Fisher will be grand marshals of this year’s parade in recognition of their extensive volunteer involvement. A native of Mason City, Darrell Fisher has a long history with marching bands and the Band Festival. He has played in both the Mason City and Clear Lake municipal bands, and is a staple at the annual Tuba Christmas festivities. He has served on the Performing Arts Pavilion Committee since 2000 with a mission to seek a permanent community performance venue for the Mason City Municipal Band. He is a retired orthopedic surgeon. Susan Fisher was employed for 15 years as coordinator of education at First Presbyterian Church but is well known in the community for her volunteer work. The Stebens Childrens Theatre established the Susan Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award in her honor. Susan has been recognized with the Grinnell College Alumni Award, the United Way Bob Dutcher Award, and the Noon Rotary’s Service Above Self award. She was cast as one of the “Pick-A-Little Ladies” in the Mason City Community Theater production of “The Music Man.”
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F11
Band Festival Schedule THURSDAY, MAY 26 • 6 p.m. — All Middle Schools Band concert, downtown. • 6:30 p.m. — Mason City Municipal Band, downtown. • 6-8 p.m. — Carnival open, downtown. FRIDAY, MAY 27 • 5 p.m. — Carnival, marketplace, concessions open, downtown. • 5 p.m. — Car cruise-in and exhibit, parking lot west of Southbridge Mall. • 6 p.m. — GRIN and Six Appeal, downtown main stage. • 7 p.m. — CherryGun, downtown main stage.
File
Mason City High School Marching Band Director Russ Kramer claps along as his band leads off the 2015 North Iowa Band Festival Parade with “76 Trombones.” Brothers Dennis and Don Higgins are recipients of this year’s Klempnauer Award, named for Dan Klempnauer, a long-time volunteer and festival supporter. Together, Dennis and Don set up the Globe Gazette Muse-Norris Charitable Fund Stage for the headline performers and often run the sound system for various bands. Dennis served for many years on the North Iowa Band Festival Committee, and leads the production team at KIMT that broadcasts the parade live for viewers to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Don also helps with the North Iowa Fair, Cannonball Days, the MacNider Art Festival and Friday Night Live.
SATURDAY, MAY 28 • 8 a.m. — 27th Annual Stu Nevermann Memorial Run, Aquatic Center. • 8 a.m. — Car show, parking lot west of Southbridge Mall. • 10 a.m. — Parade, starting on North Pennsylvania Avenue, proceeding on State Street. • Noon — Carnival, concessions, marketplace open, downtown. • 1:15 p.m. — Mason City High School Jazz Band, downtown plaza. • 2 p.m. — NIACC Extreme Makeover announcement, downtown main stage. • 2 p.m. — Awards ceremony, downtown main stage. • 3 p.m. — Su Fu Du, downtown main stage. • 5 p.m. — Betty and the Gents, downtown main stage. • 7 p.m. — The Pork Tornadoes, downtown main stage. SUNDAY, MAY 29 • 9 a.m. — Outdoor Worship Service, Trinity Lutheran Church • Noon — Carnival open, downtown.
Kids rush to collect candy during the 2015 North Iowa Band Festival Parade.
MONDAY, MAY 30 Noon — Carnival open, downtown.
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F12 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
The 2015 Up In Smoke BBQ Bash kicks off in Mason City’s East Park.
Get ready for one smokin’ good time COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
MASON CITY — The 13th annual Up in Smoke BBQ Bash will being teams from across the Midwest and even as far as California to compete for pork glory. “We’re looking about 50 participants this year,” said event coordinator Ruth Miller. “It’s one of the biggest and best barbecue events in the Midwest.” The Globe Gazette-sponsored event will be held July 22-23 in East Park. Miller said attendance can be anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 over the two days. “This is our 13th year so it’s become a local tradition, but it’s still new and exciting,” Miller said. “The novelty certainly hasn’t worn off.” The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the teams cook for certified KCBS judges, earning points toward the
CHRIS ZOELLER, The Globe Gazette
Steve Bryant of Meadow Valley BBQ in Ames spreads juices over pork as he and his son Josh put the final touches on the meat for presentation in the Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition at the 2015 Up in Smoke BBQ Bash in Mason City.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F13
national title. The teams will prepare pork shoulder, ribs, brisket and chicken. The judges select the overall grand and reserve champions along with divisional winners. “It’s great food, great music and a great time,” Miller said. The competition isn’t just about BBQ. Teams can compete in other Bash contests like desserts, Spam and Anything Butt. Entertainment this year features Standing Hampton, Bill Grant & Bryan Odean and Bolder Road. Admission to the event and the live music is free. Vendors will be selling a wide assortment of barbecue and other types of food and beverages, and a beer garden will be open both days.
Up in Smoke BBQ Bash Schedule FRIDAY, JULY 22 • 5 p.m. — Beer garden, food court and children’s playground opens. • 6 p.m. — SPAM Cook-Off. • 7 p.m. — Music by Standing Hampton • 9 p.m. — Kids playground closes. • 10 p.m. — Food court closes. • 11 p.m. — Beer garden closes
CHRIS ZOELLER, The Globe Gazette
Children play on one several inflatable attractions at the 2015 Up in Smoke BBQ Bash at East Park in Mason City.
SATURDAY, JULY 23 • 11 a.m. — Beer garden, food court kid’s playground opens. Live music by Bill Grant & Bryan Odean. • 11:30 a.m. — KCBS Competition. • 11:30 a.m. — Music begins. • 2 p.m. — Music by Bolder Road. • 4 p.m. — Awards ceremony. • 5 p.m. — Music by Bolder Road. • 6 p.m. — Beer garden, food court and kid’s playground closes. AARON THOMAS, The Globe Gazette
Members of Big T’z Q Cru prepare an entry in the 2015 Up in Smoke BBQ Bash.
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F14 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Mason City Summer Calendar
MAY
May 23 — 8 a.m., registration begins for 2016 Department of Recreation spring and summer programs. May 26 — 5:30 p.m., Art Bugs, MacNider Art Museum. May 26 — 7 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall. May 26-30 — North Iowa Band Festival. May 28-29 — dressage horse show, North Iowa Events Center, www.northiowaeventscenter.org. May 31 — noon, “River City Sculptures on Parade” with Edith Blanchard, MacNider Art Museum. May 31 — noon-1 p.m., Lunch ‘n’ Learn, Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, www. macniderart.org.
JUNE June 1 — 9 a.m., 2016 nature camps, Lime Creek. June 2 — 7:30 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall. June 4 — 1 p.m., 2016 Lefty Lewis Memorial Fishing Derby. June 5 — noon, Vintage Car Day, Kinney Pioneer Museum. June 9 — 7:30 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall. June 9-12 — Mid States Summerfest horse show, North Iowa Events Center, www. midstateshorseshows.com. June 11 — 9 a.m., MacNider Arts Festival. June 11 — 4 p.m., municipal band concert, MacNider Art Museum. June 15-21 — Mid States summer horse show, North Iowa Events Center. June 16 — 7:30 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall. June 17 — 6-10 p.m., Friday Night Live, Central Park. June 17-19 — North Iowa Fire Father’s Day Basketball Shootout, NIACC, Mason City High School, Lincoln Intermediate, Roosevelt Elementary along with Clear Lake gyms. June 21-24 — MacNider Art Museum 50th anniversary celebration. June 23 — 7:30 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall. June 23 — Golf Outing 2016. June 24-26 — dressage horse show, North Iowa Events Center. June 25-26 — North Iowa Splash Swimming Invitational, Mason City Aquatic Center. June 25 — 9:30 a.m., Cannonball Day, East Park Prairie Playground. June 30 — 7:30 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall.
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Chaise Knutson serves an ice cream cone to Hannah Timmer at the 2015 Kinney Pioneer Museum Ice Cream Social.
JULY July 1 — 9 a.m., nature camps, Lime Creek. July 3 — 9 p.m., municipal band concert, Mohawk Stadium. July 6 — Mason City Youth Baseball League Tournament, Holcim Park Baseball Complex. July 7 — 7:30 p.m., municipal band concert, Southbridge Mall. July 9 — HII Youth Trophy Show, North Iowa Events Center. July 10 — HII NISCA Open Show, North Iowa Events Center. July 10 — noon, Homemade Ice Cream Social, Kinney Pioneer Museum. July 15 — 6-10 p.m., Friday Night Live, Central Park. July 20-24 — North Iowa Fair, North Iowa Event Center. July 22-23 — Up In Smoke BBQ Bash, East Park.
AUGUST Aug. 6-7 — dressage horse show, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 14 — 1 p.m., Kids Day, Kinney Pioneer Museum. Aug.19 — 6-10 p.m., Friday Night Live, Central Park. Aug. 20 — 8 p.m., Slippery Saints Mud Run, North Iowa Events Center.
SEPTEMBER Sept. 5 — 10 a.m., 4th Annual Labor Day Fun Fly, North Iowa Events Center. Sept. 9-10 — Mason City Civil War Re-enactment, East Park. Sept. 9-11 — regional dressage horse show, North Iowa Events Center.
“Natalia,” a dancer crafted from small steel rods, was part of River City Sculptures on Parade.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F15
Cannonball Day will include visit from Great Racers MASON CITY — The 11th Annual Cannonball Day will be 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. June 25 at East Park. A fun-filled day for children and adults is planned with the Cannonball Kids Fun Run starting at 10 a.m., followed by the championship kids pedal tractor pull and Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent search. Also available will be inflatables, Smoky the Train rides, tours of the Rotary Cannonball, and operating model train displays. One dollar root beer floats and $2 Cannonball dogs will be served all day. On display will be the North Iowa Vintage Car Club’s cars. Mason City Evening Lions will serve barbecue chicken 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with drive-ups or eat in the park available. Entertainment from 5-9 p.m. will be provided by the Bolder Road Band. New this year, the Friends of the 457 will share the Cannonball celebration with the Great Race, a cross country race from San Rafael, California, to Moline, Illinois. An estimated 60 cars and teams will arrive at East Park around noon for lunch then leave for Cedar Rapids. Antique and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles take part in the event, paying entry fees of $5,500 to $7,000 and competing for a $150,000 purse. Cars will be parked for display after 11 a.m. on the street in front of
CHRIS ZOELLER, The Globe Gazette
Tracy Hedegard of Plymouth helps her 2½-year-old nephew, Ransom Buckley, pull the cord to ring the bell on the Rotary Cannonball locomotive during the 2015 Cannonball Day at East Park in Mason City. the park band shell and in back of the Cannonball Gardens. The Friends of the 457 are volunteers dedicated to restoring and preserving the M&StL 457, better known
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F16 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
File
Children play on the Imagination Playground during the 2013 MacNider Arts Festival.
No need to switch off your minds this summer COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
MASON CITY — There are plenty of events to keep the kids learning and busy throughout the summer at Mason City Public Library and MacNider Art Museum. Programs for young adults include craft evenings, movie screenings and “Wiivenings,” among other special programming. For children, library activities include story tellers, magicians, puppeteers, musicians and balloon artists. There will also be live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons area every Friday, June 3 through Sept. 2. Children and teens are also invited to participate in the library’s summer reading program. All reading, including books, comics, magazines, audiobooks, graphic novels and e-books, count toward totals. For every 30 minutes young adults read, participate in a library event or volunteer at the library, they can mark a space off their log.
Library and Museum Schedule MACNIDER ART MUSEUM ACTIVITIES MAY May 26 — 5:30 p.m., Art Bugs. Ages 2-4 with caregiver. JUNE June 11 — 9 a.m., MacNider Arts Festival. June 11 — 9 a.m., Outdoor Art Market. June 21-24 — Anniversary celebration. June 27-July 1 — Art Camp JULY July 15 — 5-8 p.m., Imagination Playground at Friday Night Live. July 21 — 6:30-7:30 p.m., Kids Club at the North Iowa Events Center. AUGUST Aug. 1-5 — Art Camp II. Aug. 19 — 5-8 p.m., Imagination Teens can help with children’s programs and craft mornings, clean books, shelve, straighten rooms and shelf read.
Playground at Friday Night Live. Aug. 20 — 9-11 a.m., Kids Club. LIBRARY YOUNG ADULT ACTIVITIES Craft Evenings: 6-7 p.m., the first Tuesday of every month. Book Club: 6-7 p.m., the second Tuesday of every month. Wiivenings: 6-7 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month. Play Nintendo Wii games like Rock Band, Mario Kart, Sports Resort and more. Now Showing: 5:30 p.m., the fourth Tuesday of every month. Sixth through 12th grades. Movies will be shown. LIBRARY CHILDREN ACTIVITIES Evening Story Time: 6-6:30 p.m. every Monday. Morning Story Time: 10- 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday. For every 15 minutes children read by themselves, read to someone or have someone read to them, they can fill in a circle on their log.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F17
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The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to come downtown Clear Lake for Thursdays on Main, starting June 9th. Lots of fun, food & shopping for all ages. Visit www.c1earlakeiowa.com for complete schedule and also Like Us On Facebook.
FF18 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
SUBMITTED
People register for the 2015 National Night Out in Mason City’s East Park. The event is designed to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.
