Explore 2012 by Globe Gazette

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E1

INSIDE SUMMER EXPLORE 2012 FOCUS ON COUNTY PARKS • FRANKLIN COUNTY: Maynes Grove has something for all park enthusiasts................................................22 • HANCOCK COUNTY: Restored Crystal Lake now closer to its namesake ...........................................33 • WORTH COUNTY: Quiet, hidden, Worth County Lake Park is a gem .........................................................44 • WINNEBAGO COUNTY: Thorpe Park is one of Winnebago County’s surprising parks ....................77 • FLOYD COUNTY: Links to ancient past abound in Rockford’s Fossil, Prairie Preserve..........................99 • MITCHELL COUNTY: Cedar Bridge Park welcomes all ages, and horses, too............................................110 BANDTASTIC! North Iowa Band Festival runs through Memorial Day weekend .........................................111 Historic Frank Lloyd Wright hotel quickly becoming downtown icon .....................................................112 Ninth BBQ Bash promises great tastes, new treats ........114 North Iowa cities celebrate summer and community with annual events .......................................................116 North Iowa communities celebrate the night .................118 Hampton Band will be back in band shell this summer ..220 Big names join dance orchestras for busy summer at the Surf Ballroom .......................................................221 Fun summer planned at Clear Lake ................................222 North Iowa pools, aquatic centers opening dates ..........223

Happy birthday, America: Celebrate Independence .......224 Let your artist out..........................................................225 Small towns are salted with popcorn palaces.................226 Cedar River churns up whitewater in popular Charles City attraction.............................................................228 Blues and BBQ are back in Charles City .........................229 Oakridge Boys, Atkins highlight Franklin County Fair .....331 4-H exhibits and livestock highlight North Iowa Fair ......332 Disc golf growing in popularity ......................................334 Motorcyclists by the hundreds gather for annual ABATE rally, entertainment .............................................336 Action heats up at area race tracks ................................337 Bash on the Farm: Christian music at new site ..............338 Britt welcomes hobos for community event...................339 Gentle giants attract crowds to Britt Draft Horse Show .440 Yearlong efforts needed to pull off various North Iowa tractor rides .........................................................441 State parks offer new amenities, options.......................445 Tree Town Adventure shows off river, trails ...................446 North Iowa offers dozens of trails, so go explore ............447 Clear Lake anglers have plenty of targets ......................448 Lots of finny fun waiting in North Iowa lakes, ponds, rivers and streams ........................................................448 Groups combining free fishing weekend with child-related fishing, teaching opportunities ............................449 North Iowa Comprehensive Summer Calendar ..............550

Published by The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa • Section Editor/Designer: Bob Steenson Globe Gazette staff file photos by Jeff Heinz, Arian Schuessler, Jake Rajewsky, Bryon Houlgrave, Sarah Aronsen and Kelli Wencl

E2 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

PARK IT in a county park FRANKLIN COUNTY –

Maynes Grove has something for all park enthusiasts

LAURA BIRD/The Globe Gazette

The Four Seasons Lodge is one of the many features at Maynes Grove located south of Hampton.

By LAURA BIRD laura.bird@globegazette.com

HAMPTON

onsidered Franklin County’s “premier park” Maynes Grove offers a little bit of everything. “It’s our premier park because it is a multi-use recreation area,” said Brody Bertram, park ranger for Franklin County Conservation. “You can hunt, fish, walk trails, cross country ski in the winter, bird watch.” The 280-acre park is located about four miles south of Hampton on Highway 65. The Maynes Creek flows through the park and helps create two large ponds which can be used for fishing. “There’s a variety of fish — mostly pan fish, but there is

LAURA BIRD/The Globe Gazette

One of two ponds at Maynes Grove located south of Hampton. some catfish out there,” Bertram said. The ponds also provide an area for canoeing, kayaking and other boats; however, they are no wake ponds and swimming is not allowed. Located near the ponds are picnic tables, benches, a grill shelter, restrooms, a fire ring

and the Four Seasons Lodge, which can be rented out. It is often rented for weddings, graduations, family gatherings and other purposes, Bertram said. Maynes Grove also includes multiple prairie areas and timber areas with trails intersecting and going

through all of the areas. A wide variety of wildlife and plant life can been seen throughout the park. Hunting is permitted in certain areas and horseback riding is allowed on certain trails. Nestled in the south part of the park is an observation tower. “It’s kind of a hidden gem,” Bertram said. He said the tower is a good place for bird watching and viewing other wildlife. It also includes some wildlife pictorials. Camping is just about the only thing Maynes Grove does not include, Bertram said. For more information and a trail map visit www.franklincountyconservation.org/ thirteen.htm.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E3

Other Franklin County parks BURKLEY PARK is 1½ miles west of Geneva and includes a hiking trail, undeveloped natural area and geocaching. CREEDEN PRAIRIE is four miles north and two miles east of Hansell and includes 420 acres. The park features canoeing, fishing, hunting, undeveloped natural area and geocaching. HANDORF ROADSIDE PARK is eight miles east of Hampton along Highway 3. The four-acre park includes picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicap access and geocaching. INGEBRETSON MEMORIAL GROVE is two miles west and one mile north of Sheffield.The 118-acre park includes a hiking trail, undeveloped natural area, cross country skiing and geocaching. INTERSTATE LAKE PARK is 26 acres and includes a boat ramp, canoeing, fishing, hunting, ice fishing and geocaching. It is 2½ miles west of Coulter and one mile south of Highway 3. MALLORY PARK is located 4½ miles south and two miles west of Hampton. The 71-acre park features picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicap access, tent and trailer camping, hiking trails, fishing. OAKLAND-IOWA RIVER CONSERVATION AREA is three miles southwest of Popejoy and includes fishing, hunting, undeveloped natural area and geocaching. POPEJOY CONSERVATION PARK features picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicap access, tent and trailer camping, canoeing, rental facilities, sledding/tobogganing, snowmobiling and geocaching. The park is 61 acres and 1½ miles southwest of Popejoy. ROBINSON PARK is 30 acres and includes picnicking, picnic shelter, electricity, drinking water, restrooms, handicap access, tent and trailer camping, hiking trail, fishing and geocaching. THORN APPLE WOODS is four miles north and two miles east of Hansell and includes 93 acres. It features fishing, hunting, undeveloped natural area and geocaching. WKW CONSERVATION PARK is 54 acres and one mile north and one 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.

Britt News Tribune file photo

A large group of tubers take in the festivities during Crystal Lake’s 2011 Bullhead Days.

HANCOCK COUNTY –

Restored Crystal Lake now closer to its namesake By PEGGY SENZARINO peggy.senzarino@globegazette.com

CRYSTAL LAKE

rystal Lake Park offers visitors rustic or more modern accommodations combined with some great fishing and fun to be had by all. Crystal Lake Park is located on the east side of Crystal Lake at 1045 320th Street. Three 16-by-30-foot cabins sit on a hillside overlooking the lake near the entrance to the park. Each has a sixfoot covered porch and contains a bedroom with twin or bunk beds, bathroom with shower, kitchenette and

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great room with futon chair and couch. The cabins will house four to five people and have a furnace and central air for year-round use. The cabins opened in 2007. The Crystal Lake Park campground has 30 primitive and 65 electric campsites. Electric sites at Crystal Lake Park are $15 per night and primitive sites are $10 per night. Weather permitting, the campground, water and park facilities at Crystal Lake Park are open April 15 through Oct. 15 annually. Visitors are enjoying a clearer and ➤

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E4 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

➤ deeper Crystal Lake after completion of a dredging project in 2007. The restoration work included the removal of 1.1 million cubic yards of silt. Visibility is in the range of five to six feet. Prior to the dredging and removal of rough fish, including carp, Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Scott Grummer said you wouldn’t have been able to see down 15 to 20 inches. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the lake’s trademark bullhead statue. The bullhead was restored by artist Andy Sinnwell in 2007.

Other Hancock County Parks ELDRED SHERWOOD PARK is located three miles east of Goodell on County Road B63 and one mile north on County Road R-66. The campground includes five primitive and 40 campsites equipped with electric hook-ups. Weather permitting, the Eldred Sherwood Park Campground is open from April 15 to Oct. 15. EAGLE LAKE STATE PARK, west of Duncan, offers primitive camping, hiking and biking trails, beach and swimming areas, picnic and grill-ing areas, handicapped-accessible picnic area, boating, canoeing and kayaking, playground areas, horseshoe, volleyball and basketball courts, disc golf, geocaching, wildlife viewing, river and lake fishing and public hunting facilities. HANCOCK COUNTY FACILITIES available for public use include three open shelters, one enclosed shelter, handicappedaccessible elevated observation deck, modern restroom and shower facilities, several lake and river boat/canoe accesses and more. THE HANCOCK COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD has four shelter houses available for rent for $20 a day at Concord Park, Eagle Lake State Park, Crystal Lake Park and Eldred Sherwood Park.

JEFF HEINZ/The Globe Gazette

Worth County Lake Park, Northeast of Kensett, is secluded but offers many amenities.

WORTH COUNTY –

Quiet, hidden, Worth County Lake Park is a gem By KRISTIN BUEHNER kristin.buehner@globegazette.com

KENSETT

orth County Lake Park north of Kensett is a great park but one that is off the beaten path, said Dean Mueller, director of the Worth County Conservation Board. “It’s a hidden gem,” Mueller said. “It’s a really nice little park, good for families with small kids.” The centerpiece of the park is Worth

County Lake, which has a depth of about 15 feet, Mueller said. The 28-acre park is located about two miles east and one mile north of Kensett. To find it, take County Road A38 east out of Kensett, then go north as soon as you cross the Shell Rock River. Then go left at the T intersection and follow the road as it turns north for a half mile, then right on 420th Street. The park is a day-use park geared for large-group activities, such as horse- ➤

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E5

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JEFF HEINZ/The Globe Gazette

Worth County Lake Park has a scenic footbridge that ties two areas of the park together.

➤ shoe and sand volleyball, Mueller said. Worth County Park also offers a large picnic shelter with a covered grill, a backyard wildlife refuge and a children’s play area. “We’d like to put in a natural playscape,” a playspace that looks and feels like a natural environment. A scenic footbridge, built with funding from the Worth County Development Authority, ties the two areas of the park together, Mueller said. “The little wooden bridge is the focal point of the park.” The park is adjacent to the 80-acre Turkeyfoot Prairie, which is open to hunting, is a good bird-watching area and has a fen wetland. A popular Steak Fry is held the second or third weekend of June as a fundraiser for the Worth County Conservation Foundation. There is no camping. The shelter can be reserved for $10 a day.

Other Worth County Parks: KUENNEN’S QUARRY: The newest of Worth County’s parks, it is located a mile south of Northwood, just east of U.S. Highway 65 on 450th Street. A former quarry pit, Kuennen’s Quarry is the most popular of the county’s parks, with two quarry ponds for swimming, scuba diving and fishing and a popular beach. Both ponds are stocked with fish, with trout also stocked in the south pond in the winter. Kuennen’s Quarry has two shelterhouses, including an enclosed log cabin that is heated and cooled by geothermal energy. It rents for $70 a day. The other shelter, an open log shelter with electrical service, rents for $35 a day. Five additional picnic shelters are scattered throughout the park. Picnic facilities, restrooms, a barbecue pit and playground equipment are also available. A handicapped-accessible fishing pier and concrete boat ramp on the south pond are other features. OCHEE YAHOLA PARK: Six miles northwest of Northwood off 495th Street. The 160-acre park is mostly woods, being managed for wildlife and timber production. There is a large glacial hill and a prairie pothole — a small marsh — in the center of the park. Ochee Yahola offers hiking trails, equestrian trails, cross country skiing, picnicking facilities and horseshoe pits. The park is open for archery hunting and, starting in November, gun hunting. There are four campsites with electricity but no water. An open shelter with a fire ring is available for use. The park offers a great opportunity to observe animals and wildflowers.

JEFF HEINZ/The Globe Gazette

Kuennen's Quarry handicapped-accessible lookout. SILVER LAKE PARK: Located on the north shore of Silver Lake about 10 miles west of Northwood on 500th Street. Look for the fish jetty that is easily seen from the road. The 29-acre park has eight camping sites, ideal for smaller campers. Camper fees are $10 a night. An open shelter overlooks

the 330-acre lake. There is electricity, fishing, boating access, picnicking and horseshoe pits. Hours for any of the parks are 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Most park shelters can be reserved for $10 a day. To reserve a shelter at any of the parks, or for information, call 641-324-1524 weekdays.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E7

WINNEBAGO COUNTY –

Thorpe is one of Winnebago Co.’s surprising parks By CAITLIN HAMILTON For The Globe Gazette

FOREST CITY

he Winnebago County Conservation Board (WCCB) offers 29 different outdoor recreation areas and two trails. One of those parks is the 160-acre Thorpe Park, which is located 5½ miles west of Forest City. The park, which was sold to the WCCB in 1974, has 15 camping sites, including 13 with electricity for $12 per night. A furnished rental cabin is available near the 15-acre Lake Catherine for those looking to spend a few nights in the park, while a shelter house with picnic tables and a grill is available for rent for a smaller amount of time, Ralls said.

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Lake Catherine is one of the crown jewels of Thorpe Park, which is administered by the Winnebago County Conservation Board. Since the WCCB purchased the park, the board has made some improvements to the park but has kept some aspects the same, said naturalist Lisa Ralls, who has worked with the board since 1985. “Fortunately a lot of it hasn’t changed,” she said. “We try to keep the things that are nice about it but improve on those things also.” In recent years an interpretive trail

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has been installed in the park and the lake has become more fishermanfriendly, Ralls said. The quiet and isolation is a perk for many users “Thorpe Park is a nice park because it’s off the beaten path,” Ralls said. “It doesn’t get as much use as many other parks with similar amenities. “Since you have to drive at least a ➤

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➤ few miles on a gravel road and the park itself is on a dead-end road, people don’t just stumble upon it; it has to be a destination,” Ralls said. While the isolated park may not attract a crowd of human visitors, there is plenty of wildlife to be witnessed, including deer, turkey, owls, sand hill cranes and trumpeter swans, Ralls said. The WCCB schedules

several events at Thorpe Park, including stargazing outings, fishing contests and seasonal walks through the property. Ralls said a county park can become a getaway for families or individuals who are looking for a small break or a cost-effective vacation. “It’s a real easy little getaway to go to one of the county parks,” Ralls said.

Cerro Gordo County Parks: INGEBRETSON PARK — 203 Ash St. E., southeast of the intersection of Hwy 107 and County Road B-65 in Thornton. Sited on a branch of Beaver Dam Creek just off of Interstate 35. Twenty-three electrical sites available. Shower house, firewood, dump station and water fill available. LINN GROVE PARK — 518 Madison St. W., southeast of the intersection of Hwy 65 and County Road B-60 in Rockwell. Complete camping facilities on 38 acres along a meander of Beaver Dam Creek. Sixty-six electrical sites are available. Shower house, firewood, dump station and water fill available. Golf course, swimming pool and tennis court nearby. WILKINSON PIONEER PARK — 21425 Vine Ave., at the end of County Road B-20 in Rock Falls.An

Other Winnebago County Parks: DAHLE PARK, northwest of Lake Mills, is a nice, quiet park. Since it is located along the Winnebago River it provides some good fishing opportunities and is a Winnebago River Water Trail access point. Camping is $5 a night, including electricity. HOLLAND PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AND YOUTH HUNTING AREA is especially set aside for hunting by individual permitted youths and mentors, essentially with the area to themselves during their hunt. HOGSBACK SHOOTING RANGE is also one of only a few shooting ranges in North Iowa that is open to the public free of charge. THE FLORENCE TRAP SHOOTING RANGE provides a new chance for North Iowa shooters to hone their skills.

