NEWTON FEST AND NEWTON ALUMNI WEEKEND 2025
LET THERE BE MUSIC!
Fierce Faith Music Festival, Maytag Bowl and The Venue & Public House offer wide range of entertainment during Newton Fest
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
Opportunities to enjoy live music are always in abundance during Newton Fest, but this year the entertainment has been turned up to 11. In addition to music at the Maytag Bowl, the weekend offerings now include the Fierce Faith Music Festival and its lineup of impressive Christian music bands.
Performing at Fierce Faith Music Festival this year is Iowa artist Jake Simon, Christian pop musician Riley Clemmons, a sister duo known as The Band JAREN and headliner Colton Dixon. Tickets are $20 per person, or $15 per person for groups of 10. Kids ages 10 and under enter the festival
free of charge.
To reserve your tickets to the festival, visit www.fiercefaithmusic.org.
The festival will be held 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Community Heights Alliance Church.
Fierce Faith Music Festival was founded in Newton just four years ago by Nick and Kristi Cummins, and ever since then the event has continually drawn huge crowds. It premiered downtown and then moved to Legacy Plaza. Last year and this year, the festival has been held at Community Heights Alliance Church.
Of course, there are plenty of other live music events to partake in during — and even before — this year’s Newton Fest. Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, the city’s free Summer
Concert Series at Maytag Bowl will feature the Newton City Band. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy the show.
Damon Dotson may be based out of Des Moines, but the guy is practically a Newton resident at this point. There is a reason the singer-songwriter continues to show up at Newton Fest: We just plain like him! He’s got quite the fan base and he knows all the songs we like. Can’t beat that.
For any of you detractors out there, just know Dotson is no slouch. He has opened for performers like BB King, Willie Nelson and The Beach Boys, and he’s got a number of original albums under his belt. Like the Summer Concert Series, folks are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blan-
kets for the show.
Unlike previous years, Dotson will be performing much earlier. The music at Maytag Park starts at noon on Saturday, June 14, which is the same time as many other family-friendly events. So after you’ve worn out the kids at the inflatables, obstacle courses and laser tag, chill out with Dotson at the bowl.
For those who want to continue the Newton Fest party well into the night, there are events for that, too. The Venue & Public House will host live music events both days of Newton Fest. HardWay will perform 6-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 13, while Corey Jamison will perform 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 14.
Let’s party!
Danielle Heikkila
Skyler Wedeking Ryan Maki
KEEPING THE KIDS ENTERTAINED
Families have plenty of activities to keep themselves and the kids busy
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
Families with kids are going to have the busiest schedules of all Newton Fest. It might feel overwhelming at first, but we’ve done you the favor of breaking down every family event by location. Oh please. No need to thank us. We’ve got kids, too, and we need this list just as much as you do.
CAPITOL II THEATRE
Did you know the role of Toto in “The Wizard of Oz” was actually supposed to be played by a mini-pig? It’s true. Look it up.
Actually, don’t look it up. Our source — a certain fourlegged diva — may have been playing a trick on us. I guess that’s another trick Joy the mini-pig can add to her repertoire. But what isn’t a trick is the Capitol II Theatre is hosting free movie screenings of “The Wizard of Oz.” Now this is true. We’ve fact-checked it.
Starting 10 a.m. Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, the downtown Newton movie theater will be playing the classic movie sponsored by YMCA, Lauterbach Buick GMC and MercyOne.
Doors for the showing open at 9:15 a.m.
As an added bonus, the Capitol II Theatre is have a $4 pop and popcorn special.
Again, this is true. It’s not Joy playing a trick on us again.
NEWTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The only magic trick we know is making our car keys,
phone and TV remotes disappear. But that’s not as impressive since we don’t always know how to bring those back. Drat! Well, thankfully the Newton Public Library has a real deal magician on call for entertaining folks during Newton Fest.
Jonathan May is a full-time entertainer whose specialty is, well, magic. He will be performing his free show at the library’s meeting room at 1 p.m. Friday, June 13.
Maybe he can make our TV remote reappear.
CENTRE FOR ARTS & ARTISTS
Kids and adults can enjoy these events at the Centre for Arts & Artists. Whether you’re a super creative or just want to learn and have fun, the art facility has planned two fun classes during Newton Fest. The first is a Cardinal painting class 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 13, featuring Sophie Kruger leading step by step.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Centre for Arts & Artists will also be hosting a free collage art workshop 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. The older kiddos and adults will get the most out of these workshops, which will no doubt test their creativity.
MAYTAG PARK
Parents, you might as well camp out at Maytag Park this weekend, because nearly every event can be found here.