National night out looks to make nights safer MASON CITY — Tuesday, Aug. 2, marks the 33rd anniversary of the Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. Starting at 5 p.m. residents are encouraged to show solidarity by turning on porch lights and heading to East Park in Mason City for the free fun-packed “family affair” by the band shell. A variety of activities will be held including a kid power pedal tractor pull, bounce houses and balloon creations by Today’s Your Day, as well as displays and demonstrations presented by local community organizations and youth-oriented programs.
Free food will be served and there will be a drawing for prizes. This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. The theme is “Giving crime and drugs a going-away party.” This event is sponsored in conjunction with the National Association of Town Watch, and locally by the Mason City Community Policing Advisory Board along with the Mason City Police Department. Rain date will be 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. Contact cpab.1997@yahoo.com or call 421-3650 for more information.
A pedal power tractor pull is held at the 2015 National Night Out in Mason City.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F19
FF20 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Fireworks explode over the Mason City High School football field in this 2015 photo. Submitted
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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F21
Celebrate our nation’s birthday in Mason City and Clear Lake COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
CLEAR LAKE — Fourth of July weekend pulls in a huge crowd in Clear Lake. This year, the week’s festivities will begin Thursday, June 30, and continue through Tuesday, July 5. The six days of activities include amusement rides, bingo and open-air craft show and live music every night at the band shell at City Park. On Independence Day, spectators can take in a traditional parade down Main Avenue and evening fireworks over the lake. The fireworks musical tribute can be heard on radio stations 106.1 FM, AM 1490 and AM 1300 at 10 p.m.
Mason City Independence Day Since 1981 the Mason City Exchange Club has provided the annual Independence Day fireworks show at Mohawk Stadium. The event is held on July 3 each year so area residents and visitors can attend both the Mason City and the Clear Lake displays. Gates to the stadium open at 6 p.m. The Mason City Municipal Band entertains starting at 9:15 p.m. Fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. Free admission, freewill offering accepted. In Mason City the annual fireworks display is held on July 3 at the Mohawk Football Stadium at the high school.
Clear Lake’s July 4th THURSDAY, JUNE 30 • 5 p.m. — Evans United Shows Carnival opens. • 5-9 p.m. — Arts & Craft Fair. • 7 p.m. — Live music in the band shell. FRIDAY, JULY 1 • 10 a.m.-9 p.m. — Arts & Craft Fair. • Noon — Evans United Shows Carnival opens. • Noon — Bingo tent opens. • 7 p.m. — Live music in the band shell. SATURDAY, JULY 2 • 10 a.m.-9 p.m. — Arts & Craft Fair. • Noon — Evans United Shows Carnival opens. • Noon — Bingo tent opens. • 7 p.m. — Live music in the band shell. SUNDAY, JULY 3 • 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Arts & Craft Fair. • Noon — Evans United Shows Carnival opens. Noon to 5 p.m. will be $17 for Wrist Band Day. • Noon — Bingo tent opens. • 1 p.m. — Family Feud Game Show • 3 p.m. — Family Fun Time Games • 7 p.m. — Live music in the band shell. MONDAY, JULY 4 • 10 a.m. — Parade • 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Arts & Craft Fair. • Noon — Evans United Shows Carnival opens. • Noon — Bingo tent opens. • 1:30-3:30 p.m. — Denny’s School of Dance. • 8:30-10p.m. — Clear Lake Municipal Band. • 10 p.m. — Fireworks over the lake. TUESDAY, JULY 5 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Arts & Craft Fair. • Noon — Evans United Shows Carnival opens.
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Mason City fireworks.
F22 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Surf ready to rock the summer away TOM THOMA
Surf Ballroom Schedule
tom.thoma@globegazette.com
CLEAR LAKE — From big bands to big-name entertainment, the Surf Ballroom is preparing for another busy summer. “We have a spring and summer schedule jam-packed with concerts, events, tours, programs and more,” said Laurie Lietz, executive director of the ballroom owned by the Snyder family of Clear Lake. “Summer programs begin in June and feature opportunities to take a tour, discover sound, improve your vocals and even experience the Lietz historical Surf Ballroom with your toddler by rockin’ through themed lessons that story time, music, movement and instruments,” she said. The Surf is coming off an extraordinarily busy spring and there’s no letup, starting with the May 27 performance by Buckcherry with guest Black Stone Cherry. Country music stars grace the Surf stage often, and Joe Nichols continues that line of hit performers when he appears June 3. A regional favorite, Johnny Holm
Tommy James and the Shondells will perform July 16 at the Surf Ballroom. Band, will perform for the Take Me Back Reunion on June 10, and blues lovers will be entertained by Savoy Brown and Bernard Allison on July 3. Just those events show the variety of acts booked by the Surf during the summer and throughout the year. And shows will be added to the schedule throughout the summer. Plus, there are a variety of other activities that take place at the ballroom, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. To cater to summertime tourists,
Friday, May 27: Buckcherry with special guest Black Stone Cherry. Friday, June 3: Joe Nichols. Friday, June 10: Take Me Back Reunion with the Johnny Holm Band. Friday, June 24: Swan Brothers. Friday, July 1: Snake Oil Sinners. Sunday, July 3: Savoy Brown with Bernard Allison. Saturday, July 16: Tommy James and the Shondells. Sunday, July 23: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Friday, Aug. 5: Whitesidewalls for the CLASS Reunion. Wednesday, Aug. 24: Creedence Clearwater Revisited. Friday, Sept. 2: Happy Together Tour. Big-band dances the second and fourth Sundays from June 12-Oct. 9. Check www.surfballroom.com for schedule updates throughout the summer. the ballroom is open on weekends, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information is available at www.surfballroom.com or by calling 641-357-6151.
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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • FF23
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Members of the Fat Babies Jazz Band from Chicago perform at the 2014 Lakeside DixieFest at Clear Lake.
Clear Lake Summer Calendar
MAY
May 28 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot.
JUNE June 4 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot.
June 9 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. June 10-11 — Midwest F100 Nationals Truck Show, City Park. Registration noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday.
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June 10-11 — Take Me Back Festival, 8 p.m.-midnight Friday at the Surf Ballroom; 6:30 to 11p.m. Saturday at PM Park. June 11 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. PLEASE SEE CLEAR LAKE, PAGE F24
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F24 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
CLEAR LAKE From F23 June 16 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. June 18 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. June 18 — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. North Iowa Life Expo, Clear Lake’s The Dock. June 23 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. June 25 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot.
JULY July 1-5 — Clear Lake July 4th celebration. July 2 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. July 7 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce
house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. July 8-9 -Bicycle, Blues & BBQ Festival. July 9 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. July 14 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. July 16 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. July 17 — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lions Chicken BBQ, City Park. July 21 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. July 23 — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art Sail, City Park. July 23 — 6-9 p.m. Lakeside DixieFest, City Park band shell. July 23 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf
Ballroom parking lot. July 23 — 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Iowa Storytelling Festival, City Park. July 24 — Noon to 9 p.m. Lakeside DixieFest, City Park band shell. July 28 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. July 30 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. July 31 — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lions Hamburger and Sweet Corn Feast, City Park.
AUGUST Aug. 4 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. Aug. 5-7 — Sidewalk sale for Iowa sales tax holiday, all day, Clear Lake retailers.
JEFF HEINZ, The Globe Gazette
Sara Slayton, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, spins a tale as part of the 2014 Iowa Storytelling Festival in Clear Lake’s City Park during Lakefest weekend.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F25
JEFF HEINZ, The Globe Gazette
Matt Brandenburg of Flourish Farms in Floyd shows produce for sale at one of the 2015 farmers markets in Clear Lake. Aug. 5-6 — CLASS Car Show and Summer Dance Cruise, City Park. Aug. 6 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. Aug. 10 — Taste of Clear Lake Dinner Cruise. Aug. 11 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. Aug. 13 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. Aug. 18 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main. Live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market
and a movie in the park. Aug. 19 — 6-9 p.m. Ale to the Arts, Clear Lake Arts Center. Aug. 20 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. Aug. 25 — 6-11 p.m. Thursdays on Main, live music, entertainment, classic cars, a bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, retail stores stay open late, vendor street market and a movie in the park. Aug. 27 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot.
SEPTEMBER Sept. 3 — 9 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, Surf Ballroom parking lot. Sept. 4 — 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Antiques in the Square, City Park.
F26 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
More events planned for this year’s Puckerbrush FOREST CITY — This year’s Puckerbrush Days is even bigger, organizers said. “It’s growing,” committee Chairman Scott Meinders said of Forest City’s annual festival. This year’s event will be held July 14-17. “We have some younger volunteers stepping up to help us identify where there is room for improvement,” Kathy Rollefson, director of the Forest City Chamber of Commerce, said of Meinders and others. New events include a beer garden and performance by Pianopalooza on Saturday, July 16. “They haven’t had recurrent Saturday entertainment,” Meinders said. An expanded food court will be set up by the Winnebago County Courthouse. “It will be more incentive to keep people uptown a little bit later,” Rollefson said. Live entertainment will also be featured downtown on Friday, July 15. “We wanted to create an inviting
Puckerbrush Schedule This is a tentative schedule of events for Puckerbrush Days. More events may be added. Check www.forestcityia.com/ calendar/puckerbrush-days/ for updates. THURSDAY, JULY 14 4:30-6:30 p.m. — Author meet-and-greet at the Waldorf Library. 7 p.m. — “Into the Woods” community theater performance at the Forest City High School auditorium. 8-10 p.m. — Middle school pool party with a deejay at the Forest City Aquatic Center. FRIDAY, JULY 15 5 p.m. — Food court open at the courthouse. 5:15 p.m. — Flag disposal ceremony on South Clark Street. 5:30-7:30 p.m. — Bounce houses on the courthouse lawn. 5:45 p.m. — Crowning Little M/M on South Clark Street.
ALLISON ULLMANN, THE SUMMIT
The 3M float throws out sponges toward the end of the 2015 Puckerbrush Days parade. entertainment space and have something after Battle of the Businesses,” Rollefson said. Other returning favorites include the parade, waterball competition, bounce house, author meet-and-greet and fireworks. The mud volleyball tournament will also return for the second year. 7-8 p.m. — Battle of Businesses on South Clark Street. 7 p.m. — “Into the Woods” community theater performance at the Forest City High School auditorium. 8:30 p.m.-midnight — Downtown entertainment on K Street and North Clark Street. SATURDAY, JULY 16 6:30 a.m. — Registration for 5K, 1K and Tot Trot at South 6th Street by Salveson Hall. 7:30 a.m. — 5K run/walk starts at South 6th Street by Salveson Hall. 7:30-9:30 a.m. — Fishing contest at Pammel Park. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Craft show on the courthouse lawn. 10 a.m. — Parade. 10 a.m. — Food court open at the courthouse. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Bounce houses on the courthouse lawn. 11 a.m. until gone — Rotary barbecue.
“We hope the new events improve the parade and other events,” Meinders said. He encourages community members to come check out all the activities going on throughout the weekend. “We want to try to offer something for everyone,” Rollefson said. 11:30 a.m. — Kids power pedal pull registration with noon start. 12:30 p.m. — Bean bag toss registration with 1 p.m. start. 1 p.m. — Historical society “Diamond Dig” at downtown location. 1 p.m. — PuckerMud volleyball at Pammel Park. 1-3 p.m. — Waterball competition at South 6th Street. 1-3 p.m. — Fire truck rides on J Street. 7 p.m. — “Into the Woods” community theater performance at the Forest City High School auditorium. 8 p.m.-midnight — Beer garden featuring Pianopalooza. 9:50 p.m. — Fireworks. SUNDAY, JULY 17 1-4 p.m. — Mansion Museum tours. 1 p.m. Mt. Valley Winery featuring live music at 20306 340th St. 2:20 p.m. — “Into the Woods” community theater performance at the Forest City High School auditorium.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F27
ALLISON ULLMANN, THE SUMMIT
Isaac Sand gets ready to jump off before Caleb Sand comes down the inflatable slide during Puckerbrush Days in 2015. Tanner Roush dives through the mud for a volleyball during the 2015 Puckerbrush Days. ALLISON ULLMANN, THE SUMMIT
RAE YOST, THE SUMMIT
Lindsey Brison tosses a float ring toward T.J. West to try to get it around his head during Battle of the Businesses in 2015.
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F28 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
RAE YOST, THE SUMMIT
Rascal Flatts performs in 2015 to close the annual Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City.
Tree Town expects to keep growing, attracting big names ALLISON ULLMANN
allison.ullmann@globegazette.com
FOREST CITY — Ticket sales are up again for the Tree Town Music Festival. “We are growing,” organizer Gary DeWaard said of the festival in its third year. This year’s Tree DeWaard Town event is scheduled for May 26-29 at Heritage Park of North Iowa, Winnebago Industries property and WIT Grand
National Rally grounds in Forest City. Headliners include Tim McGraw, Jake Owen and Miranda Lambert. The event is in its third year and has a history of drawing big acts, including Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts in 2015 and Brad Paisley and Toby Keith in 2014. Last year’s festival drew record crowds, organizers said. The crowd for Shelton was more than 15,000 people. And expectations are high for this year. DeWaard said tickets for this year’s festival are selling faster than last year.