80-acre park with complete camping facilities. Sixty-six electrical sites available. Shower house, firewood, dump station and water fill available.A covered bridge and a rare remnant of native prairie are located in the park.A great place to have a picnic or start a canoe ride. STRAND PARK — 20057 340th St. Plymouth, southeast of the intersection of County Road S-56 and 340th Street north of Plymouth.This 33-acre park on the Shellrock River features a tennis and basketball court, playground, picnic area, shelter, and canoe access. 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. SHELLROCK RIVER GREENBELT AND PRESERVE — 19316 Yucca Ave., Nora Springs, Nora Springs

to Rock Falls. A 7½-mile drive, walk, canoe trip or ride along the limestone bluffs on the Shellrock River leads through 509 acres of woods, meadows and ponds. Primitive camping and picnic areas are available in the preserve section. Rustic toilet facilities, two small shelter houses and hitching posts are provided. LIME CREEK CONSERVATION AREA AND NATURE CENTER — 3501 Lime Creek Road Mason City. An extensive trail network gives bikers, hikers, cross-country skiers and horseback riders access to a diverse natural area of nearly 440 acres. A nature center offers conservation displays, live and mounted animals, library and auditorium. Primitive camping areas are open to camping all four seasons. Cost is $1 per night per tent. Firewood is provided at the campsite.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E9

FLOYD COUNTY –

Links to ancient past abound in Rockford’s Fossil, Prairie Preserve By MARY PIEPER mary.pieper@globegazette.com

ROCKFORD

he Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve near Rockford offers fossil hunting, hiking and picnicking, making it an ideal destination for a summer outing. “We get a lot of families on the weekends,” said Laura Elfers, Floyd County naturalist. The Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The Fossil & Prairie Center, which features the various fossils within the park and their connections, is open from 1-4 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors from 48 states and 24 countries have signed the guest book since the center opened in 2001. No admission is charged to visit the center, but donations are accepted. There is also no charge to take away fossils from the park. All the staff asks is that people take just enough for their personal collections. The fossils at the park are

from the Devonian period, which was 375 million years ago “when Iowa was an ocean,” Elfers said. This means the fossils are the remains of sea life. They range in size from the eraser on the end of a pencil to a golf ball. Baseball-sized fossils called colony coral are at the park, but “it’s a hard find,” Elfers said. The most common type of fossil at the park is brachiopod. Visitors often walk on brachiopods and don’t even know they are fossils, according to Elfers. The fossils can be found in the old quarry area of the park. Elfers said many visitors think fossils can best be found at the bottom of the quarry, but in fact the best hunting is at the top. The park also contains 80 acres of native prairie with a looped trail system. There are wetlands that attract wildlife, and benches so visitors can sit and rest. A picnic shelter is available. There’s also an 1865 log cabin to visit.

Globe Gazette file photo

Mason City Roosevelt Elementary School students look for fossils during a class field trip to the Fossil & Prairie Park near Rockford.

Other Floyd County Parks: ACKLEY CREEK PARK — Managed for camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing. 2775 Indigo Ave., two miles southwest of Marble Rock. COLWELL PARK — Primitive campground includes a picnic shelter, pit toilet and fishing access to the Little Cedar River. The park is managed for camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing. 2962 140th St., 2½ miles west of Colwell. GATES BRIDGE ACCESS — Along the quiet Shell Rock River, Gates Bridge Access invites you to come ashore to enjoy a picnic or stay overnight at one of the six primitive campsites. 2920 Kirkwood Road, four miles south of Marble Rock. JONEY LAUDNER FAMILY NATURE PRESERVE — Visit this area during the spring and fall waterfowl migration and view the many species that stop to rest at the recreated prairie pothole. Two miles west of Rockford on 215th Street (County Road B47). PETERSON PRAIRIE — Eight-acre area consists of dry prairie. 2503 Zinnia Ave., seven miles southwest of Rockford ROTARY WILDLIFE AREA — A quiet picnic destination along the Cedar River. 1661 Rotary Park Road, Charles City. WEST IDLEWILD CAMPGROUND — Primitive camping, water, shelters and a vault toilet. The campground also features an improved canoe ramp, fishing access and hunting and hiking trails. 1374 Quarry Road, two miles northwest of Floyd.

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E10 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

MITCHELL COUNTY –

Cedar Bridge Park welcomes all ages, and horses, too By DAVID NAMANNY For The Globe Gazette

OSAGE

he newest camping option in Mitchell County is located on the western edge of Osage next to the Cedar River. Cedar Bridge Park, which opened in 2008, is located across from the Mitchell County Nature Center about two miles west of Osage on Highway 9. As well as numerous camping amenities, the 18pad facility features a large shelter house, a shower and toilet facility and a log cabin that may be rented for family outings and reunions. The Mitchell County Conservation Board obtained a loan for $100,000 to construct the park, and according to Mitchell County Conservation Director Milt Owen, the campgrounds has seen much activity over the

past four years. “It is in the perfect location for folks who come for several days to our events at the Nature Center and museum grounds,” he said. Cedar Bridge Park is operated by the Mitchell County Conservation Board and is also the only equestrian-equipped campground in the area. It has 18 level designated sites that are long enough for modern RVs as well as horse trailers. All have water and electrical hookups equipped with 50 amps of power. All campsites are also equipped with horse ties and there is an equestrian dump station, which every equestrian camper is asked to use in order to keep the campground clean and odor-free. The cabin is located toward the back of the campground. It overlooks the Cedar River and sleeps six adults. Amenities include

DAVID NAMANNY/Mitchell County Press-News

The Cedar Bridge Park’s log cabin has water, heat and radiant heat in the floor with a full kitchen and bath with a shower. It sleeps six. on-demand water, heat and radiant heat in the floor with a full kitchen and bath with a shower. Cedar Bridge Park’s location along the Cedar River makes it a campground for all ages, with activities including tubing, canoeing, fishing and picnicking.

The rates for the campground are $10 with no hookups, $15 for full hookups and $18 for equestrian camping. No specific rates have been set yet for the cabin. Call the Mitchell County Conservation Board office at 641-731-5204 for more information.

Other Mitchell County Parks: PIONEER PARK — 3987 Shadow Ave., Riceville. Seven campsites with electric and water hookups. Stays are free and unlimited. HALVORSON PARK — 40801 Foothill Ave. A 10.6-acre park 1½ miles south of St. Ansgar along the Cedar River; includes boat ramps and docks, handicapped fishing access, swim beach, playground, picnic shelters, modern toilet/shower facility, electric and water hookups and dump station. INTERSTATE PARK — 650 West Commercial, Mitchell, along the Cedar River. Historic powerhouse and dam facility, boating, fishing, water skiing and swim beach. Modern electric and water hook-ups, dump station, shelter house, modern toilet/shower, and playground. RIVERSIDE PARK — 2275 465th St., Stacyville. On the Little Cedar River. Modern toilet/shower facility, electrical and water hook-ups, dump station, volleyball sand court, regulation softball diamond, shelter house, access for small watercrafts, limestone-covered walking trail. OTRANTO PARK — 1233 480th Street, St. Ansgar. Five-acre park onequarter mile east of Otranto with excellent Cedar River canoe access. Features electrical and water hookups, modern toilet/shower facility, playground equipment, small picnic shelter, small watercraft access and dump station.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E11

BANDTASTIC! North Iowa Band Festival runs through Memorial Day weekend By JOHN SKIPPER john.skipper@globegazette.com

MASON CITY

he 74th North Iowa Band Festival fare begins Thursday, May 24, with municipal band and middle school band performances in Southbridge Mall. The weekend activities begin at 5 p.m. Friday, May 25, with carnival, market place, car cruise and concessions. At 6 p.m., the DWEEBS take the stage. The annual parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 26. This year’s grand marshals are O. Jay and Pat Tomson. Margo Underwood is the Klempnauer Award winner. The 23rd annual Stu Nevermann Memorial Run precedes the parade, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Mason City Aquatic Center. The car show also opens at 8 a.m. in East Park. Saturday’s entertainment includes the Mason City High School Jazz Band, Su Fu Du, Jive for Five, the Rocket Club and LoCash Cowboys. The awards ceremony, recognizing this year’s king and queen and outstanding bands, will be at 2 p.m. The carnival will continue Sunday, May 27, and Monday, May 28, starting at noon both days.

Globe Gazette file photos

Above: Sheltered Reality performs in East Park during the 2011 North Iowa Band Festival. Below left: The carnival in East Park is always a popular part of the weekend’s activities.

All locations East Park unless otherwise noted.

THURSDAY, MAY 24 6 p.m. — Festival sponsor recognition, Southbridge Mall. 6:15 p.m. — All Middle School Band, Southbridge Mall. 7 p.m. — Mason City Municipal Band, Southbridge Mall. FRIDAY, MAY 25 5 p.m. — Carnival, market place,

concessions open. 5 p.m. — Car cruise-in, exhibit. 6 p.m. — The DWEEBS. SATURDAY, MAY 26 8 a.m. — 23rd Annual Stu Nevermann Memorial Run, Aquatic Center. 8 a.m. — Car show opens. 10 a.m. — 74th North Iowa Band Festival parade. Noon — Carnival, concessions, market place open.

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Band Festival Schedule

1 p.m. — Mason City High School jazz band. 1:30 p.m. — Su Fu Du. 2 p.m. — Awards ceremony. 3:30 p.m. — Jive for Five. 6 p.m. — Rocket Club. 8:30 p.m. — LoCash Cowboys. SUNDAY, MAY 27 Noon — Carnival open. MONDAY, MAY 28 Noon — Carnival open.

E12 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Historic Frank Lloyd Wright hotel quickly becoming downtown icon T

By JOHN SKIPPER

john.skipper@globegazette.com

Globe Gazette file photo

Since opening in the summer of 2011, the Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City has seen visitors from around the world.

Mason City Summer Activity Schedule June 1-3 — Pony of the Americas; North Iowa Events Center. June 1-3 — Sectional Duplicate Bridge Tournament. June 1-23 — A Prayer for Earth; Charles H. MacNider Art Museum One-person exhibition by California artist Linda Vallejo. June 2 — Fishing Derby; East Park Shelter House No. 2, Mason City. Prizes awarded in various age groups plus a casting contest. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. $1 admission. June 2-3 — Hy-Vee Invitational Baseball Tournament. June 3 — I-35 Speedway Races; North Iowa Events Center. June 3 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert; East Park, 7:30 p.m. June 3 — Vintage Car Day; Kinney Pioneer Museum, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission $3 adults, $1 children. June 6 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert, Southbridge Mall, 7:30 p.m. June 7-10 — Father of the Bride, Mason City Community Theatre, 7 p.m. June 7, 8, 9; 2 p.m. June 10. June 8-10 — Midstates Hunter/Jumper Horse Summerfest Show, 5:30 p.m., North Iowa Events Center.

June 9 — MacNider Museum Arts Festival, Charles H. MacNider Museum, 11a.m.-4 p.m., Admission: Free. June 9 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City. 8 a.m.-noon. June 9 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert, 4 p.m., Charles H. MacNider Art Mu-seum. June 9 — River City Dames of Anarchy Roller Derby, North Iowa Events Center, 7 p.m. June 10 — I-35 Speedway, North Iowa Events Center, 6 p.m. June 10 — Outdoor 3D and 600 Round Archery Shoot, Mohawk Archery Club Outdoor Range, 15781-15803 County Road B20, Mason City, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. June 13-17 — Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Stebens Children’s Theatre. June 14-17 — “Father of the Bride,” Mason City Community Theatre, 7 p.m. June 15 — Friday Night Live, Central Park, downtown Mason City, 6-10 p.m. June 15-17 — Midstates Hunter/Jumper Horse Summer Show, North Iowa Events Center,

5:30 p.m. June 16 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City. June 16 — Runnin’ with the Law Triathlon, start and finish of the event is at the Mason City Aquatic Center, 843 Birch Drive, 10 meter swim, 10-mile bike, 3-mile run. June 17 — I-35 Speedway Races, North Iowa Events Center. June 17 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert, East Park, 7:30 p.m. June 19-21 — Insectigations, Lime Creek Nature Center, children ages 7 and 8 will learn all about the fascinating world of bugs, $20 fee includes snack, 10:45 a.m.-noon. June 19-21 — Tiny Tot Nature Camp, Lime Creek Nature Center, children ages 4-6 will get to know the creatures of the pond, woods and prairie through stories, crafts and more, 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. June 20 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert, Southbridge Mall, 7:30 p.m. June 22-24 — Dressage Lite Horse Show, North Iowa Events Center. June 22-24 — River City Throw- ➤

MASON CITY

he Historic Park Inn Hotel, which opened last year, has played host to tourists from around the world and has been featured in newspapers and magazines throughout the U.S. and abroad. It is the last remaining hotel designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and was the beneficiary of a $9 million Vision Iowa grant to get it renovated and reopened. The Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy Board, which usually meets annually in one of the nation’s big cities, will meet in Mason City later this year. The newest element to the hotel is a restaurant. The 1910 Grille’ is open evenings, Thursday through Saturday, on a reservation basis and will eventually be open Tuesday through Saturday, according to hotelier Steve Noto. When the restaurant opens to the general public there will be seating for 72, said Noto. Kurt Nyguard, a North Iowa native who has worked most recently in Minnesota, has been hired as the chef. The number to call for reservations is 641-422-0015. The hotel opened in 1910. For many years it was vacant and in disrepair. In 2005, Wright on the Park Inc., a citizens group, proposed to take over ownership of the hotel with the goal of renovating it and reopening it. In addition to the commerce generated by people staying at the hotel, the thought was Mason City would benefit from people traveling to the city to see it and tour it. Their hopes were realized when the hotel opened for business in September 2011, 101 years after its first opening. Vision Iowa Board members, who approved the $9 million grant, were among visitors after it opened and considered their investment a great success.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E13

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The Mason City Market is held in Central Park. Events Center, races start at 11 a.m. July 17 — Middle School Adventures: Floating & Fishing, Quarry Lake, Lime Creek Conservation Area, for children entering 7th and 8th grade. July 19 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City. July 20 — Friday Night Live, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 5:30 p.m. July 21 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City. July 21-22 — NISCA HII Youth Horse Show, North Iowa Events Center. July 22 — I-35 Speedway Races, North Iowa Events Center. July 22 — Outdoor 3D and 600 Round Archery Shoot, Mohawk Archery Club Outdoor Range 15781-15803 County Road B20. July 22-26 — Iowa Choral Director’s Association Summer Convention, North Iowa Auditorium. July 26 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 4:30-7:30 p.m. July 27-28 — Up In Smoke BBQ Bash, East Park. July 28 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 8 a.m.-noon. July 28-29 — Trader Jack’s Sports Card Show, Southbridge Mall. July 29 — I-35 Speedway Races, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 2 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 3-4 — Tax Free Weekend, two days of tax-free shopping on clothes, shoes and other school supplies. Aug. 3-5 — Bara Trac II Dressage Horse Show, North Iowa Events Center.