Maytag Pool is hosting a community pool party that will be open free of charge at 7-9 p.m., courtesy of Advan-
tage Credit Union. Concessions sales are available. If the kiddos didn’t get enough swimming, take them back the next day starting 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14 for discounted admission of $3 per person.
For the past few years, the UV Glow Foam Party has been a huge draw for kids and young teens alike. What exactly is a “glow foam party?” Well, there’s foam. It glows. It’s a party. It’s super simple entertainment provided by Driving Cap Entertainment,
who brings along a DJ for live music.
Important to note from previous years, the UV Glow Foam Party will be held 9-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the Maytag Bowl. As always, it’s free.
Safety Fest is a classic Newton Fest activity. Our local firefighters and police officers set up their vehicles and a fun obstacle course noon-2 p.m. Saturday, June 14. It’s also a chance to meet first responders face-to-face and maybe earn a badge sticker and a fire
hat. I hear they even let some kids use the fire hose! Don’t worry, parents, they won’t point it at you. Inflatables and laser tag and other fun games will also be available noon-4 p..m. Saturday, June 14. At the same time, the Iowa Extension and Outreach will be hosting kids crafts and a Story Walk throughout the park. Habitat for Humanity will host a coloring station, while the local Democratic Party hosts facepainting.
STAYING FIT AT THE FEST
Pickleball tournament, yoga and 5K beer run keep folks active at Newton Fest
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
We always look forward to all those food trucks around town during Newton Fest, but so often our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. Luckily, there are activities to keep folks active during Newton Fest. Whether it is at Maytag Bowl, Aurora Park or Legacy Plaza, there are opportunities to sweat
off our fluffy taco consumption.
Newton YMCA is hosting a pickleball, double-elimination tournament 9 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at the courts in Aurora Park. Participation is $50 per team. The tournament draws in a good number of local competitors, who have only improved their play with the introduction of the new pickleball courts. Perhaps you need a little more flow to start your morning. Morning Yoga at the
Bowl should do the trick. The free yoga session is led by Rachel Braafhart 9:3010:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at Maytag Park. The session is open to all skill levels. Be sure to bring your yoga mats!
Iowa Brewery Running Series 5K Beer Run returns once again! Gezellig Brewing Co. — which is celebrating its six-year anniversary during Newton Fest — will be hosting the run at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14. The 5K-ish
course starts and ends at the local brewery. All ages are welcome. Of course, the Newton Alumni Weekend is also hosting a fun and very active event, too. The alumni association is hosting the Jack Chadwick Golf Tournament at 9 a.m. June 14 at Westwood Golf Course. Be sure to call ahead at 641-792-3087 to reserve your spot. Teams of four are $300 or $75 per person.
Newton Alumni honors professor, historian, retired principal, Iowa footballer
Hall of Famers will be inducted in ceremony during Alumni Weekend
By Christopher Braunschweig Newton News
Four individuals will be inducted to the Newton High School Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame this year, including: Mike Dorrell of the Class of 1994, Nick Easley of the Class of 2015, Larry Hurto of the Class of 1970 and retired Newton principal Gary Kirchhoff. Inductees will be recognized during Alumni Weekend.
Newton Alumni Weekend will be held June 13-14.
In high school, Dorrell participated in swimming, cross-country and soc -
cer. He was also a concert master for orchestra and a member of the National Honor Society. He studied at Simpson College and was accepted into the PhD program in biomedical research at the Scripps Research Institute in California.
Currently, he is a full tenured professor of biology at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, for which he was recognized with excellence awards in 2018 and 2022. He has had several patents approved as a result of his research, and his work has been published in many scientific journals. According to his professor bio on
Christopher Braunschweig/Newton News
Larry Hurto, chair of the Newton Historic Preservation Commission, stands outside one of the several old Maytag buildings. Hurto is going to be inducted into the Newton High School Alumni Hall of Fame this year.
Point Loma Nazarene University’s website, his research interests include identifying novel methods of treating cancer that reduce treatment side effects and studying potential causes and treatments for degenerative eye diseases. Students are actively involved in cancer research.
Dorrell is also director of an outreach program that organizes a 10-week curriculum for high school students. Those who nominated him to the NHS Alumni Hall of Fame said he is “an outstanding example of an NHS science student graduate who is currently involved in an amazingly productive career.”
Hawkeye football fans know Easley well, but they might not know that in addition to playing on the high school football team he also played basketball. He received second team all-state honors as a wide receiver and holds school records for touchdown receptions in a game, in a season and in his career.
After graduation he attended Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs and played receiver on the school’s football team, which made two consecutive bowl game appearances. He eventually joined the University of Iowa, where he had a standout performance at the 2019 Outback Bowl and was named MVP.