Tree Town Schedule THURSDAY, MAY 26 6 p.m. — Warrant 8:30 p.m. — Vince Neil 11:30 p.m. — Hairball FRIDAY, MAY 27 4:30 p.m. — Tucker Beathard 6 p.m. — Kelsea Ballarini 8 p.m. — Sam Hunt 10 p.m. — Miranda Lambert
VIP tickets were almost sold out in mid-April. Rockin’ Range passes for the front of the main stage were sold out
SATURDAY, MAY 28 3 p.m. — David Ray 4:30 p.m. — Jana Kramer 6 p.m. — Jon Pardi 8 p.m. — Craig Morgan SUNDAY, MAY 29 3 p.m. — Ryan Hurd 4:30 p.m. — Morgan Frazier 6 p.m. — Old Dominion 8 p.m. — Chris Janson 10 p.m. — Tim McGraw the first day they went on sale. Two of the camping sites sold out early. A third, larger section was close to selling out
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F29
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RAE YOST, THE SUMMIT
Thomas Rhett greets fans during his concert in 2015 at the Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City.
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RAE YOST, THE SUMMIT
Some of the 2015 crowd at the Tree Town Music Festival. in mid-April. Although ticket sales have been brisk, fans can still see if tickets are available by checking the website at www. treetownfestival.com. For those who do go, organizers have made a couple of changes. Wristbands were sent out in the mail for those who purchased tickets prior to the week of May 12. The new wristbands have a radio frequency identification chip that will allow wearers to go through a portal at the front gate. “The point is to provide better service for attendees,” DeWaard said of cutting down lines of those waiting to get a wristband.
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Other changes include the addition of a stage and beer garden in the campground area during the day. A breakfast buffet has also been added all three days of the festival. “Come in early. There are a lot of things to do,” DeWaard said.
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F30 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
File
Theresa O’Keefe of Blue Grass runs her horse through a series of movements during a 2014 dressage horse show at the North Iowa Events Center.
Saddle up
All events at the North Iowa Events Center in Mason City: North Iowa Horse Shows • May 28-29 — Dressage show. • June 9-12 — Midstates Horse Show Summerfest. • June 14-18 — Midstates Horse Show Summer. • June 19-21 — Midstates Horse Show Encore. • June 24-26 — Dressage
show. • July 9 — Horsemen of Iowa Youth Trophy Show. • July 10 — Horsemen of Iowa NISCA show. • July 20-24 — North Iowa Fair. • Aug. 6-7 — Dressage show. • Sept. 9-11 — Dressage show. • Sept. 14-18 — Midstates Horse Show Fall. Open Riding: • May 3 — Horsemen of Iowa.
• May 10 — Horsemen of Iowa. • May 17 — Horsemen of Iowa. • May 18 — CC Riders. • May 23 — Bits & Spurs. • May 24 — Horsemen of Iowa. • June 1 — CC Riders. • June 27 — Bits & Spurs. • June 28 — Horsemen of Iowa. • June 29 — CC Riders. • July 5 — Horsemen of Iowa.
N. Iowa horse events
• July 6 — CC Riders. • July 11 — Bits & Spurs. • July 12 — Horsemen of Iowa. • July 26 — Horsemen of Iowa. • Aug. 2 — Horsemen of Iowa. • Aug. 9 — Horsemen of Iowa. • Aug. 16 — Horsemen of Iowa. • Aug. 23 — Horsemen of Iowa.
— Molly Montag
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F31
Activities fill busy Osage summer
O
JIM CROSS
For the Globe Gazette
SAGE — The Osage Chamber of Commerce is planning a full and busy summer’s worth of events. One of the highlights is the Summer Treasures Fest on June 4, a celebration of antiques, repurposed items and lawn art and plants. The event is designed to complement Osage’s Autumn Artistry in the fall. Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lots by Home Trust and Savings Bank and Art’s Shoes, the event has a focus on antiques and restored or repurposed items. Food and refreshments will be available. Another highlight of the summer will be the downtown farmers markets, located in the green space on the site of the old fire station (behind the China House Restaurant) on South Seventh Street. The markets are held from 8 a.m. until noon on the first Saturdays of the month, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3. The current Saturday market, held at Town and Country Plaza, will continue there. The first is set for June 11. The first of five Friday Nights Out in City Park will be held from 5:3010 p.m. on Friday, June 10. The popular event features live music, kids’ activities, food and beverages. The entertainment has yet to be determined. The evening is
Kylie Ring enjoys Friday Night Out from head to toe. Balloon animals and hats came to this July 2015 event thanks to local insurance agent JT Noordhoek. DEB NICKLAY, Of The Press-News
sponsored by Osage Co-op C US Bank. The first Friday Night Out will also include the crowning of Miss Osage PLEASE SEE OSAGE, PAGE F33
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F32 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
PRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO
A visitor to Osage’s annual Summer Treasures Fest checks out some of the items for sale. Hundreds flooded the downtown on their hunt for items.
Osage Summar Calendar JUNE June 4 — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Third annual Treasures Fest, downtown Osage. Relics, refurbished relics, antiques, garden and yard art, and flowers and plants from local greenhouses. June 4 — 8 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, downtown Osage. In-season vegetables, fruit and produce, homemade items and more. June 10 — 5:30-10 p.m. Friday Night Out, Osage City Park. Live music, food and beverage vendors begin at 5:30 p.m.; activities for the kids begin at 6 p.m.; crowning of Miss Osage. June 17 — Moonlight Madness, Osage merchants. Shop under the stars. June 18 — 9 a.m. Cedar River Wild Run, Milton R. Owen Nature Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. kids Critter Crawl at 10 a.m. June 24 — 5:30-10 p.m. Friday Night Out, Osage City Park. Live music, food and beverages, kids activities. JULY July 2 — 8 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, downtown Osage. In-season vegetables, fruit and produce, homemade items and more. July 3 — Dusk. Fireworks along the Cedar River; Mitchell. July 4 — 10 a.m. Annual Independence Day parade, downtown Osage; followed by the Mitchell County Farm Bureau Town & Country BBQ at 11 a.m.; kids games at the Cedar River Complex. 2 p.m. Bull and Barrel Bash at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds. July 8 — 5:30-10 p.m. Friday Night Out, Osage City Park. Live music, food and beverages, activities for the kids. July 14-16 — Summer Ridiculous Days, Osage merchants. July 22 — 5:30-10 p.m. Friday Night Out, Osage City Park. Live music, food and beverages; kids activities. AUGUST Aug. 2 — 7 Mitchell County Fair, Mitchell County Fairgrounds Aug. 6 — 8 a.m.-noon. Farmers market, downtown Osage. In-season vegetables, fruit and produce, homemade items and more. Aug. 8 — 5:30-10 p.m. Friday Night Out, Osage City Park. Kids Night — Live music, food and beverages; kids activities. Aug. 13-14 — All day. Cedar Valley Memories 21st Annual Power Show. On the grounds of Cedar Valley Memories. Sanctioned tractor pull, kids pedal pull, threshing, steam engines, flea market, food, and much more. SEPTEMBER Sept. 17 — 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Autumn Artistry, downtown Osage.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F33
PRESS-NEWS FILE
A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables along with many sweet, baked goods can be found at the Osage Farmers’ Market at the corner of Seventh and State streets in downtown Osage.
OSAGE From F31 2016 during concert intermission. On the Fourth of July is the “On the Run for Education” 5K and 1-mile Run/ Walk, sponsored by the Osage Education Foundation. Registration is from 7:15-7:45 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m., followed by awards at 9 a.m. The race will begin and end in the Cedar River Complex parking lot. There will be drinks and snacks in City Park following the race. This year’s Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. A $10 fee for all entries will be charged. The Farm Bureau
Town & Country BBQ follows at 11 a.m. at the CRC Events Center on the Mitchell County Fairgrounds. Highlighting the afternoon is a rodeo beginning at 2 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The annual fireworks will be held at dusk on July 3, as is the local tradition, at Interstate Park at Mitchell. Before the summer starts to wind down, the Osage merchants will host Summer Ridiculous Days July 14-16. The summer ends in Osage with the annual Mitchell County Fair from Aug. 2-7 at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds. Highlights include a car demolition derby, a combine demolition derby, sanctioned tractor pull and concerts.
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F34 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
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Carolyn Fischer of Mason City looks over pottery by Carolina Niebres of Prescott, Wisconsin, during the 2014 Art Sail in Clear Lake’s City Park.
Lakefest Weekend offers three times the fun CLEAR LAKE — Jazz, art and story lovers will have plenty to scope at this year’s Lakefest in Clear Lake. IOWA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL The festival features the Iowa Storytelling Festival, Art Sail and Lakeside Dixiefest in Clear Lake, from July 23 to 24. The 28th annual Iowa Storytelling Festival, sponsored by the Clear Lake Public Library, runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 23 in City Park. Storytellers from throughout the Midwest will perform for an all-ages audience. ART SALE Clear Lake Arts Center’s
39th annual Art Sail features more than 75 artists showcasing and selling their art in City Park, located next to the lake. For registration or more information contact the Clear Lake Arts Center 641357-1998. Art Sail is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 23 in City Park. LAKESIDE DIXIEFEST Traditional Dixieland Jazz will be featured during the 24th Annual Lakeside DixieFest. The event will have jazz bands lined up for free outdoor concerts Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
National Hobo Convention Mainstreet - Britt, Iowa
AUGUST 12, 13 & 14
• Family Entertainment • Concerts Friday and Saturday • Parade and FREE Mulligan Stew on Saturday • Craft Festival with over 50 Vendors • Carnival & Midway • Hobo King & Queen Coronation • 5k 10k Run/Walk • Large Classic Car Show on Sunday “Come celebrate the life and times of the American Hobo in Britt!” www.britthobodays.com Find us on Facebook at Britt Hobo Days
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F35
Enjoy the night out on the town in one of North Iowa’s home towns Lake Dance Team at 6:30 p.m. • Aug. 25 — Band, to be announced; movie, “Zootopia.” Special entertainment, Sheltered Reality.
Folks looking to stretch their dollars during a fun night out can explore six North Iowa communities that host free events throughout the summer. Events include something for everyone: live music, food and movies.
CHARLES CITY — PARTY IN THE PARK Music and children’s activities from 5-9 p.m. select Fridays in Central Park. • May 27 — Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50’s Band. • June 10 — Toaster. • June 24 — Redline. • July 15 — Milk & Honey. • July 29 — Stampede. • Aug. 12 — Endless Summer.
MASON CITY — FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Music, food and fun activities the third Friday of the month in June, July and August in Mason City’s Central Park. • June 17 — 6-10 p.m. • July 15 — 6-10 p.m. • Aug. 19 — 6-10 p.m. • Sept. 16 — 6-10 p.m. CLEAR LAKE — THURSDAYS ON MAIN Full roster of activities varies each Thursday, but the lineup always includes music from 7-9 p.m., a movie at 9 p.m. in City Park and special entertainment at 6:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Main Street. • June 9 — Band, Rock & Soul Revue; movie, “Inside Out”; Special entertainment, Black Belt Academy. • June 16 — Band, Crossfire; movie, “Jurassic World.” Special entertainment, Mike Prestby Magic. • June 23 — Band, According to Hoyle; movie, “ Rango.” Special entertainment, Dancin With Roxie. • July 7 — Band, The Mockingbirds; movie, “Furious 7.” Special entertainment, Denny’s School of Dance. • July 14 — Band, Betty & The Gents; movie, “Minions.” Special entertainment, North Iowa Bulls Hockey. • July 21 — Band, Grin; movie, “The Good Dinosaur.” Special entertainment, Turbo Tumbling.
AARON THOMAS, The Globe Gazette
Aramis Ebro-Becker, 2, plays with a hula hoop during a 2015 Friday Night Live event in downtown Mason City. • July 28 — Band, Highway 9; movie, “The Avengers.” Special entertainment, Over The Hill Brass Band. • Aug. 4 — Band, Randy & The Classics; movie, “Max.” Special entertainment, Drum Corps. • Aug. 11 — Band, Stage Write; movie, “Hotel Transylvania 2.” Special entertainment, Iowa All Star Cheer Group. • Aug. 18 — Band, Tree Town All Stars; movie, “Batman vs. Superman.” Special entertainment, Drum Line at 6 p.m.; Clear
OSAGE — FRIDAY NIGHT OUT The event will run from 5:30-10 p.m. on select Friday nights in City Park. Food vendors open at 5:30 p.m. Children’s activities and games are free. • June 10 — TBA • June 24 — Hwy 9 • July 8 — Crosswind • July 22 — Crossfire • Aug. 8 — Kids night. Entertainment TBA. ALGONA — PARTY IN THE PARK Live music and food one Friday a month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the Carnegie Library lawn. This year’s events also include “salutes,” or themed equipment displays honoring part of the community. • June 23 —Theme: Wheels in Motion; Band TBA • July 21 — Theme: Art in the Park; Band, Russell Lachney & students • Aug. 18 — Band, The Muscle Shirts
College Hill Arts Festival
38th Annual Cedar Falls, Iowa West 23rd and College
June 17-18, 2016 Biggest Event of Its Kind in North Iowa! JUNK, UPCYCLED & VINTAGE MERCHANTS, CRAFTS, DIY DEMOS, FOOD, GAMES, & MORE!
www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com
Friday Noon - 8 pm Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
www.collegehillartsfestival.com
F36 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Submitted
Art and fun activities are planned at Charles City’s Art a Fest, being held this year on Aug. 20.