Aug. 4 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 8 a.m.-noon. Aug. 5 — I-35 Speedway Races: Stockcar Special, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 9 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 — Friday Night Live, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11 — Back-to-School Style Show, Southbridge Mall. Aug. 11 — Mason City Market, Central Park. Aug. 12 — I-35 Speedway Races, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 16 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 — Mason City Market, Central Park, 9 a.m.noon. Aug. 19 — I-35 Speedway Races, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 19 — Kids Day, Kinney Pioneer Museum. Aug. 19 — Mason City Moto X Races, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 19-29 — Outdoor 3D and 600 Round Archery Shoot at Mohawk Archery Club Outdoor Range, 15781-15803 County Road B20, Mason City. Aug. 23 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 24-26 — Pony of the Americas, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 25 — Mason City Market, Central Park, 9 a.m.noon. Aug. 26 — I-35 Speedway Races, North Iowa Events Center. Aug. 30 — Mason City Market, Central Park, Downtown Mason City, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

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E14 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Ninth BBQ Bash promises great tastes, new treats By DEB NICKLAY deb.nickay@globegazette.com

MASON CITY

he ninth annual version of the Up In Smoke BBQ Bash, July 27-28 in East Park in Mason City, promises great tastes and new treats. This year, the Bash will be a stop on the Great American BBQ Tour, a 23-city cross country journey that will bring barbecue experts to Mason City. The tour was created by the Kansas City Barbecue Society to educate and share secrets about professional barbecue. “To be a part of the tour is a huge honor,” said Ruth Miller, coordinator of the Up In Smoke event for the Globe Gazette, the event sponsor.

“The tour only stops at the nation’s top competitions and food festivals. It is a real compliment to have them come to the Up In Smoke event.” The Great American BBQ Tour features the championship barbecue team of Mike and Christine Peters sharing grilling tips and food samples with event attendees. The Peters demonstrate techniques that the professionals use on the KCBS competition barbecue circuit and show fans how to apply them to their own backyard grill. Weber Sauces and Seasonings, Castle Wood Reserve, Reser’s Fine Foods, Smithfield, Big Green Egg and ThermoWorks are sponsors for the tour. Also new this year is the addition of

the Kingsford (Charcoal) $40K Challenge, a points contest that provides competitive barbecuers with a shot at even more prize money. The addition will only sweeten what has become a premier event in the world of barbecue. It remains one of Iowa’s largest KCBS-sanctioned barbecue contests. More than 60 teams will prepare beef brisket, pork ribs, pork shoulder and chicken in the competitive event that provides $12,000 in prize money. Registrations for the event are already brisk, said Miller, and again indicate the healthy mix of well-known names and local hopefuls. Attendees can also enjoy great barbecue and other food and drink from a number of vendors, as well as sample chili during Friday’s Chili Cook-Off Contest. Friday’s entertainment includes music by the Clarksville-based Chocolate Crackers who offer up rock, classic rock and country music. On Saturday, PV & The Phantoms of Charles City will be featured playing classic rock and blues from the ’70s and ’80s. See www.upinsmokebbqbash.com or the North Iowa Up In Smoke BBQ Championship on Facebook for more details.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E15

Globe Gazette file photo

Tens of thousands of people have filled the streets and grassy areas at East Park in Mason City for the past eight years of the North Iowa Up in Smoke BBQ Bash. This year’s ninth annual event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 27-28.

2012 North Iowa Up in Smoke BBQ Bash Schedule FRIDAY, JULY 27 5 p.m. — Beer garden, food court and kids inflatable playground open. 5:30 p.m. — Hy-Vee Chili Cookoff and Tasting; Great American BBQ Tour BBQ Tips. 7 p.m. — Music by Chocolate Crackers. 9 p.m. — Inflatable playground closes. 10 p.m. — Food court closes. 11 p.m. — Beer garden closes. SATURDAY, JULY 28 11 a.m. — Beer garden, food court and kids playground opens; Great American BBQ Tour BBQ Tips continue. 11:30 a.m. — Kansas City Barbecue Society competition judging begins. 2 p.m. — Music by PV and the Phantoms. 4 p.m. — Awards ceremony. 4:30 p.m. — Music by PV and the Phantoms. 6 p.m. — Kids playground, food court and beer garden close.

Globe Gazette file photo

A member of The Q Crew of Waldorf, Minn., brushes chicken and ribs with sauce before the competition at the 2010 Up In Smoke BBQ Bash.

E16 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

North Iowa cities celebrate summer and community with annual events By LAURA BIRD laura.bird@globegazette.com

f you’re looking for something to do this summer look no further than the annual events in North Iowa communities. Whether it’s Summerfest in Hampton or Puckerbrush Days in Forest City, there’s something just about every weekend. Here’s a rundown of the events by city: • ACKLEY: The 110th Sauerkraut Days will be May 31-June 2. 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, free entertainment, fireworks, beverage garden, live bands at night and of course, free franks and sauerkraut. For more information visit www.ackleyiowa.net/Events.htm. • ALGONA: This community has two annual events — Founder’s Day and ABATE Freedom Rally. The ABATE Freedom Rally is July 5-7. 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 12-15. It includes trolley tours, food vendors, children’s activities, inflatables, a talent show, craft show, live entertainment and a free street dance. • ALLISON: Wilder Days will be July 2022. The community celebration includes a parade and games. Sunday will be a family day with old-fashioned games. • AREDALE: Aredale Day will be Aug. 4. • BELMOND: Prairie Homestead Antique Power & Craft Show will be Aug. 17-19. This year it is home to the 2012 National Plowing Contest and “Iowa Corn Belt Oliver” Summer Show. The event also includes antique tractors and a craft show. For more information visit www.belmondartscenter.org/ph_tractor_show.php. • BRITT: This community has two annual events — National Hobo Convention and Britt Draft Horse Show.

Globe Gazette file photo

People attending the 2011 St. Ansgar Oatmeal Days watch efforts to create the world’s largest bowl of oatmeal. The National Hobo Convention will be Aug. 9-12. Celebrating its 112th year, it includes the crowning of the hobo king and queen, free Mulligan stew, parade, inflatables, food, entertainment and flea market. The Britt Draft Horse Show will be Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The show will feature 18 of the finest six-horse hitches in the United States and Canada, representing the best of the Belgian, Percheron and Clydesdale performance horses. For more information about both events visit www.brittiowa.com. • CLARION: Festival in the Park will be June 9. The celebration includes a parade, food vendors, craft show, entertainment and inflatables. • COULTER: Coulter Fun Day will be June 30. The community event includes a parade, food, various activities and fireworks. • DOWS: Corn Days will be Aug. 4-5. The event includes a parade, sweet corn feed, entertainment, inflatables, petting zoo and other activities. • DUMONT: Sandbaggin’ Day will be July 14. The event will feature 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. 11-12. The celebration includes children activities, a parade, flea market, community meal and other activities. • FOREST CITY: This community has two annual events.

Puckerbrush Days will be July 12-15. The annual event draws its named from a kind of plant that once lined the streets where people gather to watch the parade each year. Besides a parade, the event also includes a Peewee Baseball Tournament, fireworks, pancake breakfast and other feeds, entertainment and inflatables. Steam Threshing Days will be at the Heritage Park of North Iowa on Sept. 15-16. It celebrates history through various demonstrations involving old steam engines. • GARNER: Duesey Days will be July 6-7. 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 Cow-Chip Bingo, parade, craft show, inflatables, community meals and entertainment. For more information visit www.garneriachamber.com. • GRAFTON: Turkey Day will be July 21. A wide 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 15-16. 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: This community has two annual events — Summerfest and BLAST. Summerfest will be Aug. 10-11 and includes inflatables, live entertain- ➤

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E17

➤ ment, a tractor ride, ice cream-eating contest and pedal tractor pull. BLAST (Beeds Lake A Story to Tell) will be Aug. 25 at Beeds Lake State Park and include live music, games, swimming and other activities. • HANLONTOWN: Sundown Day celebrates summer solstice. A parade, kids tractor pull and lunch in the park will be on Saturday, June 16. A bike ride and ice cream down by the railroad tracks will be on summer solstice, June 21. • KANAWHA: The city’s big Labor Day celebration will be Sept. 3. It usually includes a parade, pedal tractor pull and food stand. • KLEMME: Klemme Ag Days will be June 16. The event includes horseshoes, music, vendors, inflatables and a chili/BBQ cookoff. It ends with the firemen’s supper and dance. • LAKE MILLS: July Jubilee will be July 1315 and 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. 25. 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 22-24. The annual celebration includes a parade, golf tournament, kids pedal push tractor pull, meals and music. • NORA SPRINGS: Buffalo Day and Firemen’s Ball will be June 23. The event will include buffalo meal, parade and other activities. • OSAGE: Bike Ride Around Mitchell County will be June 23. The bike ride includes five different routes. • ROCK FALLS: Rock Falls Fun Day will be Aug. 18. The 27th annual event includes games for adults, such as volleyball and a bean bag tournament, children’s games, a carnival including inflatables, pedal tractor pull, a 5k walk/run with wine tasting in the afternoon, a steak fry and a dance in the evening. • ROCKWELL: This community has two annual summer events. The ninth annual Kicken’ & Chicken Weekend will be Aug. 10-12. It includes a rodeo, softball tournament, chicken dinner, street dance, live music and car show. The National Truck and Tractor Pull will be July 6-7. • ST. ANSGAR: This community has three summer events. Oatmeal Days (former Town and Country Day) will be June 16. It will include sev-

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eral vendors, children’s activities, a street dance, oatmeal-related contests and activities and evening parade. St. Ansgar will host an Herb Festival on July 21. The downtown event includes herbs and herbal baked goods for sale, vendors, lectures, tours and children’s workshops. St. Ansgar’s Fall Festival will be Sept. 8 and include food, games and vendors. • SHEFFIELD: Sourdough Days will be Aug. 25. The celebration includes a parade, live music, fireworks and lunch and activities in City Park. Octoberfest will be Sept. 22 in City Park. The annual event will feature live music at night and various games and activities during the day. • STACYVILLE: Bratwurst Daze will be July 28. The event includes children’s games, adult games such as basketball and bean bag toss, grilled bratwurst, live music, a dance and parade. • SWALEDALE: Swaledale Big Day will be June 30. Event details are still being worked out, but past years have included a parade, lunch and entertainment in the park. • TITONKA: Indian Days will be July 2729. The event includes a kiddie parade, parade, community meal, games and Bill Riley Talent Show.

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E18 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

North Iowa communities celebrate the night MASON CITY FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE June through September. Entertainment, food vendors and beer. A classic car show will also be held Aug. 17. Entertainment and dates (6 to 10 p.m. each night): June 15 — The Chocolate Crackers. July 20 — The Underachievers. Aug. 10 — Jon Hepperly. Sept. 21 — Stream of Consciousness. CLEAR LAKE THURSDAY NIGHT ON MAIN 6 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, June 14 through Aug. 16, with the exception of June 28 and July 5. Shops are open late; live entertainment downtown; kids activities and Bounce House, classic cars; food and other vendors. Movies in the Park at 9 p.m. ALGONA PARTY IN THE PARK 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Two Thursday concerts this year on the lawn of the Carnegie Library building in Algona. Entertainment and dates are: June 28 — Russell Lachney Live. Aug. 30 — Comfort Blend. The Chamber Ambassadors sponsor kids games. Food is available. CHARLES CITY PARTY IN THE PARK 5 to 9 p.m. every other Friday in Central Park. Entertainment and dates are: June 1 — Equilateral. June 15 — The Rude Band. July 13 — Flaming Camaros. July 27 — WildCard. Aug. 10 — Endless Summer. Food and beverages available for purchase with “Chuck Chip” currency. OSAGE FRIDAY NIGHT OUT 6 to 10 p.m. every other Friday at Osage City Park. Entertainment lineup is: June 1 — Big Band Jazz Coalition. June 15 — Endless Summer. June 29 — Stampede. July 13 — Standing Hampton. July 27 — Hwy 9. Also features food vendors and kids games. HAMPTON TUESDAY ON THE TOWN 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26, downtown. Retailers will have in-store specials all day. Some stores open late. The Franklin County Historical Museum will be open. Guided tours will be available of the historical Harriman-Nielsen Danish House in the afternoon. Art in the Park hosted by the Franklin County Arts Council from 5 to 7 p.m. Meals served starting at 5 p.m. in Band Shell Park, with freewill offering to benefit local non-profits. Free musical entertainment is provided 5:30 to 8 p.m. The Hampton Municipal Band plays from 8 to 9 p.m. June 5 — The Historical Band Shell will be re-dedicated in a ceremony at about 7:45 p.m. The concert will follow at 8 p.m. A reunion of all municipal band alumni will be held throughout the evening on June 5, starting at 5 p.m. A special All-Star Alumni Concert will be at 5:30 p.m. June 12 — The opening for the World Famous Municipal Band, the second oldest municipal band in Iowa. Jackie Arredondo of Miami, Fla., will be featured artist. June 19 — Erica Nicole of Atlanta, Ga., will be featured artist. June 26 — Mark Wayne Glasmire of Arlington, Texas, will be featured artist.