Easley also signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Hurto is local historian blessed with a wealth of knowledge about Newton history. In high school, he participated in drama, National Forensic League, boys glee club and chamber choir, and he was student representative for Kiwanis. He attended the
University of South Dakota and majored in history.
Nominators said Hurto not only researches and writes about Newton’s history, he “lovingly and willingly shares his knowledge by giving talks to various organizations and will also happily answer any questions during informal gatherings.” He currently chairs the Newton Historic Preservation Society.
Newton Main Street recognized him as volunteer of the year in 2018. He is also involved with the Jasper County Historical Museum and has compiled and edited four books on the history of Newton and Jasper County area. He is very active in the sister city organization OPEN.
Kirchhoff served as a principal of Newton High School. He worked directly with teachers and architects to construct additions at the high school. One of his former employees said it was “a joy to work with him” and that he strove to “make the Newton Community School District a leader in public education.”
Kirchhoff installed one of the first high school Apple computer labs nationwide in Newton High School. During his time as principal, Newton was one of the first to have internet connection at all schools. He also served on accreditation teams for high schools and colleges, and he has been involved with Dollars For Scholars.
In 2017, he was chosen as the grand marshal for the Homecoming Parade. He also worked with the Iowa Department of Education as a consultant in the Bureau for Planning, Research and Evaluation. He was also temporarily head of the department.
Troy Hyde/Newton News Nick Easley played wide receiver for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2018 and 2019. The former Newton Cardinal is going to be inducted into the Newton High School Alumni Hall of Fame this year.
ALUMNI WEEKEND REUNION SCHEDULE 2025
Class of 1955
Class Rep: Durella (Doty) Meyer 641-792-2470
Time and Location:
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 14
Legends (formerly Okoboji Grill) 1407 W. 19th St. S.
Class of 1960
Class Reps: Judy (Johnson) Weatherford, Margaret Larsen Omodt jweatherford@gmail.com or omodtml64@gmail.com
Time and Location:
12 to 3 p.m., June 14
Maytag Park Main Shelter House by tennis courts Bring shareable snack. Water provided. Camp or folding chair, if possible
Class of 1965
Class Rep: Kay (Pittman) Cross
Time and Location:
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 14
Izaak Walton League (Main Level)
889 Hwy F 36 W.
Class of 1970
Class Rep: Bruce Curtis
Time and Location:
6 to 10:30 p.m., June 14
Newton Arboretum
3000 N. Fourth Ave. E.
Class of 1975
Class Rep: Barb (Koppin) Roese 641-521-0154
Time and Location:
5 to 11 p.m., June 14
Izaak Walton League (Upper Level)
889 Hwy F 36 W.
Class of 1980
Class Rep: Rhonda (Wharff) Knopf
Time and Location:
6 to 11 p.m., June 14 Maytag Hotel
109 N. Second Ave. E. BYOB
Class of 1985
Class Rep: Candi Beyer-DeGoey
641-792-7630
Lori (Ergenbright) Gilmore
515-483-2423
Time and Location:
7 p.m., June 14
American Legion 1101 W. Fourth St. S.
Class of 1990
Class Rep: Kathy Haines
913-393-3074
Time and Location:
7 to 10 p.m., June 14
Legacy Plaza
403 W. Fourth St. N. Bldg 20 (across from Murph & Mary’s)
Class of 1995
Class Rep: Mindi (Matsen) Walker 641-521-5597
Chantelle (Beyer) Lundberg 641-521-6774
Time and Location:
7 p.m., June 14
The Venue and Public House 211 N. Second Ave. W.
Class of 2000
Class Rep: Kyle Kleckner
641-521-0180
Time and Location:
7 p.m., June 14
Legacy Plaza 403 W. Fourth St. N.
Class of 2005
Class Rep: Jerrica (Umbarger) Mortensen 515-494-4048
Jordyn Shipley 641-275-1540
Time and Location: June 14, Sky Smith’s House
Contact your class rep for address
Class of 2010
Class Rep: Taylor (Peska) McDonnell 641-417-9797
Time and Location:
7 p.m., June 14
Murph and Mary’s Legacy Plaza
403 W. Fourth St. N.
Class of 2015
Class Rep: McKenna Heisdorffer 641-521-1645
Time and Location:
Open House starting at 5 p.m. June 14, Gezillig Brewing
This is an open house event for you to come and go as you please. Food and drinks will be available to purchase at Gezellig Brewery and food trucks that will be present. This will be an indoor/ outdoor event with limited seating as the business will also be open to the public. Feel free to bring lawn chairs to use in the plaza if you would prefer to sit outside.