Charles City Summer Calendar MAY • May 25 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • May 26 — Old Time Music Jamboree, 6-8 p.m., Senior Center. • May 27 — Party In The Park, 5-9 p.m., Central Park. Music by Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50s Band, kids activities, food and beverages. • May 28 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • May 28 — Kid’s Day at the Museum, 10 a.m. to noon. JUNE • June 1 — Charles City Summer Reading Program begins. • June 1 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m.,
Central Park. • June 2 — Fun Family Nutrition Nights 5:45-7 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church. For families with children under the age of 10 to participate in hands-on cooking. Call 641-228-1453 to register. • June 3 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • June 3 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • June 4 — PAWS Cedar Dog Jog 8:3011 a.m., Labyrinth at 1200 Riverside Drive. Registration from 7:30-8:15 a.m. • June 4 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • June 5 — Charles City Municipal Band
Concert, 7:30-9 p.m., Central Park. • June 7 — Summer Day Camp: Dr. Seuss in Nature, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tosanak Recreation Area in Rockford. For children in 1st grade and up. Register at www.floydcoia. org. • June 8 — Summer Day Camp-Wild Wonders, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tosanak Recreation Area in Rockford. For children in kindergarten and first grade. Register at www.floydcoia.org. • June 8 — “Wilderman Treetop Tales” with Chad Elliott, 1-2 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • June 8 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • June 9 — Fun Family Nutrition Nights 5:45-7 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church.
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For families with children under the age of 10 to participate in hands-on cooking. Call 641-228-1453 to register. • June 10 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • June 10 — Party In The Park, 5-9 p.m., Central Park. Music by Toaster, kids’ activities, food and beverages. • June 11 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • June 13 — Comprehensive Systems Golf Outing, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cedar Ridge Golf Course. Call 641-228-4842 to register. • June 14 — Summer Day Camp-Kratt Kamp, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tosanak Recreation Area in Rockford. For children in first grade and up. Register at www.floydcoia. org. • June 15 — Summer Day Camp-Eco Adventure, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tosanak Recreation Area in Rockford. For children in third grade and up. Register at www. floydcoia.org. • June 15 — Jim Jayes Puppeteer, 1-2 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • June 15 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • June 16 — Fun Family Nutrition Nights 5:45-7 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church. For families with children under the age of 10 to participate in hands-on cooking. Call 641-228-1453 to register. • June 17 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • June 17 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • June 17-16 — Whitewater Weekend, Riverfront Park. • June 18 — Community Breakfast, 7:3010 a.m., Charles City VFW. Public welcome. • June 18 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • June 19 — Charles City Municipal Band Concert, 7:30-9 p.m., Central Park. • June 22 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • June 22 — Chris McBrien Magic Storyteller, 6-7 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • June 23 — Fun Family Nutrition Nights 5:45-7 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church. For families with children under the age of 10 to participate in hands-on cooking. Call 641-228-1453 to register. • June 24 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • June 24 — Party In The Park, 5-9 p.m., Central Park. Music by Redline, kids’ activities, food and beverages.
• June 25 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.noon, Central Park. • June 29 — Science Center of Iowa, 1-2 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • June 29 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • June 30 — Fun Family Nutrition Nights 5:45-7 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church. For families with children under the age of 10 to participate in hands-on cooking. Call 641-228-1453 to register. JULY • July 1 — Kids’ Day, North Main Street. A kids’ parade, games and activities during the day. Activities continue into the evening with music, food and beverages. • July 1 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • July 1 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • July 2 — Uncle Sam Jam. • July 2 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • July 3 — The Fun Continues, all day, Central Park. Bill Riley Talent Show with activities. • July 3 — Free in Christ Festival, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Riverfront Amphitheater. Barbecue potluck and music. • July 4 — July 4th activities, all day. Firecracker 5run/walk, July 4th parade, vendors, food and beverages, live music and evening fireworks. • July 4 — Charles City Municipal Band Concert, 8:30-10 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • July 6 — Rick Eugene Magician, 1-2 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • July 6 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • July 8 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • July 8 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • July 9 — Colwell Day, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Colwell. 5K Fun Run/Walk, games, parade, vendors, food and fireworks. • July 9 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • July 13 — Lego Day, 1-2 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • July 13 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • July 15 — Friday Circle Time, 10:1511 a.m., Charles City Public Library. All ages welcome but program is geared to 2-4-year-olds. • July 15 — Party In The Park, 5-9 p.m., Central Park. Music by Milk & Honey, Kids activities, food and beverages.
• July 16 — Community Breakfast, 7:3010 a.m., Charles City VFW. Public welcome. • July 16 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • July 17 — Custom Antique Rod Assoc. Car Show, 7 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • July 18-20 — Book sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Charles City Public Library. • July 20 — Summer Reading Program Last Day. • July 20 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • July 22 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • July 23 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • July 27 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • July 29 — Party In The Park, 5-9 p.m., Central Park. Music by Stampede, Kids activities, food and beverages. • July 30 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. AUGUST • Aug. 3 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • Aug. 5 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • Aug. 6 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • Aug. 10 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • Aug. 12 — Party In The Park, 5-9 p.m., Central Park. Music by Endless Summer, Kids activities, food and beverages. • Aug. 13 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • Aug. 17 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • Aug. 19 — Classic Car Night, 5-8 p.m., Dave’s Restaurant. • Aug. 20 — Art a Fest, Central Park. • Aug. 20 — Community Breakfast, 7:3010 a.m., Charles City VFW. Public welcome. • Aug. 20 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • Aug. 20 — Celebration of the passage of the 19th Amendment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Carrie Chapman Catt Home. • Aug. 24 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. • Aug. 27 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • Aug. 27 — Encouragement Corp Christian Concert, 7-10 p.m., Central Park. • Aug. 31 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. SEPTEMBER • Sept. 3 — Farmers market, 9 a.m.-noon, Central Park. • Sept. 7 — Farmers market, 3:30-6 p.m., Central Park. — Courtney Fiorini
F38 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
ABATE Freedom Rally attracts bikes, bikers from wide area for days of fun, education MOLLY MONTAG
molly.montag@globegazette.com
ALGONA — The 32nd annual ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally in rural Algona will feature live music, camping and all things motorcycle. The event will be June 30 to July 2nd at the group’s Freedom Park, 2507 160th Ave. That’s a little more than 4 miles north of Algona. This year’s bands include country music groups Parmalee, Slaughter, Bad Girlfriends and Lamont Cranston. Also featured will be AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells, Garth Brooks tribute artist Shawn Gerhard and the acts Daylight Over, Bad Aqple and Furious George. Advance tickets until June 17 are $35 for singles and $55 for couples who are members of ABATE and the Motorcycle Riders Outreach. Advance tickets are not available for non-members. The Beer Barn also will feature daily live music. The event also features a tattoo and beard contest, bike rodeo, burnout pit, dyno, bike show and a sled pull. Tickets at the gate are $40 for members, $65 for non-members. A Saturday-only ticket is $35. ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education.
ABATE of Iowa Schedule THURSDAY, JUNE 30 Beer Barn — Boom Box Productions, Jose Santana. Main Stage — Bad Girlfriends, Lamont Cranston and Daylight Over. FRIDAY, JULY 1 Beer Barn — Boom Box Productions, Urban Legend. Main Stage — Slaughter, Hells Bells and Bad Aqple. SATURDAY, JULY 2 Beer Barn — Boom Box Productions, Jammer. Main Stage — Parmalee, Shawn Gerhard and Furious George.
FILE
Hundreds of people and motorcycles gather for the ABATE of Iowa Freedom Rally in Algona. The event this year is June 30 to July 2.
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Strike up the (municipal) bands COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
North Iowa is known for its love of music — from the legacy of The Music Man Meredith Willson, to the annual North Iowa Band Festival, to numerous award-winning high school bands, choirs, choruses and orchestras. Perhaps nothing fits the iconic image of an idyllic musical evening as does the summer municipal band concert. Players from all walks of life — but all united by a love of and a proficiency for band music — gather on pleasant summer evenings or weekends to perform for their fellow community residents an eclectic selection of old standards, rousing marches and even new pop hits. Here is a schedule of community bands that will be performing this summer in North Iowa. CHARLES CITY MUNICIPAL BAND Concerts in Central Park unless otherwise listed. • Sunday, June 5 — 7:30 p.m. • Sunday, June 19 — 7:30 p.m. • Monday, July 4 — 8:30 p.m., behind Charles City Public Library. CLEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL BAND All concerts at City Park. • Saturday, June 11 — 7 p.m. • Sunday, June 12 — 3 p.m. • Saturday, June 18 — 7 p.m. • Sunday, June 19 — 3 p.m. • Saturday, June 25 — 7 p.m. • Sunday, June 26 — 3 p.m. • Sunday, July 10 — 3 p.m. • Saturday, July 16 — 7 p.m. • Sunday, July 17 — 3 p.m. HAMPTON MUNICIPAL BAND
FILE
The Clear Lake Municipal Band plays a concert on a warm Sunday summer afternoon. Concerts at the band shell in Hampton City Park. • Wednesday, June 1 — 8 p.m. • Tuesday, June 7 — 8 p.m. • Tuesday, June 14 — 8 p.m. • Tuesday, June 21 — 8 p.m. • Tuesday, June 28 — 8 p.m. • Monday, July 4 — 7:30 p.m. • Wednesday, July 6 — 8 p.m. MASON CITY MUNICIPAL BAND Concerts will be at Southbridge Mall
unless otherwise listed. • Thursday, May 26 — 7 p.m. • Thursday, June 2 — 7:30 p.m. • Thursday, June 9 — 7:30 p.m. • Saturday, June 11 — 4 p.m., MacNider Art Museum • Thursday, June 16 — 7:30 p.m. • Thursday, June 23 — 7:30 p.m. • Thursday, June 30 — 7:30 p.m. • Sunday, July 3 — 9 p.m., Mohawk Stadium • Thursday, July 7 — 7:30 p.m.
MONTAUK HISTORIC SITE Tour the historic home of Iowa’s 12th governor, William Larrabee and his wife Anna Larrabee
Mon.-Fri. 3pm-2am • Sat. & Sun. 12pm-2am • Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. 4:30-7:30pm
GREAT SELECTION OF APPETIZERS
116 N Federal Ave., Mason City, IA
26223 Harding Road Clermont, Iowa 52135 563.423.7173
iowahistory.org
Open Daily, 12–4 p.m. Open Fri.–Sun., 12–4 p.m. Memorial Day–Labor Day
Labor Day–Oct. 31
F40 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
RAE YOST, The Forest City Summit
A player falls into the water while trying to reach the ball during a water volleyball game at the 2015 Crystal Lake Bullhead Days.