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COMBOS:- Include: Roll, Meat, 2 Cheeses, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Sauce TAXED 8. COLD CUT COMBO .................... $7.00 ...$7.49 (Bologna & Salami) 9. TUNA COMBO............................ $7.00 ...$7.49 10. TURKEY COMBO ..................... $7.25 ...$7.76 11. HAM COMBO ........................... $7.25 ...$7.76 12. BEEF COMBO .......................... $7.75 ...$8.29 13. PASTRAMI COMBO ................. $7.75 ...$8.29 14. CLUB COMBO (Ham & Turkey) . $7.25 ...$7.76 HALF COMBOS.............................. $4.25 ...$4.55 GYROS & PITA SANDWICHES ....... $5.00 ...$5.35

Sandwiches Include Choices of: GYROS MEATS: Lamb-Beef or Chicken PITA MEATS: Ham, Turkey, Pastrami, Club (Ham & Turkey) CHEESES: Swiss, American, or Provolone, LETTUCE, TOMATO, & ONION SAUCES: Sour Cream Cucumber, Italian, or Honey Mustard

PIZZA SLICE HALF PAN WHOLE PAN TAXED TAXED PLAIN CHEESE ................................................................................ $15.50 ...........$31.00.......$33.17 ITALIAN SAUSAGE ............................... $3.00 ..........$3.21 ............. $17.25 ...........$34.50.......$36.92 PEPPERONI .......................................... $3.00 ..........$3.21 ............. $17.25 ...........$34.50.......$36.92 SPECIAL Cheese, Sausage, ............................................................ $18.75 ...........$37.50.......$40.13 Mushrooms & Onions SPECIAL DELUXE:- Cheese ............................................................. $24.75 ...........$49.50.......$52.97 Green Peppers, Onions Mushrooms, Black Olives, Sausage, & Pepperoni EXTRAS: Choices of Cheese or Meat.............................................. $3.00 .............$6.00 Choices of Green Peppers, Black Olives, Mushrooms ................................................................ $1.50 .............$3.00 (Onions FREE with 1 Extra) SPECIALTY SANDWICHES: 1/4 LB. CALIFORNIA CHEESEBURGER .....................................................................$5.00.........$5.35 BREADED CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH ................................................................$5.00.........$5.35 Sandwiches Include; Meat, Cheese, Choices of: Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Mustard, Ketchup, Mayo DESSERTS: CARROT CAKE (Whole Cake) ....................................................................................$8.50.........$9.10 (Slice) ...............................................................................................$2.00.........$2.14 ECLAIRS...................................................................................................................$2.00.........$2.14 APPLE CRISP ...........................................................................................................$2.00.........$2.14 BAKLAVA .................................................................................................................$1.75.........$1.87 CHEESECAKE (Cherry, or Plain) .................................................................................$2.50.........$2.68 DRINKS 12 OZ. CANNED SODAS............................................................................................$1.35.........$1.45 16 OZ. BOTTLES (SNAPPLE OR WATER) ....................................................................$1.75.........$1.88 Notice: All Prices Are Subject To Change. Revised: Jan. 20, 2012

DELICATESSEN FETA.........................................................$6.50 CHEESES: (All Prices Are Per Pound) SHREDDED MOZZARELLA........................$6.50 AMERICAN ...............................................$6.00 GRATED PARMESAN ................................$9.00 SWISS ......................................................$7.00 GRATED ROMANO....................................$9.00 PROVOLONE .............................................$6.00 MEATS: (All Prices Are Per Pound) SALAMI....................................................$7.00 HAM .........................................................$6.00 BOLOGNA.................................................$5.00 TURKEY BREAST .....................................$7.00 BEEF ......................................................$10.00 PASTRAMI .............................................$10.00 GREEK SPECIALITY ITEMS: DISCONTINUED JALAPENOS or PEPPERONCINI PEPPERS (PINT) ......................$2.00 POTATO SALAD: 8 OZ.................................$2.00 ......................$2.14 (TAXED) DELIVERY SERVICE: ORDERS MUST BE CALLED IN 1/2 HRS. PRIOR TO DELIVERY TIME TOTAL ORDER MUST EQUAL $35.00 OR MORE FOR DELIVERY $0.65 TO $0.78 = $0.05 $0.22 TO $0.35 = $0.02 IOWA 7% SALES TAX TABLE $0.79 TO $0.92 = $0.06 $0.36 TO 0.49 = $0.03 $0.00 TO $0.07 = $0.00 $0.93 TO $1.07 = $0.07 $0.50 TO $0.64 = $0.04 $0.08 TO $0.21 = $0.01 TAXES ON SALES OVER $1.08 ARE COMPUTED AT 7% DELIVERY SERVICE: ORDERS MUST BE CALLED IN 1 ½ HRS. PRIOR TO DELIVERY TIME TOTAL ORDER MUST EQUAL $35.00 OR MORE FOR DELIVERY

629 6th Street S.W 1 Block West of Shopko, Mason City, Iowa 50401 In a Hurry? Call Ahead!

(641)423-2666

MS-81202

Mon. - Fri. 10:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. | Sat. 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E19

Legendary Favorites Generous Pours Generous Portions

™

Oh, Baby™ Back Ribs Full or Half Rack

Chicken Tenders Platter

Sweet and tender ribs slathered in tangy BBQ sauce. Served with kettle-cooked pub chips and coleslaw.

Served with French fries, coleslaw and smoky honey Dijon dressing. Try it with grilled chicken!

Drunken Pot Roast

New York 12 oz. Choice Strip Steak

Tender pot roast in a red ale gravy with roasted carrots and red onions. Served with garlic mashed potatoes.

Served with garlic mashed potatoes, and broccoli.

Stacked Chicken & Shrimp

Served with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Two chicken breasts topped with sautéed shrimp, provolone cheese, spicy lobster cream sauce, tomatoes and green onions. Served over rice pilaf with steamed broccoli.

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips Beer-battered and lightly fried until crispy. Served with French fries and coleslaw

Grilled Salmon

Fire-Grilled 8 oz. Choice Sirloin Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta Cajun grilled chicken and shrimp over a bed of fettuccine pasta tossed with smoked vegetables in a spicy lobster cream sauce. Served with toasted garlic bread.

Soup & Salad Combos 1/2 Bennigan’s Traditional Club with Soup or Salad Half of a Bennigan’s Traditional Club (freshly sliced ham and turkey topped with

Grilled Chicken Platter Two fajita marinated chicken breasts charbroiled over an open ﬂame. Served with rice pilaf and broccoli

bacon, Swiss and Cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato and smoky honey Dijon on honey wheat bread) plus a crock of

Simply grilled. Served with rice pilaf and broccoli.

soup or a salad

Pan-Seared Tilapia

(Caesar or garden).

Drizzled with beurre blanc. Served with rice pilaf and broccoli.

1/2 Monte Cristo with Soup or Salad

Tuscan Chicken Chef-inspired grilled chicken breast topped with a Bruschetta blend of diced fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, onions and balsamic vinegar. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Half of a Monte Cristo sandwich plus a crock of soup or a salad (Caesar or garden).

Southwest Fajitas Served with sour cream, pico de gallo, lettuce, cheese and nd d rice pilaf. Available with Chicken, Steak or Combination. n.

™

Crowd Pleasers

Crispy Pepper Jack Cheese Freshly-cut Pepper Jack cheese, lightly hand-breaded and fried. Served with ranch dressing.

Pub Bites™ Choose any pair from: Cheeseburger*, Monte Cristo, Buffalo Chicken, Drunken Pot Roast.

Bacon Cheeseburger Chips Thin & crispy kettle-cooked pub chips topped with ﬁre-grilled 100% Choice Beef, peppered bacon bits, Cheddar cheese sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions and pickles with ketchup and mustard drizzle garnish.

Southwest Egg Rolls A trio of crispy egg rolls loaded with chicken, corn, beans and spices. Served with pineapple pepper cream sauce.

Southwest Sampler Nachos, Southwest Egg Rolls and Fajita Chicken Quesadillas served with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and pineapple pepper cream sauce.

Chicken Tender Bites

Top You Burger r Howeve ! You Like

Sandwiches es

Broccoli Bites A blend of broccoli, cheese and bacon tossed in a crispy coating of Parmesan garlic herbs with smoky honey Dijon dressing. Se Served with guacamole, salsa and sour cream. cr

Emerald Isle Club

New! Cajun Chicken O’Toole

Stacked corned beef, roast beef and turkey with grilled peppered bacon, lettuce, tomato and creamy Irish Whiskey sauce. Served on a pretzel bun.

Blackened grilled chicken breast, bacon, melted Swiss cheese and smoky honey Dijon dressing. Served on a pretzel bun.

Monte Cristo

Thick slices of rye bread piled high with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1000 Island dressing. Served with a knife and fork.

A Bennigan’s original. Sliced ham and turkey with Swiss and American cheeses on wheat bread then lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar. Served with red raspberry preserves.

Irish Dip

New! Knife & Fork Stacked Reuben

Kilkenny’s Country Chicken Wrap Hand-breaded chicken tenders rolled with lettuce, tomatoes, Colby cheese and bacon. Served in a ﬂour tortilla with smoky honey Dijon dressing.

Puts a French dip to shame! Thinly sliced roast beef in red ale au jus topped with caramelized onions, crispy fried onions and melted American cheese on a crispy garlic roll. Served with red ale Southwest Chipotle Turkey Wrap Sliced turkey and Pepper Jack cheese rolled au jus and creamy horseradish for dipping. with guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes and cilantro. Served in a ﬂour tortilla with ggarlic chipotle Irish Chicken Melt mayonnaisee Grilled chicken breast smothered with creamy spinach and topped with bacon. Served on a crispy garlic roll. O’YES!ub

Turkey O’Toole™ Freshly sliced turkey breast, melted Swiss cheese and smoky honey Dijon dressing. Served on a pretzel bun.

MS-81201

Ultimate Burgers American Cheeseburger

Our classic burger with American cheese.

The Big Irish Are you up for the challenge? Try any of our burgers with two juicy 8 oz. patties perfectly grilled and served with double the toppings and an extra bun.

BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger

Cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, bacon, and mustard. Hand-breaded bites served traditional or tossed in Buffalo sauce, with your choice of Spicy Chipotle Burger Steak rub seasoning, crispy fried onions, Pepper Jack ranch or bleu cheese dressing. cheese, chipotle garlic mayo.

Fajita Chicken Quesadillas

O’YES!r

Soup of the Day

GUINNESS® Glazed Bacon Burger GUINNESS® Stout glaze, bacon, Cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions.

O’YES!ur

Choose Yo Side, with ry ta Complimens! Second

Sides S

F French Fries O Onion Rings Coleslaw C Garden Salad G Caesar Salad C

Kettle-Cooked Pub Chips Sweet Potato Fries Steamed Broccoli Garlic Mashed Potatoes Rice Pilaf

Salads New! Steakhouse Chopped Salad A combination of fresh greens, bleu cheese crumbles, tomatoes and bacon tossed with bleu cheese dressing. Topped with a ﬁre-grilled 4 oz. Choice sirloin steak and crispy fried onions.

Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Salad Crispy or grilled Buffalo chicken, ﬁeld greens, bleu cheese, carrots, tomatoes, celery and pico de gallo tossed in ranch dressing. Served inside a spicy, crispy tortilla shell.

Caesar Salad Romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing and topped with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons.

Spinach Salad Baby spinach, bacon, pecans, sun-dried tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, raisins, red onion and egg tossed in sweet-pepper vinaigrette dressing.

Kilkenny’s Country Chicken Salad Crispy or grilled chicken with garden greens, bacon, Colby cheese, eggs, and tomatoes tossed in smoky honey Dijon dressing.

Apple Pecan Salad Blend of garden greens, spicy pecans, Granny Smith apples, Craisins® and bleu cheese crumbles tossed in maple vinaigrette dressing, then drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

New! Grilled “Bricked” Rocket Steak A “brick-ﬂattened” ﬁre-grilled 4oz. Choice sirloin steak on top of a Rocket arugula salad with tomatoes, garlic and crispy bacon pieces. Drizzled with a balsamic glaze

our P Enjoy Dip Chip ur with yo ked Coo Kettle-Chips! Pub

Hwy. 18 & I-35, Clear Lake, IA •

641-357-2366 6 41 357

E20 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

ome to Welc Thank you very kindly for choosing our Drive-In! Hours:

Tuesday thru Sunday 11:00 am to 8:30 pm Carry-Out:

641-357-2600 Photo courtesy of Brian Stevens

The Hampton Municipal Band will give concerts in the city band shell this summer after the shell was renovated last year.

Hampton Band will be back in band shell this summer

Chicken Dinners 3 Pc Chicken Dinner (Wing, Thigh, Breast).........$7.79 4 Pc Chicken Dinner (Wing, Thigh, Breast, Leg) ....$8.49

he Hampton Municipal Band will celebrate the reopening of the city’s band shell with a concert on June 5. The band has had to play on the courthouse lawn for the past two years while structural issues with the band shell were addressed. Past band members are invited to participate in the opening march. The municipal band season actually begins a week earlier with a concert on May 30. Each performance begins at 8 p.m. Hampton’s is one of several North Iowa municipal bands that will perform this summer. — By John Skipper

All White Meat Dinners

North Iowa Municipal Band Concert Schedule

Chicken Lunches

Mason City Band

Clear Lake Band

June 3 — 7:30 p.m., East Park. June 6 — 7:30 p.m., Southbridge Mall. June 9 — 4 p.m., MacNider Art Museum. June 17 — 7:30 p.m., East Park. June 20 — 7:30 p.m., Southbridge Mall. June 24 — 7:30 p.m. East Park. July 3 — 9 p.m., North Iowa Events Center. July 3 — 7:30 p.m., East Park.

(All concerts at the band shell in City Park). June 9 — 7 p.m. June 16 — 7 p.m. June 17 — 3 p.m. June 23 — 7 p.m. June 24 — 3 p.m. July 4 — 8:30 p.m. July 7 — 7 p.m. July 8 — 3 p.m. July 14 — 7 p.m. July 15 — 1:30 p.m.

(All concerts are at 8 p.m. at the band shell). May 30, June 5, June 12, June 19, June26, July 3, July 4.

Children's Menu ...............$3.99

All Dark Meat Dinners

Hamburger Chicken Leg

Seafood Dinners Shrimp Dinner (Appr 16 pc med. size) ...............$6.99 Fish Dinner (3 Cod Fillets) .................................$8.99 All dinners include a lettuce salad with Barrel French dressing (or at your request Diet French, 1000 Island, Ranch, Blue Cheese or Italian), French fries (or at your request Broasted Potatoes, Potato Salad or Coleslaw), and a roll.

Hot Dog 3 Chicken Nuggets

Children meals served with Fries and Small Drink

-NO SUBSTITUTIONS ON CHILDREN MENU-

Sandwiches Sandwich Basket Bacon Cheeseburger ....................$3.99 ........$6.29 (Tomato & Lettuce)

BBQ Hamburger ............................$2.49 ........$4.79 (Loose Hamburger)

Breaded Pork Loin Fritter ..............$4.29 ........$6.59 Cheeseburger ...............................$2.69 ........$4.99 Chicken Breast Fillet .....................$4.29 ........$6.59

6 Pc Chicken Nuggets ......................................$4.19 2 Pc Dark (Leg & Thigh) ...................................$4.69 2 Pc White (Wing & Breast) ..............................$5.99

(Toasted Bun, Lettuce & Tomato) To ensure the best taste and quality we ﬁllet the breast meat from fresh chicken each day!

Served with French Fries

Chicken Sandwich ........................$4.29 ........$6.59

Boxes of Chicken To Go 1/2 White & 1/2 Dark

4 Pc ...................$6.13 8 Pc .................$12.26 9 Pc .................$13.53 10 Pc ..............$14.64

Wing ................$1.39 Breast ..............$3.29

(Toasted Bun, Lettuce Tomato & Sauce)

Coney Island .................................$3.09 ........$5.39 (Hot Dog with BBQ Burger, Onion & Relish)

12 Pc ............ $18.39 15 Pc ............ $22.04 20 Pc ............ $30.65 21 Pc ............ $31.91

Single piece of Chicken Leg ................$1.39 Thigh .............$1.59

Side Orders

MS-77061

Hampton Band

June 3 — Central Park, 7:30 p.m. June 17 — Central Park, 7:30 p.m. July 4 — behind the public library, 8:30 p.m.