Please be advised that bringing your own alcoholic beverages is NOT permitted as it will violate state laws. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP so we can get an idea of how many people will attend.
2025 ALUMNI WEEKEND
June 13 and 14
Legacy Plaza 403 W. Fourth St. N. will host “All Class Reunion Friday” beginning at 6pm till midnight June 13. Bldg. 20 will be where classes can meet up.
A cover charge of $5 per person benefits “Dollars for Scholars.” NHSAA has been able to give over $12,000 in scholarships. Advance ticket purchases are needed ASAP for accurate food ordering for the Brunch.
Class Window Walk around the Square. Windows will be up Thursday through Sunday.
Class Window Walk awards given at the ALUMNI Breakfast at NHS Saturday 9:30am followed by NHS Hall of Fame Induction. Cost for the Brunch is $15 per person and can be purchased online, All Class Reunion or at the brunch.
A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS NEWTON, IOWA!
JOIN US DURING THE EVENING ON THURSDAY, JUNE 12 FOR SOME PRE-NEWTON FEST FUN AT MAYTAG PARK!
Friday, June 13
Newton Alumni Association’s Class Window Displays
All Day| Downtown Newton
FREE Community MovieThe Wizard of Oz (1939)
sponsored by Newton YMCA, Lauterbach Buick GMC and MercyOne Newton Medical Center
10 a.m. | Capitol II Theatre
FREE Magic Show with Magician
Jonathan May
1 p.m. | Newton Public Library
Gezellig Brewing Company’s “Six Years - So many beers”
Anniversary
4 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company
Newton Alumni Association’s All Class Reunion
6 p.m. | Legacy Plaza
FREE Cardinal Painting Class
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Centre for Arts & Artists
The Venue & Public House’s Friday After Five featuring HardWay
6 p.m. | The Venue & Public House
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!
FREE Community Pool Party sponsored by Advantage Credit Union
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Maytag Pool
FREE UV Glow Foam Party
9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | Maytag Bowl
Saturday, June 14
Newton YMCA 2025 Pickleball Tournament
9 a.m. | Aurora Park
FREE Morning Yoga at the Park
9:30 a.m. | Maytag Park
Newton Alumni Brunch & Newton
High School Hall of Fame Induction
9 :30 a.m. | Newton High School
Gezellig Brewing Company’s “Six Years - So many beers” Anniversary
4 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company
Iowa Brewery Running Series Run for Beer 5K
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Gezellig Brewing Company
• Advantage Credit Union
• Capitol II Theatre
• City of Newton
• Centre for Arts & Artists
• Costa Oil
• DMACC Newton Campus
• Fierce Faith Music Fest
Summer Concert Series at Maytag Bowl featuring Newton City Band 7 p.m.; Thursday, June 12 | Maytag Bowl
FREE Community MovieThe Wizard of Oz (1939)
sponsored by Newton YMCA, Lauterbach Buick GMC and MercyOne Newton Medical Center
10 a.m. | Capitol II Theatre
Newton Main Street Car Show sponsored by Costa Oil - Newton & DMACC Newton Campus
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Downtown Newton
Food Trucks - KIKIs, Pho Wheels, and Sugar & Spin 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Maytag Park
FREE Fun Zone w/ Inflatables & Laser Tag
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Maytag Park
FREE Family Activities
12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Maytag Park
• Jasper County Habitat for Humanity Color Station
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Kids Crafts & Story Walk
• Jasper County Democrats Face Painting Station & Flag Giveaway
• T-Mobile Truck & Yard Games
• Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend Information Booth
• DMACC’s Chalk the Walk Station
• Gezellig Brewing Company
• Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce
• Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
• Jasper County Habitat for Humanity
• Jasper County Democrats
• Lauterbach Buick GMC
• Legacy Plaza
• MercyOne Newton Medical Center
• Newton Alumni Association
• Newton Fire Department
• Newton Main Street
• Newton Police Department
FREE Safety Fest
featuring the Newton Fire Department & Newton Police Department
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Maytag Park
FREE Damon Dotson & Band in Concert
12 p.m. | Maytag Bowl
Discounted Admission to Maytag Pool
1 p.m. | Maytag Pool
Fierce Faith Music Fest
5 - 10 p.m. | Community Heights Alliance Church
FREE The Venue & Public House’s Live Music with Corey Jamison
6 - 10 p.m. | The Venue & Public House
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR ALL THE DETAILS! SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.
• Newton Public Library
• Newton YMCA
• Rachel Braafhart
• Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend
• T-Mobile
• The Venue & Public House