It’s a summer of fun as communities hold special events COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, look no further than the annual events in North Iowa communities. Whether it’s Sandbaggin’ Day in Dumont or Duesey Days in Garner, there’s something just about every weekend. Here’s a rundown of the events by city: ACKLEY: The 114th Sauerkraut Days will be June 2-4. The event celebrates the community’s settlers and began as a gathering of German farmers who were drawn together by one meal — franks and kraut. The celebration includes a parade, carnival rides, the Sauerkraut Queen ceremony, entertainment, fireworks, beverage garden, live bands at night and of course, free franks and sauerkraut. ALGONA: This community has two annual events — Founder’s Day and ABATE Freedom Rally: • The ABATE Freedom Rally is June 30-July 2. The motorcycle rally usually attracts more than
10,000 people and includes live bands, food and merchandise vendors. Visit www.abateiowafreedomrally.com for more information. • Founder’s Day will be July 7-10. It includes trolley tours, food vendors, children’s activities, inflatables, a talent show, craft show, live entertainment and a free street dance. Visit www.algona.org/founders_day for more information. ALLISON: Wilder Days will be June 3-4. The community celebration includes a parade, games, carnival and other activities. BELMOND: This community has two annual summer events: • Kites Over the Prairie will be June 4 and feature kites of all sizes and food. • Prairie Homestead Antique Power & Craft Show will be Aug. 19-21. The event includes antique tractors and a craft show. This year will also include the 2015 National Plowing Contest. For more information about both events, visit www.belmondartscenter.org. CRYSTAL LAKE: Bullhead Days will be July 1-4. It will include a
parade, craft show, fireworks, tournaments and children’s activities. DOWS: Corn Days will be Aug. 5-7. The event includes a parade, sweet corn feed, entertainment, inflatables, petting zoo and other activities. DUMONT: Sandbaggin’ Day will be July 9. In past years, the event has included garage sales, a home business expo, United Methodist Church breakfast and bake sale, a tractor ride, a motorcycle ride, kids’ games and entertainment, bingo, a beanbag toss, parade and other entertainment. FERTILE: Fertile Days will be Aug. 13-14. The celebration includes children’s activities, a parade, flea market, community meal and other activities. GARNER: Duesey Days will be July 8-9. The celebration is dedicated to Fred and August Duesenberg, who began their first bicycle shop on Main Street in Garner. It includes activities such as a parade, craft show, inflatables, community meals and entertainment. For more information visit www.garneriachamber. com. GRAFTON: Turkey Day will be July 16. A variety of turkey will be
available including grilled turkey, turkey drumsticks and smoked turkey. Other activities include a parade, musical entertainment, sports tournaments and a street dance. GREENE: River Days will be June 17-18. The annual event celebrates the Shell Rock River which runs through the community. It usually includes live entertainment, inflatables, food vendors, parade, children’s activities and a beer garden. HAMPTON: Summerfest will be Aug. 26-27 and includes inflatables, live entertainment, beer garden, a car cruise and other activities. HANLONTOWN: Sundown Day celebrates summer solstice. The event will be June 18 and 21, and typically includes a kids tractor pull and lunch in the park. KANAWHA: The city’s big Labor Day celebration will be Sept. 5. It usually includes a parade, pedal tractor pull, food stand and other entertainment. KLEMME: Ag Days will be June 17-19. The event usually includes live music, children’s activities, a parade, street dance, beer garden and more.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F41
The Cedar River Complex
Events Center Wellness Center Aquatics Center Auditorium Join us for a refreshing swim, a quality performance, your wedding reception, or an invigorating workout. Contact us for information on rentals, tours, membership, and more! JEFF HEINZ, The Globe Gazette
Kyle Tabbert and Sandi Duvall help make turkey sandwiches for Grafton’s 2014 Turkey Days celebration. LAKE MILLS: July Jubilee will be July 8-10 and usually includes a parade Saturday morning, community picnic, vendors, entertainment in the park, children’s games and street dances Friday and Saturday night. MANLY: Railroad Ag Days will be Aug. 27. In past years the celebration has included a parade, train ride, inflatables, contests, games, food, vendors and live entertainment. NASHUA: Water Over the Dam Days will be June 24-27. Past years included a parade, golf tournament, mud run, zip line, beer tent, pedal push tractor pull, meals and music. For more information visit www.wateroverthedamdays.com. NORA SPRINGS: Buffalo Days and Firemen’s Ball will be June 25-26. The event usually includes buffalo meal, parade and other activities. OSAGE: Bike Ride Around Mitchell County (BRAM) will be June 25. The event will include a countryside ride that will feature the flavors of food prepared in Mitchell County. For more information visit www.osagechamber.com. ROCK FALLS: Rock Falls Fun Day will be Aug. 20. Past years included a softball tournament, bean bag toss tournament, kids’ activities, a community dinner and entertainment. ROCKFORD: Rockford Fun Day will be July 16. It typically includes a parade, children’s activities/ games and activities for adults. ROCKWELL: This community has two annual summer events:
The annual Kicken’ & Chicken Weekend will be Aug. 5-7. It includes a rodeo, softball tournament, chicken dinner, street dance, live music, motorcycle fun run and car show. The National Truck and Tractor Pull will be July 9-10. ST. ANSGAR: This community has three summer events: • Oatmeal Day (former Town and Country Day) will be June 18. It will include a 2x4 Bike Ride, 5K Color Walk/Run, Fun on 4th Street, sidewalk sales and a parade. • St. Ansgar will also host an Herb Festival on July 16. The downtown event includes herbs and herbal bake goods for sale, vendors, lectures, tours, children’s workshops, Pedal Tractor Show and Dinosaur Park. • St. Ansgar’s Fall Festival will be Sept. 10 and include food, games and vendors. SHEFFIELD: People in the Park (formerly Sourdough Days and Octoberfest) will be Aug. 20. Last year’s event included a parade, omelet breakfast, garden tractor pull, activities in the park, live music, food and fireworks. STACYVILLE: Bratwurst Daze will be July 30. The event includes children’s games, adult games such as basketball and bean bag toss, grilled bratwurst, live music, a dance and parade. TITONKA: Indian Days will be June 24-26. The event includes parade, community meal, games, inflatables, street dance and Bill Riley Talent Show.
CEDAR
RIVER
COMPLEX www.cedarrivercomplex.com
809 Sawyer Dr. Osage, IA 50461 641.832.3600
F42 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
‘Horse-ballet’ The annual Britt Draft Horse Show RAE YOST
rae.yost@globegazette.com
BRITT — Even folks who may have watched a horse show probably haven’t seen anything like the annual Britt Draft Horse Show, said Randy Hiscocks of the Britt Draft Horse Association. The annual show returns on Sept. 2-4 to the Hancock District Fairgrounds in Britt. “It’s not your typical horse show,” Hiscocks said. “It’s a 2,500-pound horse doing a ballet.” The size and skill of the horses impressed Jolene and Andy Harris of Omaha, Nebraska, who attended the show in 2015. “Just how big the horses are,” Andy Hughes said. “Being from Omaha, we don’t see too many horses. The ones we do see aren’t as big.” The draft horses pull carts with two wheels and larger wagons as they are judged on their precision and look. The draft horses were once popular for agriculture and industrial use but these days they are part of an international competitive show circle. The draft horse teams in Britt are part of that circle. Teams will compete throughout a summer season to earn points to the Classic Series Show. It’s the championship series, Hiscocks said. Twelve teams earn the right to compete in the Classic Series. “Usually we have eight of those 12 teams in Britt,” Hiscocks said.
ALLISON ULLMANN, Britt News Tribune
A draft horse 6-hitch. “We watch the national (competition) show on TV,” Cathy Winterfeld said in 2015. “You see some of those teams on the national show here.” Britt draws teams from Canada, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, Iowa and other states. The teams and states vary slightly from year-toyear but many are returning teams.
Draft Horse Show Schedule FRIDAY, SEPT. 2 7 a.m. — Gate opens. 6 p.m. — Youth and amateur show. SATURDAY, SEPT. 3 7 a.m. — Gate opens. 9 a.m. — Youth groomer and youth showmanship classes. 10 a.m. — Halter classes for hitch horses. 2 p.m. — Draft horse and grandstand show; ladies’
cart, men’s cart, unicorn, 2-4-6-horse hitches. SUNDAY, SEPT. 4 7 a.m. — Gate opens 10 a.m. — Church services. 2 p.m. — Draft horse grandstand show; ladies’ cart, men’s cart, unicorn, 2-4-6-horse hitches, supreme 6-horse hitch and classic series, 6-horse hitch class.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F43
Splish, splash, just avoid the crash COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
CHARLES CITY — Charles City’s Whitewater and Riverfront Park has drawn adventure-seeking water lovers from around the country. “We draw people throughout the year, I mean, we get people who come out in February,” said Mark Wicks of the Charles City Chamber of Commerce. Once the weather warms up, there are kayaks on the water every weekend. The course opened in 2011 and held its first event in 2012. Designed by Recreation Engineering and Planning (REP) from Boulder, Colorado, Charles City whitewater course is made up of 11 acres of water with three whitewater features. “The different wave features are such that when the
water level rises or falls it changes the feature,” Wicks said. “The professionals love to come out when the water is high.” There are two events this year on the course. Charles City Challenge for Whitewater Weekend will be June 17-19. There are 25-30 participants on the course, Wicks said. “The Whitewater Weekend we host has turned into a huge festival,” Wicks said. The events include the Crazy Cardboard Boat Race, BBQ Challenge, disc golf tournament, downtown farmers market among others. “The course draws people from miles around and we’re just starting to see local folks getting into it,” Wicks said. “There’s economic benefit since it draw enthusiasts from out of town.”
Whitewater Events June 17-19 — all day, The Charles City Challenge: Whitewater Weekend. June 25 — 7:30 a.m.5 p.m., Iowa Games Whitewater Slalom.
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Ty Graham of Cedar Falls takes a spill as Marty Colvert of Cedar Rapids and Hannah Childs of Manchester warm up for the 2015 Charles City Whitewater Challenge. The Iowa Games Whitewater Slalom will be held June 25. There will be competitions
for 12 different divisions: Decked Canoe (C1), Decked Tandem Canoe (C2), Open Solo Canoe (OC1), Open Tandem Canoe (OC2), Kayak (K1), Tandem Kayak (K2), Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP), Downriver Sprint, Any Solo Paddle, Downriver Sprint, Any Tandem Paddle Craft, Slalom for any solo paddle craft, Slalom for any tandem paddle craft and Throw Rope. Age groups are under 12, 12-17, 18-40, 41-60 and over 60 for male, female and coed.
F44 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
‘Just rolling down the road at
10 miles an hour’ JOY DRENNEN
For The Globe Gazette
MASON CITY — Keith Hearn has been driving tractors since he was 7 years old and tall enough to reach the pedals. “But such little tractors,” he said. “ Didn’t have to go very far to reach” on the orange 1944 Case VAC. He got his start along with his older brother because their dad was laid up with surgery. They learned how to cultivate and also cleaned out gutters behind cows and hauled manure. “By the time I was 8 my dad let me learn how to plow,” he said. The 160-acre farm was near Dumont, and had hogs, cows, chickens and ducks and dairy. For Hearn, the love of tractors also meant the love of farming, but in 1967 his dad quit farming and they moved to town. “But I loved the farm,” he said. So at 15 he started working for a farmer after school and on the weekends for what would turn into nine years. He left school and went to work in a factory until he was 24, but kept working for the farmer. Now tractor rides keep up the memories of the farm. Hearn bought a small acreage in 2003 and collected old equipment. He farmed that until he sold out in 2014. For the past three years he has been working for Pippert Farms in rural Mason City, and continues to work there part-time, farming, working with livestock, driving a semi — “and probably will until the day I die,” he said. Over the course of the
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Keith Hearn sits on one of his vintage tractors. years, he has collected 16 tractors — six Case tractors, four Farmalls, three Allis Chalmers, two Fords and one John Deere. Most of them are antiques (more than 30 years old) and the 1937 WC Allis Chalmer is all restored. “It’s hard to put a favorite on them because every kind of tractor intrigues me,” he said. Hearn likes to take an engine that is dead and see if he can make it go “poof, poof” and run it down the road. “In 2001, KGLO radio station introduced the tractor ride, and I have been on
every tractor ride that KGLO has had,” he said. In addition he has gone on other rides, including the WHO ride out of Des Moines. “I like the longer rides because that’s the first vacation date I put in at work, that’s my No. 1 vacation,” he said. A 1951 Super C Farmall is the one Hearn uses for most tractor rides. “It’s fun, rides nice, sits real good and it’s all restored.” Hearn believes farming is the best way of life and said he misses the old equipment. Just turning 59, Hearn has been on tractors and around
farming for 52 years. He said he likes tractor rides because of the people involved, saying they become like a big family — “just rolling down the road at 10 miles an hour, just enjoying the sights of nature.” The number of rides he will participate in in a summer depends on what’s going on. Hearn has been on as many as eight rides in one year and as few as one. “You just never know,” he said. This year he’s planning on three or four “for sure.” “I’ll never miss the KGLO ride. I feel like a 59-yearold child.”