2 Pc Chicken Dinner (Wing & Breast) ..................$6.69 3 Pc Chicken Dinner (Wing & 2 Breasts)..............$9.29 4 Pc Chicken Dinner (2 Wings & 2 Breasts) .........$9.99 2 Wing Dinner ...................................................$4.89

2 Pc Chicken Dinner (Leg & Thigh) .....................$5.29 3 Pc Chicken Dinner (Leg & 2 Thighs) .................$6.69 4 Pc Chicken Dinner (2 Legs & 2 Thighs).............$7.69

Charles City Band

Salads & Soup Lettuce Salad (Lettuce Only) ............................$1.69 Garden Salad ...................................................$4.99 Grilled Chicken Garden Salad ..........................$7.99 Potato Salad or Coleslaw Single $1.69 ............Pint $3.99 ............Quart $5.99

Small Large Family Broasted Potatoes ......... $1.69 .......$1.99 ......$5.19 French Fries ................... $1.69 ........$1.99 ....... $5.19 Onion Rings ..................$1.89 .......$3.29 ......$6.49 Single pint Quart Barrel Dressing ...................................$3.99 ........ $5.99 Coleslaw .......................... $1.69 .........$3.99 ........ $5.99 Potato Salad ................... $1.69 .........$3.99 ........ $5.99 Cheese Balls ........................................................... $3.49 Coniques (Ooh Lala’s - Fried Mashed Potato) ............................ $2.49 Letttuce Salad ....................................................... $1.69 Side of Sour Cream .................................................. 39¢

Corn Dog ......................................$1.99 ........$4.29 Double Cheeseburger ...................$4.29 ........$6.59 Fish Sandwich ..............................$3.99 ........$6.29 (Cod, Tartar Sauce & Lettuce)

Ham & Cheese ..............................$4.29 ........$6.59 (Toasted Bun, Lean Ham & Melted Cheddar)

Hamburger ...................................$2.49 ........$4.79 Hi-Boy ..........................................$3.79 ........$6.09 (2 Beef Patties, Cheese, Lettuce & Sauce)

Hot Dog ........................................$1.99 ........$4.29 Pizza Burger .................................$4.29 ........$6.59 Turkey & Cheese ...........................$4.59 ........$6.89 (Toasted Bun, Turkey, & Melted Swiss)

Vegetable Burger ..........................$3.09 ........$5.39 (Tomato & Lettuce)

Baskets include: French Fries and Lettuce Salad

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E21

Big names join dance orchestras for busy summer at the Surf Ballroom By DEB NICKLAY deb.nicklay@globegazette.com

CLEAR LAKE

erle Haggard. Kris Kristofferson. Kevin Costner. Who said there is nothing to do in the North Iowa summer? Although the Surf Ballroom gets a lot of press for its Winter Dance Party in February, there is a full schedule of concerts and dances through the summer months, too. “We’re really happy with the way our summer schedule shaped up,” said Laurie Lietz, executive director of the Surf Ballroom and Museum. Indeed, the ballroom promises to be a hopping place this summer. Outlaw country singer and songwriter David Allan Coe gets things moving along on Friday, June 1. Coe is probably best know for his hits, “Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile,” “The Ride,” and “You Never Even Called Me by My Name.” He will appear with Grammy Award-winner, singer and songwriter Randy McAllister. Kevin Costner and Modern West returns to the Surf Ballroom on July 13 after two appearances at the Surf and in Leland in 2009. Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson bring a onetwo musical punch on July 24. The country greats provide a performance that mixes Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” country charm with Kristofferson’s storytelling style. The Top Ten Rock and Roll Revue will take the stage on Aug. 3, a Branson, Mo.-based show featuring Marvin

Short. The show will be held in conjunction with the Classic Car Cruise. On Aug. 10, Dokken, Winger and FireHouse come together for a night of heavy metal. Ballroom enthusiasts won’t be disappointed: The Big Band Concert Series returns, featuring the music of several favorites, opening with Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra on June 10. Season tickets for $125 are available which includes admission for two at each Big Band show, plus the booth or table of your choice. Single evening ticket prices can be purchased, too. Other bands include Lonny Lynn Orchestra, Sentimental Swing Orchestra, Sammy Jensen Orchestra, Jan Garber Orchestra, Ken Kilian Saxtet plus Big Band, Al Welsh Orchestra and the Austin Big Band. Dancing is 6-10 p.m. The Surf Ballroom’s stage is woven into rock and roll history — the last venue of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, who all died on Feb. 3, 1959, in a plane crash following their Winter Dance Party appearance at the Surf. The ballroom and museum, ticket office and gift shop are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Surf is located at 460 North Shore Drive; call 641357-6151 for tickets. For more, go to www.surfballroom.com.

Globe Gazette file photo

Kevin Costner, shown as he played the Surf Ballroom in 2009, returns to the Surf with Modern West on July 13.

Surf Ballroom Summer 2012 Schedule June 1 — David Allan Coe; doors open at 8 p.m.; $20 in advance/$25 at the door. June 10 — Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $15 at the door or by season ticket. June 24 — Lonny Lynn Orchestra; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $10 at the door or by season ticket. July 8 — Sentimental Swing Orchestra; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $10 at the door or by season ticket. July 13 — Kevin Costner & Modern West; doors open at 8 p.m.; $25 in advance/$30 at the door. July 22 — Sammy Jensen Orchestra; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $10 at the door or by season ticket. July 24 — Merle Haggard & Kris Kristofferson; doors open at 7 p.m.; $45 in advance/$50 at the door. Aug. 3 — Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue; doors open at 7 p.m.; $10 in advance/$15 at the door; children under 18 free. Aug. 10 — Dokken with Winger & FireHouse; doors open at 7 p.m.; $30 in advance/$35 at the door. Aug. 12 — Jan Garber Orchestra; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $15 at the door or by season ticket. Aug. 26 — Ken Kilian Saxtet Plus Big Band; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $15 at the door or by season ticket. Sept. 9 — Al Welsh Orchestra; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $10 at the door or by season ticket. Sept. 23 — Austin Big Band; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $10 at the door or by season ticket.

E22 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Fun summer planned at Clear Lake Food, music, bicycles and pirates just some of the many activities By PEGGY SENZARINO peggy.senzarino@globegazette.com

CLEAR LAKE

lear Lake has fun in the summertime for every age and every taste. You might want to start off a Saturday morning with a trip to the FARMER’S MARKET in the City Hall parking lot at 15 N. Sixth St. for some fresh fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget to get a sweet treat for later. The farmer’s market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. from June 2-Oct. 13. Music lovers will want to make sure and catch the CLEAR LAKE MUNICIPAL BAND in concert each weekend through July 17. THURSDAYS ON MAIN, organized by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, features live music, food, entertainment and a movie in the park on Thursdays from June 14 through Aug. 16. There’s summertime fun on the water, too. Sailors ages 7-16 will be competing in the GREAT PLAINS CHAMPIONSHIP of the

Globe Gazette file photo

About 100 sailboats were on Clear Lake for the 2011 Inland Lake Yachting Association X Championships. Untied States Optimist Dinghy Association on Aug. 25 and 26. The USODSA is the national class

organization for Optimist sailing in the United States. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun at City Beach downtown or the swimming beaches at Clear Lake State Park or McIntosh Woods. The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s TASTE OF CLEAR LAKE will be held on June 13 aboard the Lady of the Lake. Along with a relaxing boat tour of the lake, guests get to enjoy an evening of food and prizes. On the heels of Clear Lake’s huge July 4 celebration, BICYCLE, BLUES AND BBQ rolls into town from July 6 through July 8. LAKEFEST WEEKEND, July 27 through 29, combines Dixieland music, art and storytelling into a full weekend of fun. Lakefest includes The Iowa Storytelling Festival, Clear Lake Art Sail and Lakeside DixieFest. The PIRATE FESTIVAL is coming to PM Park Aug. 10-12. The schedule includes entertainment, food music, dancing contests and a treasure hunt.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E23

Clear Lake Summer Activity Schedule Central Gardens. www.central-gardens.org. July 13-July 15 — Iowa Independent Film Festival — New and original films will be presented at this 6th annual festival of Iowa filmmakers. www.iowaindie.org. July 15 — Lions Chicken BBQ — Annual Noon Lions Chicken BBQ & Lioness Pie Fundraiser in City Park. Contact Clear Lake Noon Lions. July 21 — Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Show — The 17th Annual Clear Lake Antique and Wooden Boat Rendezvous will be held at the Seawall area adjacent to City Park. Wooden, aluminum & fiberglass boats built from the 1920’s-1960’s will be displayed on land and in the water. www.clearlakeacbs.org. July 27 — Ghost Boat Cruise — Performers share their most frightening tales under the stars aboard the Lady of the Lake. Clear Lake Public Library, 641 357-6133. July 28-July 29 — Lakeside DixieFest — Toe-tapping traditional Dixieland Jazz will be performed during the 19th Annual Lakeside DixieFest. July 28 — Art Sail — Clear Lake Arts Center’s Art Sail features more than 75 juried artists showcasing and selling their art in City Park located next to the lake. Clear Lake Arts Center, 641 357-1998. July 28 — Iowa Storytelling Festival — The Clear Lake Public Library’s Storytelling Festival offers free performances by the Midwest’s finest storytellers performing for a multigenerational audience in City Park. Clear Lake Public Library, 641 357-6133. Aug. 3-Aug. 4 — CLASS Car Show & Summer Dance Cruise — The Clear Lake Automobile Social Society’s annual event kicks off with a Car Cruise around Clear Lake, with a concert to follow. On Saturday, the Car Show is held downtown around City Park. www.classcarclub.com. Aug. 5 — Spirit in the Park — Free Concert featuring The Ball Brothers, Headin’ Home Quartet, and more! Spirit in the Park Committee, 641 357-7104. Aug. 10-Aug. 12 — Pirate Festival — Historical and fantasy fun, pirate and nautical lore. Fun for the whole family. gregfest@netins.net. Aug. 19 — Pioneer Kids Day — Roast hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire, play old-fashioned competitive games like sack races and win prizes. Take in a magic show and visit the craft persons demonstrationg their skills. Aug. 25-Aug. 26 — Great Plains Championship of the USODA (United States Optimist Dinghy Assoc) — The event will have sailors ages 7-16 years old competing. www.clyciowa.com.

BEST QUALITY BEST SERVICE BEST WARRANTY

Our rugged designs, solid construction and commitment to quality add up to a well-built vehicle you can depend on for years.

WE WANT YOUR TRADE

Service when you need it. Hometown service after the sale.

MS-79314

Best in the industry. 2 years bumper to bumper. 2 years structural 12 years roof.

LEE’S CAMPERS

Hwy. 65 South at 33rd St.,Mason City 641-423-5860

www.leescampersmc.com SERVICE AFTER THE SALE!

On The Spot Financing Available!

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ALGONA AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Memorial Day, Monday, May 28; 515-295-9103 BRITT FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Wednesday, May 23; 641-843-3056. BUFFALO CENTER SWIMMING POOL — Opens Friday, May 25; 641-562-2796. CHARLES CITY MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL — Opens Sunday, May 27; 641-2571188. CLEAR LAKE AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Saturday, May 26; 641-357-7010. FOREST CITY FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Memorial Day, Monday, May 28; 641-585-2650. GARNER AQUATIC CENTER — Opening date to be determined; 641-923-2995. HAMPTON FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Saturday, May 26; 641-456-4853. LAKE MILLS FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 (tentative); 641-592-3591. LUICK MEMORIAL POOL, BELMOND — Opens Saturday, May 26; 641-444-3389. MANLY FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Saturday, May 26 (tentative); 641-4543302. MASON CITY FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Saturday, June 2; 641-421-3678. NORA SPRINGS SWIMMING POOL — Opens Saturday, June 2; 641-749-5321. NORTHWOOD SWIMMING POOL — Opens Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 (tentative); 641-324-1680. ROCKWELL MUNICIPAL AQUATIC CENTER — Date unavailable; 641-822-4906. SHEFFIELD MUNICIPAL POOL — Opens Friday, June 1; 641-892-4145. ST. ANSGAR AQUATIC CENTER — Opens Memorial Day weekend (tentative); 641-713-4721.

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Friday, June 1-Saturday, June 2 — Motofest III — Presented by Motorcycle Awareness Group of North Iowa; more than two dozen vendors and many local sponsors; downtown Clear Lake. www.northiowamag.com. Farmer’s Market — Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods and crafts; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays from June through Oct. 13; Clear Lake City Hall Parking Lot, 15 North Sixth Street. June 2 — Take a Kid Fishing Tournament — Teams of one adult and up to two children ages 16 and under to fish together on Clear Lake, from a boat or on the shoreline.The event focuses on fun, rather than competition. Free food and prizes for all entries. www.clearlakefishingclub.com. June 3 — Worship in the Park — Celebration and worship with music and messages; 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., City Park. Zion Lutheran Church, 641 357-5261. June 9 — Women’s Health Fund 5K Walk/Run — Cerro Gordo County Women’s Health Fund hosts a 5K walk/run for running/walking enthusiasts and dog lovers. www.cghealth.com. June 10 — Vintage Car Day — The North Iowa Vintage Automobile Club will display vintage autos on the front lawn of Kinney Pioneer Museum. Kinney Pioneer Museum, 641 423-1258. June 13 — Taste of Clear Lake Cruise — The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce First Mates invite you to come aboard the Lady of the Lake for a fun evening of food and prizes at this annual Chamber fundraiser sponsored by the Lady of the Lake. www.clearlakeiowa.com. June 29-July 5 — July 4th Celebration — Clear Lake’s biggest event of the year. July 6-July 8 — Bicycle, Blues, & BBQ Festival — Inflate those tires, find your helmet, and get biking. Bicyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to combine their love of bicycling with this 9th Annual weekend event that includes great food and blues music. www.bicyclebluesbbq.com. July 8 — Conestoga Cook- Out — This annual event at Kinney Pioneer Museum features pork loin sandwiches, homemade potato salad, baked beans, desserts and drinks. Special music, crafts and demonstrations will be held throughout the day. Kinney Pioneer Museum, 641 423-1258. July 8 — Summer Garden Party — Your visual senses will feast on the beautiful surroundings as you meander along the pathways. Enjoy visiting with new and old friends in an upscale evening event featuring food, beverage, music, and live and silent auctions in the beauty of

E24 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Happy birthday, America

IOWA’S AWARD WINNING ATTRACTION

Celebrating our Independence Day By PEGGY SENZARINO peggy.senzarino@globegazette.com

CLEAR LAKE

lear Lake’s July Fourth celebration is one of the community’s biggest events of the year. Activities include a midway, carnival, amusement rides, bingo, a large craft show by the lake, live music nightly at the band shell, a traditional Independence Day parade down Main Avenue and ending the day with one of the biggest fireworks shows in the area. This year’s celebration runs Friday, June 29, through Thursday, July 5. The carnival and bingo tent open in City Park at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 29, to begin a weekend full of fun for all ages. The evening’s entertainment in the band shell will begin at 7 p.m. with GTO (Good Time Oldies). Saturday, June 30, Monday, July 2, and Thursday, July 5, are wristband days. The craft show will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with lots of bargains for everyone.

The day will wind down with live music in the band shell beginning at 7 p.m. More music and carnival fun are scheduled on Sunday. The bingo tent opens in City Park at 5 p.m. Monday night’s musical entertainment will be The Chocolate Crackers, a classic rock cover band with original material. The music starts at 7 p.m. in the band shell. Arch Allies, a Styx, Journey, and REO Speedwagon tribute band, will take the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, in the band shell. The Fourth of July parade begins Wednesday at 10 a.m. The craft fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The carnival and bingo Tent open in City Park at noon. The Clear Lake Municipal Band Concert begins at 8 p.m. in City Park. Fireworks over Clear Lake will begin at 10 p.m. On Thursday the craft fair is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a last afternoon of bingo in City Park from noon to 5 p.m.

