Issuu

Spotlight

june 2026

issue 2 | june 2026

CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER GRANT GIBBONS

MARKET DIRECTOR LEANNE DARR

ADVERTISING JODY KAYSER HOLLY ROKES

GRAPHIC DESIGN MICHELLE COLSHAN

Affordable summer entertainment options that may be a short drive from home

Spotlight Summer

Summer is full of opportunities to rest and unwind. It’s also a prime time for people to embark on vacations, road trips or take in activities around their hometowns. According to InsureMyTrip, millennials prefer to travel the most during summer. July is repeatedly ranked highest, with Transportation Security Administration volume records indicating various dates during July are particularly busy times for travel.

Summer is synonymous with school breaks and time off from work, and it makes sense that people will look to entertainment options to fill their time. But not everyone has the budget for lavish two-week vacations or big-ticket excursions. Fortunately, having fun doesn’t have to involve going broke. The following are some low-cost options for active daily or overnight adventures when the mercury rises.

Local sports game

While the draw of a Major League Baseball stadium certainly has its merits, unless inexpensive tickets can be secured, more local options may be a more budget-friendly fit. Minor league teams, like the Iowa Cubs, can provide the thrill of watching sports without the high price tag. Plus, they draw smaller crowds and are closer to home for most fans.

Fairs and carnivals

The average cost of a day at an amusement park can be eye-opening. BestLifeOnline. com says major park tickets for a family of four now range from $370 to more than $1,100, depending on the park’s luxury level. Smaller regional parks may have lower-priced tickets, but even then, costs can add up when considering food and drink, too. Church carnivals and local county fairs tend to be much more affordable and offer similar thrills and games.

Spotlight Summer

Free Fishing Weekend: Kids Clinic

Kennedy Park - 1415 Nelson Avenue, Fort Dodge

June 7 - 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Fun relaxing hour of fishing. Don’t have the equipment? Don’t worry, everthing will be provided. Register online at mycountyparks.com.

River’s Edge Mini Trail Hikes

River’s Edge Discovery Center - 20 N 1st Street, Fort Dodge

June 23, July 28 and August 25 - 10:00 a.m. - All Ages Walk the paved trails at the River’s Edge Discovery Center, each hike will be themed with fun discovery. The program is free, but registration is required.

8 tips to make for a fun day at the water park

When summertime temperatures are hot and climbing, people look for ways to cool off. Trips to the beach or a pool often top the list of ideas, but water parks also make for great places to spend a hot summer day.

Water parks may be stand-alone facilities in town or components of larger amusement parks. They often feature a combination of wading pools, slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones to cater to visitors of all ages. Water parks can be great family fun for those who do their homework and prepare for visits accordingly. Certain tips can make the experience that much more enjoyable.

1. Pack light. Belongings can be tricky when it comes to water parks because most items cannot get wet. Leaving them beside rides also leaves you vulnerable to theft. Bring only the essentials and plan to stash car keys, mobile phones and minimal cash in lockers. Lockers in many modern facilities are paid for with your credit card and work by entering a self-generated code. This way there are no keys or locks to worry about.

2. Bring three bags. Bring a backpack or a tote bag that is filled with a change of clothes. Unless you dry off for the last hour by walking around the park, you likely will not want to get in your vehicle in your swimsuit. Leave the clothes in the aforementioned locker. Stash a plastic shopping bag or garbage bag inside the backpack, as it can hold wet swimsuits and other damp items after you’ve changed. Bring a mesh or breathable shoulder bag that can hold a few essentials, like towels and water bottles. The mesh will enable air flow so that you don’t end up with a sopping, mildew-riddled towel by the end of the day.

3. Wear comfortable swim gear. It’s hard to get out of the sun at a water park, so covering up is key. A rash guard or swim shirt can be paired with swim trunks or one- or two-piece swimsuits. Avoid any swimsuits that have flimsy straps, as they’re more likely to come undone while crashing through waves or during high speed water slide excursions.

4. Plan locker trips strategically. Aim to visit your locker at least two or three times if you’re spending a full day at the water park. This gives you chances to reapply sunscreen (which you should always wear at the park) and grab a few dollars for snacks

and beverages. Remember to stay hydrated while out in the sun, even if you are in the water most of the time.

5. Utilize water shoes. Water park pavement can get hot and slippery. Water shoes are ideal so that you do not injure your feet. Many rides prohibit flip flops, but secured water shoes are allowed.

6. Arrive early. Try to get to the water park shortly after it opens. Crowds will be sizable on hot days. You don’t want to waste all of your time waiting in line for rides. Plus, the earlier in the day you arrive, the less steamy and the greater chance you will find parking near the entrance.

7. If budget allows, rent a cabana. Some parks rent cabanas. A cabana can be a family’s home base and a place to cool off and relax. For an extra cost, some cabanas come with food service.

8. Have extra adults on hand. When the kids outnumber the adults, it can be tricky keeping eyes on everyone, especially in larger attractions like wave pools. Plus, there’s bound to be some kids who are more adventurous than others. An extra adult or two can wait with children who do not want to go on particular slides or other rides.