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F45
North Iowa Area Tractor Rides KLMJ/KQCR ANTIQUE TRACTOR PARADE — Saturday, Aug. 27 — This annual ride will start and finish at Ridge Stone Golf Club in Sheffield. Route for the parade is Chapin, Latimer, Coulter, Bradford, Hampton, Beeds Lake, then back to Chapin and Sheffield. There will be breaks in Latimer, Bradford and Hampton. Registration fee is $50 per tractor, which covers all breaks, including breakfast and dinner, and a picture with the tractor. The breakfast is also open to the public. For more information and the registration form, call Mandy Strother at 641-456-5656 or email her at mandy@ klmj.com. Forms are also available from sponsors and at www.radioonthego.com. FOREST CITY TRACTOR RIDE — Saturday, Aug. 13 — The Forest City Chamber of Commerce and Heritage Park of North Iowa are partnering for the 14th Annual Forest City Tractor Ride. The 50-60-mile route starts and ends at Heritage Park of North Iowa. There will be a stop for a morning break and for a noon meal. Afternoon break will be at Heritage Park of North Iowa after the ride. For registration information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 641585-2092, or info@forestcityia.com. Registration deadline to receive a tractor ride T-shirt is July 15. SHELL ROCK HISTORICAL MUSEUM TRACTOR RIDE — Saturday, Aug. 27. There will be a morning route and an afternoon route. The ride will have two routes, one for slow tractors and one for faster tractors. Registration is $40 and includes breakfast, a noon lunch in the park by the
mill in Shell Rock, a T-shirt and a picture, plus breaks. Registration forms can be requested by writing to Sandy Soash, 1031 Third Ave. N.E., Waverly, IA 50677 or email sjsoashdmsoash@gmail.com. Requests can also be mailed to Linda McCann, Box 57, Shell Rock, IA 50670, or email lindave@butler-bremer.com. The ride is limited to 75 tractors. Registration deadline is August 1. HANCOCK COUNTY TRACTOR TOUR, BRITT — Saturday, July 30 — The 12th Annual Tractor Tour, conducted by the Hancock County Agricultural Museum, will be held during the Hancock County Fair in Britt. The 59-mile tour departs from the fairgrounds and parades through Main Street in Britt, continuing west to Hutchins and Wesley, then south to St. Benedict, winding the way to Irvington and Algona. After lunch in Algona the tour will head back to Wesley, then to Hutchinson, Britt and back to the Hancock County Agricultural Museum. The application fee is $38 and must be paid in advance. The fee includes breakfast, lunch, refreshments and admission to the Kossuth County Agricultural Museum. A T-shirt is an additional $12. Contact Darrell Schaper at 641843-4362 for more information and application forms. Forms and fees are due by Monday, July 11. There will be an additional fee of $5 if registration is late. KGLO TRACTOR RIDE — June 13-15 — Clover leaf route out of the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hampton and back every day. Registration Sunday, June 12. Monday, June 13: The route is through Chapin, Sheffield, Rockwell, Burchinal, Clear Lake and Swaledale. Tuesday, June
14: The route is Chapin, Belmond, Clarion and Alexander. Wednesday, June 15: Travel through Dougherty, Cartersville and Rockford. Wednesday is a shorter day. The route is subject to change as needed. This is KGLO radio’s 15th annual tractor ride. Pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate planning. Registered attendees receive an official tractor ride T-shirt, commemorative DVD and a swag bag. Registration forms, route map, and lodging facilities are all available on the KGLO website at www. DiscoverNorthIowa.com. For more information, riders can also stop into the KGLO studio at 341 S. Yorktown Pike, Mason City, or call at 641-423-1300. NORTH IOWA TRACTOR RIDE — July 21-23 — The 9th Annual North Iowa Tractor Ride will headquarter at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Manchester, featuring nearly 200 tractors. On Friday, July 22, the ride will roll into the Field of Dreams near Dyersville, then to Petersburg and Delhi, Delaware and New Vienna before returning to Manchester. On Saturday, July 23, the ride will travel north to Strawberry Point, then make its way through Backbone State Park. Riders will also visit Dundee and Lamont before returning to Manchester. The ride is a cooperative effort of three North Iowa radio stations: 98.7 KISS Country in Mason City, 103.7 The Fox in Mason City and 95.1 The Bull in Hampton. For more information, go to www.987kisscountry.com or www. northiowatractorride.com.
America’s Only Open May 30 - August 30 • Tours & Group Welcome
Commemorating this nation’s first migratory work force
DOWNTOWN Britt, IA • 641-843-9104 • www.hobo.com
F46 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
ALLISON ULLMANN PHOTOS, Britt News Tribune
Above: Hobos, community members and Hobo Days committee members salute the south wind during the 2015 Four Winds ceremony. Below: Toilet bowl races during the 2015 Hobo Days in Britt.
National Convention offers fun for community, gathering for hobos RAE YOST
rae.yost@globegazette.com
BRITT — Stories flow like a train on the tracks during Hobo Days and the National Hobo Convention in Britt. The 114th year of the event is Aug. 11-13. The stories of hobos can be found in the Hobo Cemetery on the eastern side of Evergreen Cemetery in Britt. Stories of hobos such as Steamtrain Maury and Connecticut Slim. Steamtrain Maury once danced on a stage in Nashville with June Carter Cash.
When her dress caught in her shoe, Steamtrain caught her and kept her from falling off the stage. Many hobos knew Connecticut Slim’s phrase, “I can ride coast to coast on a piece of toast,” his daughter, Connecticut Shorty, said in 2015. The stories can also be heard around the Hobo Jungle campfire, which is a traditional gathering place each evening for hobos and guests. Event attendees can hear the stories and share in the songs and dancing. The National Hobo
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F47
Museum contains items that tell the hobo story. In 2015, Kate Severson brought her kids to the museum so they could learn. “I wanted to show my kids the symbols and how (the hobos) communicated with each other. And how they traveled and how they lived,” said Severson, of New York and formerly of Britt. While the event is a traditional gathering for hobos, it’s also a community celebration that features games, entertainment and a parade. While Severson wanted her children to learn about the hobo lifestyle, she also wanted them to share in one of her favorite Hobo Days events. “My favorite thing about Hobo Days is the parade. It’s the best parade,” Severson said. “It never disappoints and it’s always fantastic. And I’ve been to quite a few parades across the United States.” Events throughout Hobo Days and the National Convention include the crowning of the hobo king and queen, craft shows, a carnival and more.
Right: Kate Severson shows her kids, from left, Mara, Lila and Jacob, some of the symbols hobos used to communicate with each other while traveling, during the 2015 Hobo National Convention.
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F48 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Action almost daily on North Iowa softball and baseball diamonds JEREMY KOENIGS
jeremy.koenigs@globegazette.com
The prep baseball and softball seasons are a grind. With games scheduled for nearly every day over the next two months, there are plenty of opportunities to see area teams in action as they hope to end the season with a state title. In what should be another exciting season on area diamonds, two area baseball teams — Newman Catholic in Class 1A and Clear Lake in Class 2A — are looking to defend their state titles. Meanwhile, Central Springs is looking for a return trip to the state softball tournament after a seventh-place finish in Class 2A last season. The baseball season will come to a close on Saturday, July 30, at Principal Park in Des Moines while the softball season ends a week earlier on Friday, July 22, at the Rogers Sports Complex in Fort Dodge. The state baseball tournament begins on July 22 while district play in Class 1A and Class 2A begins on July 9 with the substate finals set for July 19. Meanwhile, Class 3A and 4A teams open postseason play on July 15 with substate finals set for July 20.
AARON THOMAS, The Globe Gazette
Mason City’s Katie Voortmann slides into second base safe as Ames’ Maddie Lynch drops the throw during a July 2015 game. Fans will get their first look at the new Top of Iowa Conference, an 18-school league consisting of nine schools in the West Division and nine schools in the East Division. The West Division is made up of Belmond-Klemme, Bishop Garrigan, Eagle Grove, Forest City, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Lake Mills, North Iowa, North Union and West Hancock. The East Division is made up of Central Springs, Nashua-Plainfield, Newman Catholic, North Butler, Northwood-Kensett, Osage, Rockford, St. Ansgar and West Fork. Baseball teams that qualify
for state tournament play will have a familiar venue, as the Iowa High School Athletic Association Board of Control approved an agreement with the management of the Iowa Cubs to play the state baseball tournament at Principal Park through 2020. Since the state baseball tournament moved to Principal Park in 2005, a total of 163 teams (47 percent of the teams that compete) have qualified for the state tournament with 74 qualifying in multiple years. The Newman baseball team will be seeking another trip to the state tournament after earning its fifth state title and 37th consecutive
conference title last season. The Knights will go for consecutive conference title No. 38 in the TIC East Division this season. While baseball fans will get a chance to see Newman work to extend its streak in a new conference, softball fans could see their team rewarded with a home game to head to state. Last October, upon a recommendation from the IGHSAU Softball Advisory Committee, the IGHSAU board of directors approved to have 2016 regional final softball games in all classes (1A-5A) to be played on the home field of the highest-remaining seed of the two regional final teams playing. However, in order to secure the privilege to host, sites must have adequate lighting and meet certain other minimum facility requirements. The hope of the committee and directors is that this change is a positive step that will increase excitement and attendance at these state-qualifying games. Regional tournament dates for Class 1A and 2A are July 5, 6, 8 and 11; July 6, 8 and 11 for Class 3A; and July 7, 9 and 12 for Class 4A and 5A. The state tournament is set for July 18-22 at the Rogers Sports Complex.
Hancock Co. Ag. Museum
OPEN
July 27 – 31 – Hancock Co. Fair – Opening at 10 am Aug. 13 – Hobo Days – Open 1 – 4 pm Sept. 2 – 4 – Draft Horse Show – Opening at 10 am
10am6pm
FOREST CITY, IA
“A Celebration of Our Heritage”
Sun., June 19, July 17 & Aug. 21 - Open 1 - 4 pm For tours by appointment contact:
Darrel Schaper- 641-843-4362 • John Fangman – 641-860-3295 Free Museum – Donations Appreciated
www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F49
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LAKE FIREPLACE & SPA 1604 Hwy 18 W. Clear Lake • 1-641-357-3325 • 1-800-524-4912 www.lakefireplace.com • Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5:00; Sat. 9:30-2:30
F50 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
Changes all around New feel at Mason City Motor Speedway
JARED PATTERSON
jared.patterson@globegazette.com
MASON CITY — There’s a new feel around auto racing in Mason City. You can start with the name — the I-35 Speedway is a thing of the past. It’s Mason City Motor Speedway now. You can look at the track’s surface, which has undergone an extensive overhaul since the last time cars circled the half-mile in Mason City. And you can look at the sanctioning body. The racing in Mason City will no longer be sanctioned by IMCA. Instead, things will be under the USRA umbrella, bringing a whole different feel to a track under first-year promoter Al Hejna. “We feel we can do more for the racers by going USRA with the payout and the point fund ... changes aren’t as much as some people think,” Hejna said when he was announced as promoter. Here are some things to keep an eye on, including the slate for the North Iowa Fair, sponsored by Farmer’s State Bank of Mason City/ Clear Lake. The Meyer Motorsports Figure 8 Series will be returning for the third year, and the Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar Tuners (formerly known as Sport Compacts) special paying the Tuners $1,000 to win will take place July 20. On July 21-22, the Monster Truck Racing League will stop at the speedway. There will also be motorcycle stunt shows these nights to go along with tough trucks and quads racing. On July 23, there will be a tractor pull before a threeclass demolition derby, featuring full size, compacts
Globe Gazette file photo
Blake Cole leads a race during the 2015 season at Mason City Motor Speedway.
Mason City Motor Speedway Schedule May 15 — Season opener, featuring USRA Modifieds, Stock Cars, B-Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Tuners. May 26 — United States Modified Touring Series and Iron Man Series featuring Stock Cars and B-Modifieds. June 19 — FVP National Sprint League (410
and trucks. The week will end Sunday,
sprints) and Stock Cars, B-Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Tuners. June 29-30 — Great American Stock Car Challenge. July 8 — World of Outlaws Late Models. Aug. 14 — United States Modified Touring Series (Hunt for the Casey’s Cup). Aug. 28 — Season championship night. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 — Five Star Classic.
July 24, with the Ted Zieman Memorial, sponsored by
Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer and United Beverage.
THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F51
North Iowa golf courses offer wide variety of settings and challenges North Iowa golf courses and contact information:
2724 360th St. Buffalo Center
ACORN PARK GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-736-4450 1426 Highway 105 St. Ansgar
HAMPTON COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-456-3256 1620 Country Club Lane Hampton
ALGONA COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 515-295-7208 400 Country Club Road Algona
HIGHLAND PARK GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-423-9693 944 17th St. N.E., Mason City
BEAR CREEK GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-585-1353 145 S. Golf Course Road Forest City
HILLSIDE GOLF & DINING Phone: 515-679-4007 or 515-679-4262 2260 Crane Ave. Wesley
BELMOND COUNTRY CLUB INC. Phone: 641-444-4183 1208 Third St. N.E. Belmond
LATIMER GOLF CLUB Phone: 515-579-6090 125 East St. Latimer
BRITT COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-843-3249 2360 James Ave. Britt
LINN GROVE COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-822-4990 216 Madison St. W. Rockwell
BUFFALO RUN GOLF CLUB Phone: 641-749-5522 Highway 122 West (west of Nora Springs) Nora Springs
MASON CITY COUNTRY CLUB Private club, must be playing with member Phone: 641-424-2173 3331 19th St. S.W. Mason City
CEDAR RIDGE GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-228-6465 2147 Underwood Ave. Charles City GARNER GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-923-2819 205 Country Club Drive Garner GRUIS RECREATION AREA GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-926-5393
NORTHWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-324-1662 1391 490th St. Northwood OAK HILLS PAR 30 PUBLIC GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-357-2216 518 27th Ave. S. Clear Lake PINE CREEK GOLF CLUB
RICEVILLE COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-985-2447 401 E. Main St. Riceville RIDGE STONE GOLF CLUB Phone: 641-892-8050 7 Brickyard Road Sheffield RIVER ROAD GOLF CLUB Phone: 515-295-7351 2308 River Road 2¼ miles northwest of Algona
AARON THOMAS, The Globe Gazette
Algona’s Luke TerHark watches his tee shot on the second hole during a 2015 meet between Clear Lake and Iowa FallsAlden at Veterans Memorial Golf Club in Clear Lake.