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Mason City July 3 fireworks move because of school work

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he Mason City Exchange Club will hold its annual July 3 Independence Day fireworks celebration at the grandstand of the North Iowa Events Center this year, due to construction at the Mason City High School site. Since 1981 the fireworks celebration had been held at Mohawk Stadium. Entertainment will feature the Mason City Municipal Band with Russ Kramer conducting. The gates will open at 8 p.m. and the entertainment will start at 9 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 10 p.m. Anyone who would like to help out either financially or by volunteering is asked to contact Exchange Club member Steve Beavers at 641-423-7071, 641-430-5102 or steve@nivcservices.org.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E25

Let your artist out MacNider, Public Library’s annual festival offers hands-on activities By MARY PIEPER mary.pieper@globegazette.com

MASON CITY

his year’s MacNider Arts Festival will be “Trashtastic.” The festival, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 9, on the lawns of the MacNider Art Museum and Mason City Public Library, will show those who attend how to take used items and make them into treasures. Sonya Darrow, an artist from the Cedar Rapids area who makes fashion out of recycled materials, will be at the festival. Darrow can make clothing out of tablecloths, bathmats,

“you name it,” said Edith Blanchard, director of the MacNider Art Museum. In keeping with the “Trashtastic” theme, someone dressed as Oscar the Grouch will be on the festival grounds. The magician Levey the Great will be entertaining throughout the day. The event begins with Mayor and City Council’s free pancake breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free or low-cost art activities for kids will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The children will be able to take their creations home with them. Also from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Globe Gazette file photo

North Iowa Summer Arts Events June 9 — MacNider Arts Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., front lawns of the MacNider Art Musuem and Mason City Public Library. June 7-10 and June 14-17 — “Father of the Bride,” Mason City Community Theatre. Performances are at 7 p.m. June 7-9 and June 14-16, and at 2 p.m. on June 10 and June 17. June 13-17 — “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” Stebens Children’s Theatre, Mason City. More details to be announced. July 13-15 — Iowa Independent Film Festival, Clear Lake. New and original films will be presented at the sixth annual festival. For more information, visit www.iowaindie.org. July 27-29 — Lakefest, Clear Lake City Park. Lakefest consists of three separate events: the Iowa Storytelling Festival on Friday and Saturday, a juried Art Sail on Saturday, and the DixieFest jazz festival on Saturday and Sunday. Aug. 18 — Art-A-Fest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Park in Charles City. This outdoor arts festival features live music and more than 35 local and regional artists.

Two-year-old Haley Krein gets some help from her grandma, Nancy Krein, while she makes a pictures frame at the 2011 MacNider Arts Festival in Mason City. two dozen artists will be at the art market selling their works. Minneapolis Singer-songwriter Paul Christian will perform from 9-10:30 a.m. Co’Motion Dance Theater, a professional modern dance company from Ames, will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. The Mason City Municipal Band will play from 4 to 5 p.m. Bounce houses will be on the grounds. More than a dozen sculptures were entered in a

Trashtastic Yard Art competition. Each entry had to be made up of at least 75 percent reused materials. “We have some really cute ones,” Blanchard said, including one made of bowling pins. “It’s very creative stuff.” Selected entries will be displayed on the MacNider grounds throughout the summer. The festival is “a really great way for us to engage the community,” Blanchard said.

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E26 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Small towns are salted with popcorn palaces Community groups and others help restore community movie theaters By DEB NICKLAY deb.nicklay@globegazette.com

hat to do on a warm summer night in North Iowa? If you enjoy movies, there are plenty of options across North Iowa. Many of North Iowa’s smaller communities have restored or maintained their movie houses. From the Watts in Osage to the Lyric in Belmond, there are plenty of theaters to choose from, whose low ticket prices — most are $5 or less for an adult ticket — make a night out affordable for families. The Watts remains one of the gems of the movie circuit. The privately owned theater with its bright neon sign has been restored to its 1950s splendor by a series of owners. The theater has been featured in a number of publications, including USA Today that in 2005 named it among the “10 Best Places to Revel in Cinematic Grandeur.” The Watts was in good company: others named to the honor included Ziegfield’s Theatre in New York City and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Mark and Tracy Walk of Osage, who purchased the theater in 2006, have continued that preservation tradition. The two-bedroom apartment above the lobby of the theater has been restored and is now available for rent for small parties and for movie viewing. One of the bedrooms has a picture window which overlooks the theater and has been fitted with stadium seating for four theater seats and a customized sound system. The apartment may be rented for the entire afternoon or evening and the viewing room may be rented for a regularly-scheduled movie for up to three to four people. All prices include popcorn and pop. The Walks have also installed a new digital projection and sound system and they regularly feature first-run movies. Other theaters are on their way to new life. The Avery Theatre in Garner, built in 1930, is being restored by Garner Main Street Inc., a non-profit agency that purchased the theater. Barb Eisenmenger, chairwoman of the group, said work is progressing. New windows and plumbing are the more recent renovations. “We want to be debt-free at the time we’re done,” said Eisenmenger, adding the goal has slowed progress a bit. The restoration of the Mills Theater in Lake Mills was so successful that its non-profit organization is planning to add a second screen.

MS-72467

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E27

North Iowa Theaters THE LYRIC,, Belmond — The theater, a fixture in the downtown since 1914, sat vacant for about five years before the Arts Council bought it in 1992. Call 641-444-7225 for movies, show times and ticket prices. THE CHARLES,, Charles City — An amazing Art Deco facade is just one of the attractions of the theater built in 1935. Call 641-228-3821 for movies, show times and ticket prices. LAKE THEATRE,, Clear Lake — The Lake Theatre was built during the summer of 1890. Although damaged by fire in its early years, it reopened as a theater in 1936. Call 641-357-2414 for movies, show times and ticket prices. WINDSOR THEATRE,, Hampton — Almost 100 years old, the Windsor theater was managed by the Peterson family for more ethan 50 years. After some operational fits and starts, it closed in 1996. The Windsor Theatre Development Corp. was incorporated and, in 1998, purchased the building and inventory. Call 641-456-4389 for movies, show times and ticket prices. THE MILLS THEATRE,, Lake Mills — A non-profit group opened the 200-seat theater in 2008 after a $490,000 renovation. It first opened in 1937. Plans are now to open a second screen. Call 641-592-6455 for movies, show times and ticket prices.

w! e N

Globe Gazette file photo

A new marquee outside the Northwood theater added last year is an example of continued improvements at North Iowa’s community movie theaters. CINEMA WEST,, Mason City — If you like a brand new atmosphere, this is the movie theater for you. Call 641-421-1617 movie line for movies, show times and ticket prices. NORTHWOOD THEATRE,, Northwood — The Northwood Theatre was built inside the historic J. B. Thompson building, constructed in 1891 as a general merchandise

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E28 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Globe Gazette file photo

James Weeks of Adel works his way through the new whitewater course on the Cedar River in Charles City after the grand opening in 2011.

Cedar River churns up T whitewater in popular Charles City attraction

By MARY PIEPER mary.pieper@globegazette.com

CHARLES CITY

he whitewater course on the Cedar River, which was completed last summer, is attracting kayakers from all over the country. But the course and the park around it also are being heavily used by North Iowans, according to Charles City Parks and Recreation Board Chairman Bob Kloberdanz. The large number of local residents using the course is “the biggest surprise of the whole project,” he said. Area high school students will tell you going tubing on the whitewater course “is the coolest thing to do in Charles City,” Kloberdanz said. Admission is free and all you need is an inner tube. When local stores initially ran out of inner tubes when the course first opened

in the summer of 2011, people were using “anything inflatable,” including air mattresses, Kloberdanz said. Charles City retailers have now stocked up on tubes to meet the high demand. In addition, Davico Car Wash is renting inner tubes — including “party tubes,” which allow six people to ride the course together. Davico also has canoes available for rent. If you have a couple of kids, taking them to the whitewater park is a cheap option for summer fun, according to Kloberdanz. The park has a disc golf course next to the boat launch. That also doesn’t cost anything. An amphitheater that seats 130-140 people has been completed. A number of weddings have been booked there, and it is a nice venue for outdoor concerts, according to Kloberdanz. ➤

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E29

➤ The park has a ravine play area that has “natural structures for kids to play on,” he said. They can jump from rock to rock and walk across logs that are secured into the side of the gully. Children can also catch frogs and tadpoles at the stormwater fountain. A labyrinth recently was completed as part of the whitewater park project. It’s a quiet area next to the river, a place for “meditation and reflection,” Kloberdanz said. The whitewater course is considered one of the best in the United States, according to websites such as Born to Paddle. A lot of boaters come from places like Oregon and Colorado, according to Kloberdanz. Three whitewater competitions are scheduled for this summer. “We are starting to get all kinds of activity, which is good,” Kloberdanz said. For more information, visit www.ccwhitewater.com.

TIM ACKARMAN/For The Globe Gazette

Paddlers appreciate the solitude and camaraderie during the Cedar River Canoe Float each June.

Blues and BBQ are back

Cedar River Events

By KRISTIN BUEHNER kristin.buehner@globegazette.com

Cedar River Canoe Float The 25th annual Cedar River Canoe Float, to be held June 9-13, starts in Mitchell County and ends in Black Hawk County. Participants can kayak or canoe for five days or just do part of the float if desired. Shuttles will be provided each morning and evening. Participants are responsible for their own meals (breakfast at the overnight campground, lunch on the water and supper at the destination campground), and campground fees, usually $12-$15 per night. There is no registration fee this year. CANOE FLOAT SCHEDULE Saturday, June 9 — Oranto Park to Halvorson Park. Sunday, June 10 — Interstate Park to Osage Spring Park or Idlewild Access. Monday, June 11 — Nashua boat landing to Plainfield North Cedar Park. Tuesday, June 12 — Plainfield to Waverly Cedar Bend Park. Wednesday, June 13 — Waverly Dam at Brookfield Park to Janesville. For more information, contact Jim and Laura Hughes at 641-228-7855 or jlhughes@myclearwave.net.

WhiteWater Festival This event at Riverfront Park will take place June 15-17. Competition includes freestyle, downriver springs, attainment and best trick. There will be music, food and beverages and prizes.

CHARLES CITY

omething new this year — the Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend — and the second annual “Red, White & Blues and BBQ” are among the many activities planned for the summer of 2012 in Charles City. “We are excited to host the first whitewater competition in Charles City,” said city events coordinator Keanna Smith. The whitewater competition, June 15 to 17, will attract kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, canoe enthusiasts and spectators alike.

Charles City Summer Events June 1 — Party in the Park, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park. June 3 — Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Central Park. June 9 — Relay for Life, 3 to 10 p.m., Central Park. June 9 — Cedar Valley Engine Club Tractor Ride, start/end at Floyd County Fairgrounds. June 9 to 13 — Cedar River Canoe Float. Contact jlhughes@myclearwave.net. June 15 — Party in the Park, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park. June 15 to 17 — Charles City Challenge: White Water Weekend, Riverfront Park. June 17 — Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Central Park. June 23 — Iowa Games Whitewater Slalom, WhiteWater Park. June 30 to July 4 — America’s Hometown July 4th Celebration. June 30 — Red, White & Blues and BBQ, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park.

In addition, the second annual “Red, White & Blues and BBQ” this year will feature internationally recognized blues artist Bernard Allison. More than 15 barbecue competitors are scheduled to participate. “The public is invited to vote for their favorite while a panel of judges will crown the ultimate winner,” said Smith. The ever-popular America’s Hometown July 4th Celebration will this year honor area service men and women, who are invited to attend and to wear their service uniforms, Smith said. The Friday night “Party in the Park” activity in Central Park will feature another lineup of great entertainment.

July 3 — Kids Day, Central Park. July 4 — July Fourth Parade, 10:30 a.m. July 4 — Municipal Band concert, 8:30 p.m., downtown. July 4 — Fireworks over downtown. July 8 — C.A.R. Show, Andres Park. July 13 — Lions Club Fly-In Breakfast, Northeast Iowa Regional Airport. July 13 — Party in the Park, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park. July 18 to 22 — Floyd County Fair, Floyd County Fairgrounds. July 27 — Party in the Park, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park. Aug. 10 — Party in the Park, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park. Aug. 18 — Art-A-Fest, Central Park. Aug. 18 — Buttercup Slalom, WhiteWater Park. Aug. 18 — Celebration of the Passage of the 19th Amendment, Carrie Lane Chapman Home. Aug. 25 — Sixth Annual Encouragement Corp. Free Christian Concert, downtown. Sept. 1 to 3 — Cedar Valley Engine Club 46th Annual Thresher’s Reunion, Reunion Grounds, west of Charles City on Iowa Highway 14.

E30 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

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Globe Gazette file photo

Collin Willems of Ackley washes his bucket calf, Brownie, in anticipation of the open bucket calf show at the 2011 Franklin County Fair, Hampton.

IN FRANKLIN COUNTY –

Oakridge Boys, Rodney Atkins highlight fair By LAURA BIRD laura.bird@globegazette.com

HAMPTON

he 153rd Franklin County Fair kicks off July 18 in Hampton. The free gate and free parking fair runs July 18-22 and includes a slight change to its traditional grandstand lineup this year. The Cruiser Car and Figure 8 races will be Wednesday night instead of the usual Sunday night. Mari Ann Wearda, publicity director for the Franklin County Fair, said the change is so the track doesn’t have to be rebuilt during the fair. The grandstand lineup continues Thursday night with Barnes PRCA Rodeo, followed by two nights of concerts. The Oak Ridge Boys will headline Fri-

day night, while Rodney Atkins will perform Saturday night. Vaters Monster Motorsports will close out the fair Sunday night. People can see all five nights of entertainment with a Pay One Price “POP” pass. The cost is $35 through July 10 and then $45. Single tickets are available for $20 to the rodeo, races and motorsports. A POP pass is required for admission to both concerts. Kids 5 and under are free. Outside of the grandstand events there will be plenty of free entertainment. This year’s featured free entertainment is Bruno Blaszaks Bengal Tigers, a Florida-based show. It will be an educational and entertaining show of Bengal tigers including the world’s only tightrope walking tiger, Wearda said. Other free entertainment includes the annual parade at 5 p.m. Tuesday,

July 17, musical acts, games, Pleasant Hill and Grandpa’s Farm. Pleasant Hill is a turn-of-the-century town, which includes demonstrations and selling of crafts and treats from that period. Grandpa’s Farm also takes fairgoers back in time. All phases of farming are demonstrated with antique machinery throughout the fair. Other fair highlights include a full midway offered by Smith’s Amusements, champion chain saw artist A.J. Lutter, who will be carving wood sculptures every day; food vendors, commercial booths and 4-H exhibits and livestock. For more information and a schedule as it becomes available visit www.franklincountyfair.com or call the fair office at 641-456-2049.

E32 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

4-H exhibits and livestock focus of North Iowa Fair By LAURA BIRD laura.bird@globegazette.com

MASON CITY

his year’s North Iowa Fair will focus on 4-H again. The North Iowa Fair is July 11-15 in Mason City. “The highlight of the fair is still the 4-H,” said Daryl Johnson, vice president of the Fair Board. That means it will focus on 4-H exhibits, livestock and other activities. “However, we do have some added activities,” Johnson said. Wednesday night will include stock car races and Three Eagles Communica-

tions will have an event Friday night in the All Seasons Building sponsored by Corporate Farmer, he said. The River City Dames of Anarchy roller derby team will also be in action Saturday night, Johnson said. This year’s fair will include food vendors, open poultry show and possibly an open cattle show. There will be no carnival again this year, Johnson said. The details of other possible activities and entertainment were still being worked out. For more information as it becomes available visit www.northiowafair.org.

Kayaking/Canoeing Biking Picnic

Globe Gazette file photo

With judge Dennis Johnson watching, Katie Cash moves her pig around the ring during the 2011 4-H Swine Show at the North Iowa Fair.