Water parks are entertaining ways to cool off on hot days.

Following certain tips can make visits even more fun.

Spotlight Summer

Safe Mushroom Foraging

HROOM FORAGING

Camp WaNoKi I 2400 WaNoKi Camp Road, Fort Dodge

2400 WaNoKi Camp Road, Fort Dodge

00 pm

June 25 - 6:00-9:00 pm

Registration Information

ISU Extension field specialist, Gina Buelow The evening will include using resources, identifying mushrooms, and hiking to locate the diversity of ave with resource materials and some valuable first hand experience. gistration is limited for the class

Registration Information: The class will be led by ISU Extension field specialist, Gina Buelow. The evening will include using field guides and other resources, identifying mushrooms, and hiking to locate the diversity of mushrooms. You will leave with resource materials and some valuable first hand experience. $10 per participant. Registration is limited for the class.

ONAL MUD DAY

International Mud Day

m | All Ages

Children’s Forest I 1386 National Ave, Fort Dodge

mud! We will be meeting at the open shelter at the back of the Children’s vel trail from the parking lot - you can’t miss us! It will be messy and you for some fun! I 1386 National Ave, Fort Dodge

June 27 - 10:00 am - All Ages

Come and play in the mud! We will be meeting at the open shelter at the back of the Children’s Forest. Follow the gravel trail from the parking lot - you can’t miss us! It will be messy and you will get muddy. Join us for some fun!

AN-UP

Hamilton County Events

June 4-August 27

ping clean up the river! Wear your oldest clothes, heavy duty work gloves, The work will be tough but rewarding Create memories with friends and ovided afterwards Registration required | Exact Route to be Determined m

June 13-14

June 27

June 19-21

June 28

July 4

July 11-12

Webster City Market Nights

EVERY THURSDAY (EXCEPT July 23) - DOWNTOWN WEBSTER CITY

Jewell Jubilee - Jewell

Ellsworth Extravaganza - Ellsworth

Central Iowa Junk Jaunt - Hamilton County

Kamrar Free Car Show - Kamrar

4th of July Celebrations - Williams

Stratford on the Loose - Downtown Stratford

munity College Trap Range | 2091 Richmill Road, Fort Dodge 12-18

July 17

July 18

July 21-26

Stanhope Block Party - Stanhope

oting skills with guidance from Iowa Central Community College’s Shooting sored by Webster County Pheasants Forever, Webster County a Central Community College Registration required

Stanhope Watermelon Day - Downtown Stanhope

Hamilton County Fair - Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Webster City

mycountyparks.com or scan the QR code.

ideas for fun family vacations

A large percentage of those traveling will be doing so as families. School breaks make summer a great time for families to get away, although savvy family travelers also buck the trends and opt to travel when the crowds may be lighter. Certain vacations and activities are best geared toward family vacationers. Explore these ideas before booking a vacation.

• Stay at an all-inclusive resort. Whether you stay on domestic soil or travel abroad, an all-inclusive resort is a fine option for families. That’s because once the trip is booked and paid for, all of the food, most of the beverages and many amenities are all handled. That means families can simply check in and start having fun. All-inclusive resorts may feature board games, water sports, movie nights, and even kids-only dance clubs.

• Play miniature golf. Miniature golf games and warm summer evenings are a perfect match. Most resort towns have at least one mini golf course to test skills on the small-scale links. During times when the weather may not be ideal, indoor mini golf can be an entertaining diversion.

• Set up camp. Campsites and RV parks offer a bevy of activities for active families. Not only is there the excitement of sleeping away from home and next to nature, but certain campsites also serve as small, self-contained resorts with offerings like pools, hot tubs, golf courses, tennis courts, or boating options as part of their featured amenities.

• Take a sight-seeing tour. Check the local travel guides to see which type of entertaining or educational tours are available nearby. There are trolley tours, boat tours, bike tours, and walking tours that present the area sights in an informative light. The benefit of a tour is that all the work is removed and all tourists have to do is show up and enjoy the experience.

• Spend a day swimming. Plenty of family vacations revolve around time around the pool or along the coast. Swimming doesn’t require much gear, and as long as the weather is amenable, it’s possible to while away the hours for most of the day. Even after sundown, the beach can be a go-to spot for bonfires, music and fun. Remember to lather on the sunblock so that sunburns do not derail vacation plans.

• Explore the thrills and attractions. Plan a family vacation a stone’s throw away from an amusement park so that everyone can get their hearts racing on roller coasters and other fast-paced amusements. Theme parks have various rides that are geared toward different age groups.

Families can enjoy many recreational pursuits while on vacation this summer.

the Date!SavD e vD e

- 4:00 pm

Join realtors from all local offices as they come together to provide an opportunity for potential buyers to tour a full variety of homes!

Whether you have questions about the process, are just starting your search, or have been patiently waiting for your dream home to pop up - this will be a great chance to meet different agents, see some great properties and maybe find “the one!”

Be sure to like & follow so you don’t miss out!