ROUND GROVE GOLF CLUB Phone: 641-816-5621 20498 Floyd Line St. Greene SLIPPERY ELM GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-587-2670 800 S. First St. Klemme
Phone: 641-423-6831 Highway 65 N. — 15568 317th St. 4 miles north of Mason City
SPRING VALLEY Phone: 515-379-1259 1105 140th Ave. Livermore
PIONEER TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-454-2414 410 Club Terrace Manly
SUNNY BRAE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-732-3435 3419 Golf Course Road Osage
PLEASANT VALLEY GOLF CLUB Phone: 641-998-2117 405 N. First St. Thornton
VETERANS MEMORIAL GOLF CLUB Phone: 641-357-4457 2000 North Shore Drive Clear Lake
RICE LAKE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Phone: 641-592-8022 43080 Golf Ave. Lake Mills
WILDWOOD GOLF COURSE Phone: 641-257-6322 Wildwood Park Third St. and Iowa Charles City
Charles H. MacNider Art Museum 303 2nd St SE • Mason City, IA • 641-421-3666 • www.macniderart.org
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F52 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
County fairs highlight agricultural roots COURTNEY FIORINI
courtney.fiorini@globegazette.com
North Iowa county fairs will host top entertainment this season, along with 4-H, FFA and open competitions, shows, displays, games and more. The fairs run from June to September for fun all summer long. The North Iowa Fair will hold its first hot air balloon rally this year, in addition to a return of the Dragonfire Dancing Horses. Butler County will have country music group Diamond Rio performing this year, and Franklin County is excited to have Foreigner and John Michael Montgomery. Area county fairs and the Iowa State Fair are listed in calendar order: Worth County Fair — Northwood, June 15-19. Borderline Band, rodeo and Buddy Holly Tribute. Butler County Fair
CHRIS ZOELLER, The Globe Gazette
Thirteen-year-old Emily Lunning of Mason City, right, lifts up her 5-year-old friend Madeline Cornish onto her pony, Shadow, as fair board member Randy Thomas holds the reins at the 2015 North Iowa Fair in Mason City. Lunning and Shadow were going to compete in the Garner Saddle Club Fun Horse Show. — Allison, June 22-26. Diamond Rio. Wright County Fair — Eagle Grove, July 6-11. Amusement rides. Franklin County Fair — Hampton, July 13-17. Foreigner, John Michael
Montgomery and Granger Smith; along with rodeo, stock car races and four-wheeler and go-kart races. North Iowa Fair — Mason City, July 20-24. Hot air balloon rally, Red & Green Shootout Challenge truck and
tractor pull, stock car racing, beer garden, 4-H and open competitions. Floyd County Fair — Charles City, July 20-24. WILD World of Animals Show and Split Second. Winnebago County Fair — Thompson, July 21-24. Six Appeal and Impact Pro Wrestling. Hancock County Fair — Britt, July 26- Aug. 1. Outlaw tractor and truck pull. Kossuth County Fair — Algona, Aug. 2-6. Demolition Derby. Mitchell County Fair — Osage, Aug. 3-7. Car demolition derby and the 7th annual barbeque competition. Iowa State Fair — Des Moines, Aug. 11-21. Meghan Trainor, Jason Derulo, Dirks Bently, Jeff Dunham, Kiss and Lady Antebellum. Clay County Fair — Spencer, Sept.10-18. Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • F53
Explore North Iowa county parks
North Iowa boasts 50 county parks offering a wide selection of amenities and recreational opportunities. Whether your goals are a shady picnic spot and a playground, a favored fishing hole or a campground with facilities ranging from primitive to modern, North Iowa’s county parks have plenty of options to fit your needs. In addition, there are numerous other conservation, wildlife and hunting areas managed by county conservation boards. Here is a rundown of North Iowa county parks:
CERRO GORDO COUNTY • INGEBRETSON PARK — 203 Ash St. E., Thornton. Situated on a branch of Beaver Dam Creek just off Interstate 35. There are 23 campsites with electricity, a shower house, dump station and water fill available. Camping fees are $12 per night with electricity and $7 per night for a primitive site. No reservations accepted. • LIME CREEK CONSERVATION AREA AND NATURE CENTER — 3501 Lime Creek Road, Mason City. An extensive trail network provides space for biking, hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, offering access to a 440-acre diverse, natural area. A nature center offers conservation displays, library and auditorium. • LINN GROVE PARK — 518 Madison St. W., Rockwell. Provides complete camping facilities on 38 acres along a meander of Beaver Dam Creek. There are 66 electrical sites, a shower house, dump station and water fill available. Camping fees are $12 per night with electricity and $7 per night for a primitive site. No reservations accepted. • SHELL ROCK RIVER GREENBELT & PRESERVE — Nora Springs to Rock Falls. A 7½-mile drive, walk, canoe trip or ride along the limestone bluffs on the Shell Rock River goes through 509 acres of woods, meadows and ponds. Primitive camping and picnic areas available at the preserve. • SPRING CREEK PRESERVE — 15829 300th St., Mason City. The 34-acre park features a spring, limestone bluffs along the creek and fishing access on the Winnebago River. • STRAND PARK — 20057 340th St., Plymouth. The 33-acre park on the Shell Rock River features a tennis and basketball court, playground, picnic area, shelter and canoe access. • WILKINSON PIONEER PARK — 21425 Vine Ave., Rock Falls. A beautiful 80-acre park with complete camping facilities; 42 electrical sites, shower house, dump station
ARIAN SCHUESSLER, The Globe Gazette
Molli Wienhold, conservation education intern at Lime Creek Nature Center, looks for the queen bee in the hive at the nature center in June 2014. Lime Creek is one of about 50 North Iowa county parks. and water fill available. A covered bridge and remnant of native prairie are located in the park. Camping fees are $12 per night with electricity and $7 per night for a primitive site. No reservations accepted.
FLOYD COUNTY • ACKLEY CREEK PARK — 2775 Indigo Ave. Nestled along Ackley Creek 2 miles southwest of Marble Rock, this park features 37 modern camping sites with electricity and water, 10 primitive camping sites, showers and restrooms, two picnic shelters, a playground and hiking trails in the woods. The cost is $15 per night for modern camping sites and $10 per night for primitive sites. • COLWELL PARK — 2962 140th St. This primitive campground 2½ miles west of Colwell features a picnic shelter and fishing access to the Little Cedar River. • FOSSIL & PRAIRIE PARK PRESERVE AND CENTER — 1227 215th St. Stroll through acres of native Iowa prairie located 1 mile west of Rockford, discover and collect ancient sea life fossils from the quarry and visit the historic beehive kilns used by the Rockford Brick & Tile Co. The visitor center, open 1 to 4 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and 1 to 4 p.m. weekends in May, September and October, contains exhibits that interpret the unique features of the park. No admission fee. • GATES BRIDGE ACCESS — 2920 Kirkwood Road. This park along the Shell Rock River 4 miles south of Marble Rock features river access, fishing, picnicking and six primitive campsites. • ROTARY WILDLIFE AREA —1661 Rotary Park Road. This quiet picnic destination near
Charles City also is a place for fishing on the Cedar River. The park has an open-sided picnic shelter, hiking trials and river access for canoes. • WEST IDLEWILD CAMPGROUND — 1374 Quarry Road. This primitive campground 2 miles northwest of Floyd features an improved canoe ramp, fishing access, a picnic shelter, a playground, hunting and hiking trials. The cost for camping is $5 per night.
FRANKLIN COUNTY • CREEDEN PRAIRIE — 5 miles north and 2 miles east of Hansell, 420 acres including large plots of native prairie. The park features canoeing, fishing, hunting, undeveloped natural area and geocaching. • INGEBRETSON MEMORIAL GROVE — 2 miles west and 1 mile north of Sheffield. The 118-acre park includes a hiking trail, undeveloped natural area, cross country skiing and geocaching. • INTERSTATE LAKE PARK — 26 acres and includes a boat ramp, canoeing, fishing, hunting, ice fishing and geocaching. It is 2½ miles west of Coulter and 1 mile south of Highway 3. • MALLORY PARK — Located 4½ miles south and 2 miles west of Hampton. The 71-acre park features picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicapped access, tent and trailer camping, hiking trails, fishing. • MAYNES GROVE — 280-acre park is located about 4 miles south of Hampton on Highway 65. It includes two ponds which allow fishing, canoeing and kayaking; however, no boat wakes or swimming are allowed.
F54 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2016 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE
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“Where Nature’s Close & Friends are Closer”
Events Kite Day @ Heritage Park - May 21 Steam School Days - May 21-22 Tree Town Festival - May 26-29 Tractor Pull @ Heritage Park - June 4-5 Winn. Outdoor Adventure Race - June 4 International Festival - June 11 Bash on the Farm - June 24-25 Puckerbrush Days - July 14-17 North Iowa Festival of Brass - Aug 5 Chamber Tractor Ride - Aug 13 Steam Threshing Heritage Park - Sept 17-18 Junkapalooza – Fall Fest - Oct 8-9 Ladies Day Out - Nov 5
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The park also features horseback riding, hunting, trails, prairie and timber areas, trails, picnic tables, benches, a grill shelter, restrooms, a fire ring, observation tower and Four Seasons Lodge, which can be rented. • NORTH HANSELL SHOOTING COMPLEX— Shotgun range, rifle range with targets to 500 yards, a pistol range and an archery range. Open to public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays through late fall. There is a $10-per-day user fee or a $50 pass for the season. Application for season pass may be made at the complex. • POPEJOY CONSERVATION PARK — Features picnicking, picnic shelter with electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicapped access, primitive camping only, canoeing, rental facilities, sledding/tobogganing, snowmobiling and geocaching. The park is 61 acres and 1½ miles southwest of Popejoy. • ROBINSON PARK — 30 acres and includes picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicapped access, tent and trailer camping, hiking trail, fishing and geocaching. • ROLLING PRAIRIE TRAIL — A multi-use recreational trail that has trail heads in both Coulter and Hampton with a spur to Beeds Lake State Park. It is approximately 13 miles in length with the Hampton to Beeds Lake stretch surfaced in blacktop and Beeds Lake to Coulter surfaced in a crushed lime surface. Great for biking, walking and snowmobiling. • WKW CONSERVATION PARK — 54 acres and 1 mile north and 1 mile east of Hampton. It includes picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicap access, tent and trailer camping, hiking trail, interpretive trail, rental facilities, cross country skiing and geocaching.
HANCOCK COUNTY • CONCORD PARK — A 2-acre park south of Garner. Has a shelter house available to rent
JIM CROSS, The Press-News
Mitchell County Conservation Board Naturalist Chelsea Ewen dons a set of deer antlers while explaining how to identify a deer during “Picnics in the Park” in this 2014 photo. for $20. • CRYSTAL LAKE PARK — On the east shore of Crystal Lake at 1045 320th St., rural Forest City. State park managed by the Hancock County Conservation Board. It is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There is a playground, disc golf course, swimming beach, boating, fishing, hiking trail and campground. There are about 15 primitive campsites and 65 modern campsite with electricity for $15 per night. Primitive sites are $10 per night. The shelter house is available for rent for $20 per day. Three modern log cabins with air conditioning are available for rent by reservation only from April 15 to Nov. 15 for $50 to $80 per night. For detailed information and reservations, go to www.hancock-countyia.org/conservation. html or call 641-923-2720. • EAGLE LAKE STATE PARK — 2510 Lake Ave., Britt, is also managed by the Hancock County Conservation Board. The 21-acre park has a handicapped-accessible bird watching deck, hiking trail, restrooms, playground equipment and shelter house.
The shelter house is available for rent for $20 per day. • ELDRED SHERWOOD PARK — 2185 120th St., 3 miles east of Goodell. Has a small lake, horseshoe pits, modern restroom, a 2-mile trail system, shelter house and picnic area. The shelter house is available for rental for $20 per day. A campground offers 40 modern sites with electricity at $15 per night and five primitive campsites for $10 per night. The park is typically open from mid-April to mid-October.