Kayak/Canoe Cycle Run

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Saturday, August 4, 2012

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Movies Parade

Fireworks Fun

Details and registration at our website.

Music

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Friday - Sunday, July 13 - 15, 2012

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Uptown Activities, Pirate Themed Kiddie Parade, Free Outdoor Movie, Parade, 5K Run, Fireworks & More!

At Heritage Park Four Live Bands playing from 1pm -8:30pm Details and ticket info at our website!

Forest City Chamber of Commerce 641-585-2092

Forest City Park and Recreation 641-585-4860

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE â&#x20AC;˘ EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ E33

Area county fair dates NORTH IOWA FAIR (Cerro Gordo County), Mason City, July 11-15, www.northiowafair.org. BUTLER COUNTY FAIR, Allison, June 20-24, www.butlercountyfair.com. CLAY COUNTY FAIR, Spencer, Sept. 8-16, www.claycountyfair.com. FLOYD COUNTY FAIR, Charles City, July 18-22, www.floydcountyfair.org. FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIR, Hampton, July 18-22, www.franklincountyfair. com. HANCOCK COUNTY DISTRICT FAIR, Britt, July 24-30, www.hancockcountyfair. com. KOSSUTH COUNTY FAIR, Algona, July 31-Aug. 5, http://kossuthcountyfair. com. MITCHELL COUNTY FAIR, Osage, July 31-Aug. 5, http://mitchellcountyfair. org. WINNEBAGO COUNTY FAIR, Thompson, July 19-22. WORTH COUNTY FAIR, Northwood, June 13-17, http://worthcountyfair. com. WRIGHT COUNTY DISTRICT JUNIOR FAIR, Eagle Grove, July 11-16, http://wrightcofair.com. BIG FOUR FAIR (Chickasaw County), Nashua, Aug. 30Sept. 3, www.big4fair.net. IOWA STATE FAIR, Des Moines, Aug. 9-19, www.iowastatefair.org. For a list of other Iowa county fairs visit www.iowafairs.com.

Globe Gazette file photo

From the county fairs to the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, livestock and the students and adults who show them are an important part of the show.

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E34 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

North Iowa Disc Golf Courses Mason City — East Park, nine holes. Belmond — River Park, nine holes. Charles City — Riverfront Park, nine holes. Coulter — Coulter City Park, nine holes. Crystal Lake — Ellsworth College Park, nine holes. Forest City — Pammel Park and Eastwoods Park, 21 holes. Forest City — Waldorf College, nine holes. Greene — Greene Elementary School, nine holes. Hampton — East Park, nine holes. Lake Mills — Oakwood Park, nine holes. Northwood — Swensrud Park and Hurd Park, 18 holes. Thornton — Ingebretson Park, nine holes.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E35

JAKE RAJEWSKY/The Globe Gazette

Above: Michael Hernandez of Mason City tees off at the disc golf in Mason City’s East Park. Disc golfers typically use a driver for their first shot on long holes. The flat edge makes a driver glide further and faster than mid-range discs and putters. Left: Colton Schlie of Mason City putts. Putters are designed to fly straight and slow, making them easily controllable.

Disc golf popularity continues growing More communities adding courses By JAKE RAJEWSKY jake.rajewsky@globegazette.com

n 2001, there were no disc golf courses in North Iowa. Since then, 12 courses have been built in 11 North Iowa towns, according to the Professional Disc Golf Association. Waldorf College in Forest City was the first course to be built, in 2002, followed by a course in Lake Mills in 2003. Disc golf is similar to regular golf, but less expensive and generally played at a more casual pace.

Like traditional golf, each disc golf hole has a tee, par and hole, known as a basket. Unlike traditional golf, most courses are free to play, there are no carts and you don’t need golf shoes.

E36 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

2012 ABATE Freedom Rally Entertainment THURSDAY, JULY 5 Larry Myer Rukkus Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z Back Roads Band FRIDAY, JULY 6 Wicked Drive Saucy Jack The Kentucky Headhunters Phil Vassar

GLobe Gazette file photo

Thousands of people each year have attended recent annual ABATE Freedom Rallies.

SATURDAY, JULY 7 Inglorious Hellcats Crow Jackyl Cost for ABATE members is $35, singles, $55 couples, in advance, or $40 singles, $60 couples at the gate. Cost for non-members is $60, singles, $95, couples, at the gate. A Saturday-only pass is $30. Gates open at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 5. Hot showers, shuttle service, food court, beer barn, firewood and ice are provided. RV camping and paid car parking are also available. For advance tickets through June 17 or for further information call 641858-5001, or check the website at www.abateiowafreedomrally.org.

Motorcyclists by the thousands gather for annual ABATE rally, entertainment By KRISTIN BUEHNER kristin.buehner@globegazette.com

ALGONA

he 28th annual ABATE of Iowa Inc. Freedom Rally, July 5-7 in Algona, will feature an entertainment lineup sure to please almost anyone. The Kentucky Headhunters, a country rock band; Phil Vassar, a country

performer, and Jackyl, a self-described hard rock-heavy metal-southern rock group, are among the entertainers scheduled to perform at ABATE’s Freedom Park. The 140-acre park is located three miles east and three miles north of Algona on County Road P56. Twelve bands and 30 vendors are scheduled.

Other activities include a bike rodeo, sled pull, duck races, biker games, burnout pit, bike dyno, bike show and a tattoo and beard contest. A bike raffle Saturday, July 5, will benefit the ABATE Rider Education Fund. Drive Time band will provide entertainment at a Pre-Rally concert Wednesday night, July 4.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E37

Action heats up area race tracks By JARED PATTERSON jared.patterson@globegazette.com

BRITT

he Hancock County Speedway is hoping a new night brings out some new — and perhaps old — fans. The track had been running its weekly show on a Thursday night, not competing with the Friday night show in Fairmont, Minn. But when promoter Joe Ringsdorf left his post in Fairmont at the end of last season he opted to move Hancock County’s weekly event to Friday. “We had great car counts last year,” Ringsdorf said. “We’ll just have to see what the difference is in the grandstand going from Thursday to Friday night.” The problem has never been packing the venue on nights like the Night of 1,000

June 1 — Sport Mod Nationals. July 13 — Stock Car Shootout. Aug. 9 — Night of 1,000 Stars.

I-35 Nights to Watch

Globe Gazette file photo

A driver celebrates a win during the 2011 season at the I-35 Speedway. Stars. It’s been the weekly attendance that has lagged. As always, Hancock County Speedway provides some of the best specials around. Aside from the Night of 1,000 Stars that coincides with the Hawkeye Dirt Tour on Aug. 9, a Stock Car spe-

cial on July 13 seems like a must-see. ••• n Mason City at the I-35 Speedway, weekly races are again Sunday at 6 p.m. With Modified track champion J.J. Wise exploring new options, I-35 will be

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E38 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE Globe Gazette file photo

People listen to a band performing at the 2011 Bash.

Bash on Farm celebrating Christian music at new site By RAE YOST For The Globe Gazette

FOREST CITY

ash on the Farm has a new location this year, but the setting will still be familiar. Bash, the Christian music festival, will move from John and Cindy Wacker’s farm in rural Garner to Heritage Park of North Iowa in Forest City. Heritage Park is a historical park with buildings and exhibits that feature the region and state’s agricultural history and rural roots. The Bash is set for June 8-9 at the park, which has an entrance off Hancock County Road B14, just east of the county road’s intersection with U.S. Highway 69 in Forest City. The new location, “especially the name and the theme allowed us to keep the name of the festival,” said event volunteer Eric Guth. “There’s not a lot of music festivals with the name Bash on the Farm.” The name and the rural location have an appeal to non-rural residents, Guth said. “People who aren’t from a small

town get a kick out of it.” The festival has retained the rural Iowa appeal as it’s grown into a major event in North Iowa. The festival started roughly 10 years ago with about 150 people attending, Guth said. It’s grown to attract about 3,000 people over the two days, he said. “We’re not 100 percent bursting at the seams,” Guth said of the Wackers’ farm location, but “it takes a lot of work to invite 3,000 people to your house for the weekend.” Heritage Park has facilities and the room to handle the crowd, Guth said. This year’s event will again feature performers of a variety music, all with a Christian message. National recording artist Tina Bock is the headline act for Friday night on the main stage and Lifehouse will be the headline act on the main stage Saturday night. “There is a lot of talent in the Midwest, North Iowa and southern Minnesota,” Guth said, but it’s important to bring in the well-recognized performers such as Bock and Lifehouse.

Bash on the Farm Entertainment MAIN STAGE Friday — Tricia Brock, Benjamin Dunn & Friends, Tay Wilson, Lybecker, Ashmore. Saturday — Fireflight, Silverline, The Great Transparency, Pioneer, Loftland, Bright Light Parade, Callie Weiss, Madision Letter, Shasta Blvd, Mitch Moylan and the Cedars of Lebanon, Crossed. SHED Friday — Wolves at the Gate, Ilia, Shaken, Awaken, Light45, End of December, Author, I’m Prettier than You, At Mournings End. Saturday — Children 18:3, Write This Down, ForthAngel, These Hearts, Senseless Beauty, Triple Stitch, Evidence of Grace, Saved on Sunday, The Widow, Dog With Meat, Double J. YARD Friday — Now Serving 7, Jennie Stiefel, Ilia, Sean Covington, Orchard Drive, Rejoice Saturday — Seven Day Jones, Twenty One Letters, A New Rejoice, Praise N Glory, The Unconventionals, ATA Taekwando, Gloria Nihart, Humbled Servant, Child of the King All weekend — Christian Corral. Concerts start at about 1 p.m. Friday, June 8, and 9 a.m. Saturday, June 9.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E39

Britt Hobo Convention Schedule TUESDAY, AUG. 7 2 p.m. — Hobo Bingo at Westview Care Center. 6 p.m. — Bowling with the Hobos at Sidetrack Lanes. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 8 8 p.m. — Hobo Cemetery Tour with Connecticut Shorty. THURSDAY, AUG. 9 9 a.m. — Hobo Park Tour with Connecticut Shorty in Queens Garden. 5:30 p.m. — Miss Britt Contest at the City Gazebo. 5-8 p.m. — Coates & Root 2 Man Band at City Gazebo. 6 -7 p.m. — Hobo Autograph Session in the Hobo Jungle at the Boxcar; Ugly Shoe Contest. FRIDAY, AUG. 10 2-8 p.m. — Craft Show on Main Street. 5 p.m. — Sidewalk Art Contest. 5-9 p.m. — Iowa Trolley Park (Cranky Train Cars); Doc Anderson Old West Show; J Party Rentals (Inflatable & Laser Tag); Main Street. 5:30 p.m. — Coloring Contest. 6-8 p.m. — Britt Idol at the City Gazebo. 7 p.m. — Doc Anderson Old West Show. 8-11 p.m. — Music by Charity Smith Just Chords. SATURDAY, AUG. 11 7 a.m. — 5K/10K Walk Run; start by West Hancock High School. 10 a.m. — Parade. Free mulligan stew, City Park. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. — Iowa Trolley Park (Cranky Train Cars); Party Rentals (Inflatable & Laser Tag), Main Street. Noon — Doc Anderson Old West Show on Main Street. Noon-4 p.m. — Caricatures by Kira. 1 p.m. — Hobo King and Queen coronation at the City Gazebo. 1-4 p.m. — VFW Shuttle Service. Balloon Clown Saturday in Queens Garden. 2 p.m. — Toilet Bowl Races on Main Street. 3 p.m. — Doc Anderson Old West Show on Main Street. 3:30 p.m. — Kids Pedal Pull on Main Street. 3:30 p.m. — Hobo Auction at the Hobo House. 4- 6 p.m. — Mike Anderson Band Family. 5 p.m. — Doc Anderson Old West Show on Main Street 7 p.m. — Doc Anderson Old West Show on Main Street. 8 p.m.-midnight — Concert in the Park, Beer Garden with Standing Hampton. SUNDAY, AUG. 12 8 a.m.-4p.m. — Car Show on Main Street; The Malek Fishermen Band/Craft Show at the City Park. 1:30-4 p.m. — Homemade pie and ice cream in the Municipal Building.

Globe Gazette file photo

A hobo takes a bowl of mulligan stew.

Britt welcomes hobos for community event By RAE YOST For The Globe Gazette

BRITT

obos have been coming to Britt for a national convention for more than 100 years. While Aug. 7-12 will officially be the 112th National Hobo Convention, one of the organizers said the annual event is also a time for community members to celebrate. “Without the hobos, we wouldn’t have a convention,” Amy Boekelman, a member of the National Hobo Convention or Hobo Days, committee. “We feel fortunate to have such a unique festival.” Boekelman is one of the community members who helped expand the events at last year’s convention to include more community

participation. “We were very happy with the turnout last year,” Boekelman said. “We are really excited for this year.” Events include those of the traditional hobo convention with the crowning of the hobo king and queen and mulligan stew on Saturday, but also more events common to today’s celebration. Lasertag, inflatable games and a Britt Idol are among the events added to appeal to a broad range of ages and residents, Boekelman said. The committee consists of members from throughout the community, including former Hobo Connecticut Shorty. “It’s just great thing to have everyone come together,” Boekelman said.

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E40 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Sisters rest atop draft horses before the 2008 Britt Draft Horse Show.

Britt Draft Horse Show Schedule

Gentle giants By RAE YOST For The Globe Gazette

BRITT

he Britt Draft Horse Show will return again this year with 18 sixhorse hitch teams Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and 2 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Britt. “We get teams from all over,” said Randy Hiscocks, one of the organizers of the annual event. The show is in its 30th year and includes teams from across North America. The teams compete in cart categories, unicorn and two-, four- and sixhitch categories. The show also includes a youth and amateur classes. “It’s a unique show,” Hickcocks said

of a team of thousands of pounds of animals working in precision to pull carts and wagons in the arena. “It’s not your everyday horse show,” Hickocks said. “You have 2,000 pounds-plus animals doing a ballet.” Hicksocks said the fans also come from across North America. If they are new to the show, they typically return, he said. While shows are held at specific times, Hiscocks said fans are invited to the grounds early on all three days so they walk through the barns and talk with owners and team members and see the horses up close. “These are good people, and you can walk through the barns. It’s very friendly,” Hiscocks said.

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Yearlong efforts needed to pull off various North Iowa tractor rides By JOY DRENNEN For The Globe Gazette

he numbers are small for four teams that put together North Iowa summer tractor rides, but the enthusiasm and dedication make up for the numbers. All say the planning starts right after the last ride and is a year-long process. For the KGLO Antique Tractor Ride, Alice Hanley, account manager, said it’s the team that really helps, and it’s necessary to be flexible. Several have worked on multiple rides, she said. It’s “hard work but great fun, and it turns into a tractor ride family,” Hanley said. Riders love the event, especially to see folks wave,

and take a break for the day. It’s a multi-generational event, she said. The ride will take place July 23-25, with registration July 22 at Clover Leaf in Oelwein. Some riders come from as far away as California, and different states are represented. “Oelwein is truly rolling out the red carpet for us,” Hanley said. Planning involves informing local, county and state officials of the ride and checking out the route. Dalena Barz, general manager of five Three Eagles radio stations in Mason City, said there’s a limited number of staff and four or five radio employees are “real

involved.” Safety is a big factor, and involves avoiding major highways and keeping law enforcement aware of the ride. County engineers are kept informed for road considerations. ••• The oldest child of a large family, Sandy Soash was in the fields as a kid and appreciates what farming does for families. She now coordinates tractor rides starting and ending in Shell Rock, promoting the town and the beauty of the river. The sixth annual ride takes place Aug. 18. This year’s theme is Milling Around Shell Rock Museum Tractor Ride.