MITCHELL COUNTY • CEDAR BRIDGE PARK — Located just west of Osage on Highway 9, this park has 18 designated campsites with electrical and water hookups, modern toilet and shower facility, playground equipment and a dump station. Campers must self-register at the entrance. The Cedar River is easy to access from this park for fishing or boating. The Cedar River Greenbelt Trail head is also located nearby. Camping fees for electric sites
are $18 per night. Non-electric sites are $10 per night. This is also an equestrian campground with hitching posts at nine campsites. The fee for equestrian camping is $19 a night. There is an equestrian dump station that all horse campers are asked to use. A modern cabin is also available for rental year round. For reservations, contact the MCCB office at 641-732-5204. • HALVORSON PARK — This 10.6-acre park is located 1½ miles south of St. Ansgar on Foothill Avenue, along the Cedar River. The park features boat ramps and docks, handicapped accessible fishing, a swim beach, playground equipment, picnic shelters, modern toilet and shower facility, electric and water hookups and dump station. Approximately 50 non-designated campsites are available with electricity. Campers must self-register at the entrance. Cost is $18 for electric, $10 without. • INTERSTATE PARK — This scenic park along the Cedar River is located on the west edge of Mitchell on Hickory Avenue. It is the site of the Mitchell Mill Dam and the historic hydro-electric powerhouse. This facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the only operating hydro-electric power plants in the state. Boating, fishing, water skiing and swim beach are available. The camping site offers electric and water hookups, dump station, two shelter houses, a modern toilet and shower facility and playground equipment. Campers must self-register at the entrance. The 40-site campground charges $18 for electric, $10 without. • NEW HAVEN POTHOLES PARK — This 168-acre outdoor classroom has 1½ miles of mowed self-guided nature trails. The area is designed for “quiet type” recreation such as hiking, bird and animal observation, photography and cross-country skiing. Habitats include forest, marsh, prairie and the Little Cedar River. Off-road parking with walk-in access is provided. It is located 6 miles east and 1½ miles north of Osage, just off
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Shadow Avenue. • OTRANTO PARK — This 5-acre park, located ¼ of a mile east of Otranto on 480th Street, is a 20-site, non-designated campground. It has electrical and water hookups, modern toilet and shower facility, playground equipment, small picnic shelter, small watercraft access and dump station. It is a popular site to put in on the Cedar River to canoe float. Campers must self-register at the entrance prior to camping. Cost is $16 for electric, $10 without. • PINICON ALDERS WILDLIFE AREA — This 330acre area, located ½ mile west of McIntire on 470th Street, provides habitat that includes mature hardwood forest, native prairies and grasslands. The Wapsipinicon River flows through the area and is stocked with trout by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The area has a newer cabin with electricity. The cabin is furnished with futons, table and chairs, mini fridge, microwave, and a fireplace. Nearby are equestrian, hiking and ski trails. There is electric available and pit toilets. Cost is $40 per night. Contact MCCB for reservation at 641-732-5204. • PIONEER PARK — Located 6 miles east of Osage and 4 miles north on Shadow Avenue. The campground has been updated and has seven designated gravel campsites, with electric and water hookups and pit toilets. The shelter house is enclosed, with electric and picnic tables. There is a $10 camping fee. • RIVERSIDE PARK — Located just east of Stacyville
FILE PHOTO
The public is invited to look for Devonian fossils at the Rockford Fossil & Prairie Center and take them home for free. on 465th Street, on Little Cedar River, the park has modern toilet and shower facility, electrical and water hookups, dump station, volleyball sand court, regulation softball diamond, shelter house and access for small watercrafts. Cost is $16 for electric sites, $10 without.
WINNEBAGO COUNTY • AMBROSON RECREATION AREA — 3035 Iowa Highway 9, Leland. A former rest area, the multi-use recreation complex contains a mixture of uplands and wetlands that provide wildlife habitat. Located along the Winnebago River, and containing 21 acres of ponds, the area is popular for fishing. The area is a an access point for the Winnebago River Water Trail. Canoeing and boating with electric motors only. There are picnic tables, grills, an open shelter, playground and drinking water. • DAHLE PARK — 21179 485th St., Lake Mills. Situated on the Winnebago River, the park
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offers fishing in the river and adjacent ponds. There are eight camping spots with electricity and water in a quiet oak timber. Camping is $5 per night. The park is the northern access point for the Winnebago River Water Trail. • FLORENCE RECREATION AREA AND TRAP SHOOTING RANGE — 42435 60th Ave., Thompson, with a 3-acre, springfed fishing pond. Boating with electric motor only and canoeing are permitted. There are picnic tables, grills, an open shelter and playground. The area also contains restored prairie and is popular with pheasant hunters and trap shooters. Public shooting times are posted on the website. All are subject to weather. • HOGSBACK WILDLIFE AREA AND TARGET SHOOTING RANGE — 48050 210th Ave., Lake Mills. Mixed oak forest, bluffs, wildflowers and native grass are popular with deer, squirrel, turkey and wildfowl hunters. Target shooters also enjoy the target shooting
range but must use only paper targets — downloadable from www.targetz.com. • LINDEN TOWNSHIP CEMETERY — 38128 90th Ave., Thompson. Managed by the Winnebago County Conservation Board as a fine example of virgin prairie. • THORPE PARK — 34496 110th Ave., Forest City. This multiple-use area contains a wetland popular with waterfowl hunters in the fall and 15-acre Lake Catherine which features year-round fishing. There are 15 campsites; 13 with electricity and water, two that are primitive. A rental cabin for up to six people is also available at Lake Catherine for $50 per night on weekdays and $65 per night on weekends. To see the cabin rental calendar, visit www.winnebagoccb.com. To make a cabin reservation call 641-565-3390. • WINNEBAGO RIVER WATER TRAIL — This is one of Iowa’s newer designated water trails. North canoe put-in is at Dahle Park while south access is at Pammel Park in Forest City. Additional accesses along this 27-mile water trail are located at the Lande River Conservation Area and at Ambroson Recreation Area. A detailed downloadable brochure and map of the Winnebago River Trail can be found at www. winnebagoccb.com or by calling 641-565-3390.
WORTH COUNTY • KUENNEN’S QUARRY — 1555 450th St., Northwood. Two former limestone quarries primarily used for picnicking,
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swimming and fishing. There is a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and concrete boat ramp. A fully enclosed log cabin shelter house with heat and air conditioning can be reserved for $70 per day. An open shelter can be reserved for $35 by calling 641324-1524. There are six open picnic table pavilions with grills. There is running water and restroom facilities. • OCHYEE YAHOLA PARK — 1284 495th St., Northwood, offers camping, hiking and equestrian trails. There are four campsites in the park with electricity but no water. Fees are $10 per night with self-registration. An open shelter with a fire ring is available and can be reserved by calling 641-324-1524. • SILVER LAKE PARK — 497 500th St., Northwood, is located on the north shore of Silver Lake. The park entrance is 200 yards west of the fishing jetty which can be spotted from the road. An open shelter overlooks the lake. It can be reserved for $10 by calling 641-324-1524. There are eight campsites for $10 per night with self-registration. • WORTH COUNTY LAKE — 1717 420th St. , Kensett. Former gravel pit provides swimming, fishing and location for picnics. There are horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables, and an open shelter house that can be reserved for $10 by calling 641-324-1524.
WRIGHT COUNTY • BINGHAM PARK — 2231 Victor Ave., Rowan. Twelve acres of timber along Iowa River. • LAKE CORNELIA PARK — 1768 O’Brien Ave., Clarion. The 122-acre park owned and maintained by the Wright County Conservation Board is located midway between Clarion and Belmond. There is a beach, boat ramp, harbor, shelter house, shower facilities, a ¾-mile grass trail, playground areas for children and a ball field. Eight campsites are available along the lakeshore. Seventy campsites have 50-amp outlets and 14 have sewer and water hookups as well. The campground does not require reservations. Camping is $15 per night for sites with electricity and $20 per night for sites with water and electricity. • OAKDALE PARK — 1739 Buchanan Ave., Renwick. This 127-acre park is located in a heavily timbered area with woodland wildflowers along the Boone River. There are two open shelters, four campsites and modern facilities. A shelter house is available to rent. • PIKES TIMBER — 1850 Quincy Ave., Belmond. Heavily timbered area with two open shelters, four campsites with electricity, a hand-pumped well and primitive latrine. Sources: County conservation officials and websites.
Explore North Iowa’s state parks North Iowa’s six state-owned and state-managed parks offer wonderful opportunities to camp, swim, fish, hike, watch and photograph wildlife and numerous other activities. While visitors are encouraged to call or email park staff with specific questions using the contact information below, reservations for state park campsites, shelters and other facilities can be made online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 877-427-2757 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Reservation fees are $4 per reservation online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica. com/, $6 per reservation via the reservation call center, and the fee applies for each campsite, cabin, lodge or shelter that is reserved regardless of length of stay. Cabins, lodges and shelters can be reserved up to 12 months in advance of the time of your stay. Camping reservations can be made up to three months in advance of your planned camping date. Reservations are accepted for only half of the campsites at most parks, with the rest available on a first-come, first-served basis. BEEDS LAKE Located 3 miles northwest of Hampton, this park surrounds a 90-acre impoundment fed by Spring Creek. Fishing, swimming and boating (no-wake speed) are popular. A long causeway crosses the lake and a hiking trail surrounds it. The dam, lodge, ranger’s house and other structures are of Civilian Conservation Corps vintage. The park’s beautiful limestone CCC dam is the most photographed dam in the Midwest. Access to the dam is on the east side of the lake The park includes several picnic shelters as well as an updated stone-and-timber lodge. There is a 144-site campground (99 electric) featuring updated restroom and shower facilities. The concessionaire offers live bait, prepared food and limited grocery items along with canoe, kayak and paddleboat rental. A sandy beach for swimming is located on the south side of the lake, near the lodge and causeway. The beautiful lake, fed by Spring Creek, is a popular destination for anglers, year-round, and bass, catfish, and panfish are available. Contact: 641-456-2047. CLEAR LAKE This 55-acre park on the southeast shore
of beautiful 3,643-acre Clear Lake is best known for its 900-foot beach and adjacent picnic area with numerous tables and grills. There is also an open picnic shelter and a WPA-era lodge with modern updates. This park features rolling ground with mature oak groves and several thickets that provide homes for various small animals, birds and deer. Woodford Island is a 3-acre island managed for wildlife habitat and is a great spot for fishing. The park features more than 10 acres of picnic grounds with tables and grills. The shady picnic areas provide a great place for a family cookout. Playground equipment for small children is located in the picnic area adjacent to the campground. There are 71 electric campsites (including seven with full sewer and water hookups) and eight non-electric. The park includes a sidewalk paralleling the beach, as well as an approximately halfmile mowed-grass trail through wooded areas. Contact: 641-357-4212. MCINTOSH WOODS On the northwest side of Clear Lake in the city of Ventura, McIntosh covers 60 acres. Concrete boat ramps, a courtesy dock, a modern fish-cleaning station and a large parking lot make this a popular spot with boaters and anglers. The park has a small swimming beach, a playground and an open picnic shelter. A one-mile nature trail with interpretive signs winds through wooded areas and through Mallard Marsh on a walkway above the marsh that leads to a wildlife viewing blind where you can take photos of waterfowl, birds and a variety of wildlife species. The park includes 45 electric and four non-electric campsites with a modern shower, restroom and playground. Also available are two yurts: round, woodframed tents with clear domed ceilings. The park is one of the major boating access points for Clear Lake and features the largest modern boat ramp on the late with an extensive paved area for vehicle and trailer parking. McIntosh Woods State Park is a popular spot for picnickers. The grassy and shaded picnic areas are a fine place for a family cookout. An open picnic shelter has been built near the boat ramp and can be reserved online. Contact: 641-829-3847. Information on Iowa state parks is available at www.iowadnr.gov/ Places-to-Go/State-Parks-Rec-Areas.
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Pilot knob observation tower is the second-highest point in the state, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. PILOT KNOB Located 3 miles east of Forest City and a mile south of Hwy. 9, this 700-acre wooded park is known for its 13½ miles of trails (including 8 miles of horseback trails), natural diversity and year-round scenic beauty. A large amphitheater, two open picnic shelters and the observation tower were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. The entrance portals, stone shelter, three stone bridges, amphitheater and observation tower are all on the National Register of Historic Places. The amphitheater seats 1,000 and is a popular wedding spot. The 30-foot observation tower, at 1,450 feet above sea level, makes claim to being the second-highest point in Iowa. Pilot Knob is listed in the Iowa Wildlife Viewing Guide and is an exceptional area for bird watching or spying for deer. Wild turkey were introduced into the area in 1979 and have expanded rapidly. Eight-acre Dead Man’s Lake includes a 4-acre floating sphagnum bog, the only one in the state. Many unusual plants inhabit the bog and the surrounding area, attracting a
diversity of wildlife. The 15-acre man-made lake is stocked with bluegills and bass. Boating is permitted, but with electric motors only. The campground has 48 electric and 12 non-electric sites, a modern restroom and shower, shelters, a playground and a youth-only campground. Contact: 641-581-4835. AMBROSE A. CALL This 138-acre park sits 1½ miles southwest of Algona near the East Fork of the Des Moines River and consists primarily of hilly old-growth woodlands. Shade from the forest’s closed canopy reduces understory, creating favorable conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing. There are about two miles of maintained hiking trails. Thirteen electric and three non-electric campsites are available only on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). A log-cabin-style lodge built in 1928 can be reserved through the state reservation system. There is a modern vaulted restroom in the campground and a pit toilet near the lodge.
Other attractions include 2 miles of trails, an 18-hole disc golf course and an authentic 19th century log cabin that is popular for family reunions and wedding receptions. The park is managed by Pilot Knob State Park. Contact: 641-581-4835. RICE LAKE STATE PARK This 15-acre wooded park is located on the southeast lakeshore of 1,200-acre Rice Lake, southeast of Lake Mills. The CCC-era stone shelter was renovated a few years ago and there is a relatively new pit toilet. The park is a popular destination for picnicking, fishing and wildlife viewing. There is no overnight camping. Motorized boating with any size motor is allowed on Rice Lake, making it popular for skiing, personal watercraft and fishing. Fish include bass, bluegill, walleye, perch, northern pike, crappie and bullheads. Contact: 641-581-4835.
Includes information from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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