Soash said the Tractor Ride is primarily her responsibility, and the museum board helps. “If you’re on the board, you’re a volunteer,” she said. There are usually 35-50 tractors and Soash said her husband, Dean, usually helps with the preparation. Fee for the ride is $40. It is the main money-maker for the museum. ••• The fifth annual North Iowa Tractor Ride has a team from small communities who know how important farming is, said Jamie Nelson, codirector. Tami Ramon is the other co-director. The first planning involves routes, county engineers ➤

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t least four tractor rides this summer, from slow to faster, will celebrate the scenery of North Iowa, the rich heritage of farming in the area, and the camaraderie that comes from enjoying the ride, the scenery and the people along the way. Antique tractors will be featured in two rides; two others will have a variety of tractors of all colors. All rides require a Driver Safety Pledge.

KLMJ/KQCR ANTIQUE TRACTOR PARADE

➤ for road construction, and deciding the beginning and the end in a town large enough to accommodate that many people overnight. Major planning happens between November and January. After January, most aspects of the ride are finalized, and the route is announced. This is the time to call communities for non-profit organizations to serve meals. The team stays in touch with county engineers and conducts meetings with all cities. ••• Mandy Strother, traffic and ad copy coordinator for the KLMJ/KQCR Antique Tractor Parade, Aug. 11, starts on the next year as soon as the last ride is over. Strother has been with the radio station 10 years, and she has coordinated the Tractor Parade, now in its 10th year, all that time. First comes the route and the roads to be taken, then the towns and the actual location of where to start. Next comes the route map and getting sponsors, whose names will be on the tractor placards. Meals and breaks are planned, as are breakfast, lunch and dinner. Community organizations are contacted to help with food. Help comes from FFA kids as well, Strother said. As applications come in, Strother keeps a spread sheet covering all aspects of the parade. The day of the parade, Strother contacts the city hall of every town about disruptions. City officers, police and sheriff are notified for help with traffic control. Hospitals, EMT’s and towing companies are also notified. There’s a lot of outside help that day. “We have a lot of people who volunteer,” said Strother.

Aug. 11 — Ride organization opens at 5:45 a.m. at the Heartland Museum, Highway 3 West, Clarion. The first of three groups will start the ride at 7:40 a.m. Drivers need to pre-register because a pre-printed placard will be provided for each tractor. Register online at KLMJ.com; or by phone to have forms mailed at 641-4565656. Registration/sign-in table: 5:45 to 7:15 a.m. Breakfast: 6 to 8:30 a.m. (open to the public) Average number of tractors is 100. The largest ride was in 2009 with 117 tractors. The ride is 77 miles long and will travel through Dows, Coulter, Hampton, Latimer, Alexander, Lake Cornelia and back to Clarion. The morning break will be in Dows. Lunch and a one-hour tractor show will be in Hampton at the Summerfest Celebration. An afternoon break will be in Alexander, and dinner will be at Lake Cornelia. There will be three groups of tractors. Group 1 (16 mph) will leave at 7:40 a.m. Group 2 (12 mph) will leave at 7:45 a.m., and Group 3 (8 mph) will leave at 7:50 a.m. All tractors must have a slow-moving vehicle sign and rear view mirrors. Entry fee is $50 and includes one breakfast ticket, refreshments at morning and afternoon breaks, lunch, dinner, a photograph and a gift bag. A few awards will be given away at the conclusion of the ride. The fee for an alternate driver during the ride is $20.

NORTH IOWA TRACTOR RIDE July 19 -21, beginning in Emmetsburg at Palo Alto County Fairgrounds. July 19 — Registration and sign in. July 20 — Leave Emmetsburg. Morning break in Ringsted. Lunch in Emmetsburg at Emmet County Fairgrounds. Overnight at Spirit Lake, Dickenson County Fairgrounds July 21 — Leave Spirit Lake for lunch in Graettinger, then back to Emmetsburg. The ride is sponsored by 95.1 The Bull, New Hampton, 98.7 Kiss Country, Mason City and 107.3 Mix, Forest City. Registration forms are available online at kisscountry.com. Riders have to be pre-registered because there are items to be ordered. This year, 150 tractors are expected, and organizers usually have to cut off registrations. For more information, call North Iowa Broadcasting at 641-421-7744.

MILLING AROUND SHELL ROCK MUSEUM TRACTOR RIDE Aug. 18 beginning at the Shell Rock Mill. Route is a surprise. Unloading: 6:30 a.m., Feldmeier Equipment parking lot, Shell Rock Leave after 8 a.m. Return to the Mill at Shell Rock in the afternoon. Usually, there are between 35 or 50 for the ride, and it is limited to 75. There will be leaders for two routes — fast (15 mph) and slow (10 mph) tractors. There are separate routes. Registration fee is $40. There is also a $40 fee for passengers, reported on a separate form. For lunch only, with someone meeting a rider, the fee is $5 and should be noted on the registration. For registration forms, riders can call Sandy Soash at 319-352-3351 or Linda McCann at 319-885-6687. Deadline is July 30. Completed forms should be sent to Sandy Soash at 1031 3rd Ave. NE, Waverly, IA 50677. The $40 fee includes breakfast, lunch, a T-shirt, photo and morning and afternoon soda breaks. Checks should be made out to Shell Rock Community Historical Museum.

KGLO ANTIQUE TRACTOR RIDE Registration Sunday, July 22, at the Clover Leaf in Oelwein Day 1: Monday, July 23. Randalia, Fayette, Wadena, Arlington. Day 2: Tuesday, July 24. Fairbank, Independence, Stanley. Day 3: Wednesday, July 25. Sumner, Westgate. Return to Oelwein. The number of tractors varies from 200 to 350. Information and registration forms are available at www.discovernorthiowa.com. Click on 2012 Tractor Ride. A route map and overnight accommodations are also on the site. Registration fee is $115, with a $60 fee for secondary riders. For more information call KGLO at 641-423-1300.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E43

Globe Gazette file photo

Jerry Butters of Mason City operates his tractor along Nettle Avenue in Hampton during the 2010 KGLO tractor ride.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E45

State parks offer new amenities, options By TIM ACKARMAN For The Globe Gazette

CLEAR LAKE

isitors with larger campers and RVs will have a new option at Clear Lake State Park this summer. In conjunction with sewer line upgrades throughout the park, six campsites have been outfitted with full sewer and water hookups in addition to electricity. “That’s something we’ve never had before,” said Park Ranger Josh Rembe. The old dump station at the park was also replaced with two new ones featuring fresh-water fill stations. Rembe expects this will reduce congestion for campers leaving the park. The Association for the

Preservation of Clear Lake purchased a beach-cleaning machine last summer. Rembe has been impressed so far. “It definitely picks up the debris and garbage and breaks down the goose droppings so they can be degraded by the sun. It’s a pretty nice machine.” While the unit is housed at Clear Lake State Park, it is also being used at City Beach and at McIntosh Woods State Park. Visitors to McIntosh will note a new single-table picnic shelter near the playground completed by Eagle Scout Conner Grunwald. “It’s a nice addition up in that area,” said Park Ranger Tammy Domonoske. AmeriCorps member Emily Guldan rebuilt the boardwalk out to the ➤

North Iowa State Parks North Iowa has six state parks in a variety of sizes and offering a variety of amenities. Reservations for state park campsites, shelters and other facilities can be made online at http://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or by calling 877-427-2757. Reservations cannot be made by contacting individual parks. Half of the campsites at most parks are offered online with the rest available on a first-come, first-served basis. BEEDS LAKE — 641-456-2047, Beeds_Lake@dnr.iowa.gov, Ranger Terry Manning. Located three 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 CCC-constructed spillway is among the most photographed dams in the Midwest. The lodge, ranger’s house and other structures are from the same era. The park includes several picnic shelters as well as an updated stone-and-timber lodge. There is a 144-site campground (99 electric) featuring a modern restroom and shower. The concession area offers prepared food, live bait and limited grocery items. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboats are available for rent. CLEAR LAKE — 641-357-4212, Clear_Lake@dnr.iowa.gov, Ranger Josh Rembe. This 55-acre park on the southeast shore 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. There are 168 electric campsites (including six with full sewer and water

TIM ACKARMAN/For The Globe Gazette

A new picnic shelter near the playground at McIntosh State Park was built by Eagle Scout Conner Grunwald.

hookups) and eight non-electric. The restrooms, shower facilities and dumping stations were recently renovated. There is a small playground. The Ritz picnic shelter and boat ramp is nearby. Downtown Clear Lake is only a few miles up South Shore Drive. The park includes a sidewalk paralleling the beach, as well as an approximately half-mile mowed-grass trail through wooded areas. MCINTOSH WOODS — 641-829-3847, McIntosh_Woods@dnr.iowa.gov, Ranger Tammy Domonoske. On the northwest side of Clear Lake in the city of Ventura, McIntosh covers 62 acres. Concrete boat ramps, a courtesy dock, a 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 onemile nature trail with interpretive signs winds through wooded areas and around a small wetland with a blind for wildlife viewing. The park includes 45 electric and four non-electric campsites with a modern shower and restroom. Also available are two yurts: round, wood-framed tents with clear domed ceilings. Less than a mile west of McIntosh is Lynne Lorenzen Park, which also features boat ramps, a dock and a picnic shelter. The Ventura Grade on the lake’s west edge has two fishing jetties and a small picnic shelter. Staff from McIntosh manages both areas. PILOT KNOB — 641-581-4835, Pilot_Knob@dnr.iowa.gov, Ranger Deb Coats. Located three miles east of Forest City and a mile south of HIghway 9, this 700-acre wooded park is known for its trails, its natural diversity and its year-

round scenic beauty. A large amphitheater, two open picnic shelters and the observation tower are of CCC-vintage. Eight-acre Dead Man’s Lake includes a four-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 manmade lake is stocked with bluegills and bass. Boating is permitted, but no gasoline motors. Ice skating and fishing are popular in winter. The campground includes 48 electric and 12 non-electric sites, a modern restroom and shower, and a playground. AMBROSE A. CALL — Ranger Deb Coats. This 138acre park sits 1.5 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. 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 a disc golf course and an authentic 19th century log cabin. RICE LAKE STATE PARK — Ranger Deb Coats. Located on the lakeshore just southeast of Lake Mills, this park includes 15 wooded acres and a CCCera stone shelter. It is a popular destination for picnicking, fishing and wildlife viewing. There is no camping.

E46 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012

➤ wetland observation blind last summer. The grinder at the fish cleaning station went out late last summer. A new grinder was installed this spring. The Clear Lake Fishing Club continues to lead fundraising efforts to empty the cleaning station periodically. Donations can be left at the station or taken to The Crazy Minnow Bait Shop. Other improvements at McIntosh are ongoing or in the works. New limestone entrance portals for the park “will maintain the historic features of what was there (originally),” Domonoske said. The concrete boat ramps will likely be extended sometime this summer. Low water has left them undersized for some larger boats. Ranger Deb Coats said no changes are anticipated at Pilot Knob State Park this summer. Visitors who didn’t make it to the park last year will enjoy the enhanced view from the observation tower after a tree-clearing project completed just over a year ago. Coats also oversees Rice Lake and Ambrose A. Call State Parks. She said the CCC-era shelter house at Rice Lake is slated for significant repairs, most likely this summer. The historic log cabin at Call Park has undergone a major renovation, while the entrance portals have been repaired and restored to their original design using plans discovered in Des Moines.

TIM ACKARMAN/For The Globe Gazette

Runners complete the 5K run on the Hynes Spur trail in Pammel Park during the 2011 Tree Town Adventure Race.

Tree Town Adventure shows off river and biking/hiking trails By TIM ACKARMAN

trails, and a 5K run on the Hynes Spur. “It’s a great way to showcase several of the trails we have here,” said Jeff Hovinga, who serves as race codirector along with his wife, Colleen. The race was held for the first time in 2011, drawing participants from as far as Iowa City and Faribault, Minn. “I was hoping to get 20 or more,” Hovinga said, “and we had 39, so I was pleased. Participants can enter as individuals, as a tandem in which both participants

For The Globe Gazette

utdoor enthusiasts from across the state and the nation will hit the trail at a North Iowa event this year. The 2012 Tree Town Adventure Race on Aug. 4 will take advantage of both traditional and water trails in and near Forest City. Hosted by Grow Forest City, the event will include a seven-mile paddle from Ambroson Recreation Area to Pammel Park, a 12-mile bike ride incorporating the Hansen and Pilot Knob loop

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complete the entire course, or as a team in which each member completes a portion of the course. Many couples or parentchild teams took part last year, with ages ranging from 10 to early 60s. “It was neat to see families do it together,” Hovinga said. Proceeds of the event will be used for maintenance on the Hynes Spur Trail, which begins in Forest City’s Pammel Park. For more information, go towww.visitforestcity.com/Vi sitorsAndMeetings/Events/tr ee_town_adventure_race.asp.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E47

North Iowa offers dozens of trails, so go explore By TIM ACKARMAN For The Globe Gazette

orth Iowa state parks, counties and cities offer a wealth of trails. This list is likely not comprehensive. For more information, contact your local state park headquarters, county conservation board or city parks and recreation department. BUTLER COUNTY The 15-mile Rolling Prairie Trail runs from Shell Rock through Clarksville to Allison. It follows an old Iowa-Pacific rail corridor and includes many bridges. A bridge damaged by arson was repaired last year, eliminating a detour that had been necessary the past few years. Heery Woods Park (19195 Hwy 188 near Clarksville) has a one-mile straight trail plus several mowed trails around smaller fields. There is a rockchip trail around the Heery Woods Nature Center. Portions of these trails wind through timber and overlook the Shell Rock River. CERRO GORDO COUNTY The Lime Creek Conservation Area offers 11 trails totaling eight miles, with interconnecting loops ranging in length from .32 to 1.3 miles. The wheelchairaccessible Easy Access Trail is closed to cyclists and equestrians. The Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve between Rock Falls and Nora Springs offers nearly seven miles of roadway trail along limestone bluffs overlooking the Shellrock River. The paved Trolley Trail runs beside Hwy 106 between Mason City and Clear Lake. The Sisters’ Prairie Trail winds through a privately-owned restored prairie, wetland and woodland complex just south of Ventura. The trail begins adjacent to the driveway at 2868 235th St (county road B-35) and ends near the Ventura Grade on S-14. Clear Lake and McIntosh Woods state parks both feature small trails, as do several county parks and public hunting areas. FLOYD COUNTY The Prairie Trail in the Fossil and Prairie Park (1227 215th St.) includes both a one-mile and a 1.5-mile loop. A second trail leads from the Prairie Trail to the quarry and beehive kilns, over the Winnebago River and into Rockford. Charles City offers the paved Charlie Western Recreational Trail, which encompasses nearly four miles of converted railroad right-of-way and utilizes public streets through downtown to complete a five-mile loop. It also ties in with another hard-surface trail running through downtown along the north side

TIM ACKARMAN/For The Globe Gazette

A new bridge on the Rolling Prairie Trail replaces one damaged by arson. of the Cedar River. On the south side of the Cedar, an eight foot wide concrete trail overlooking the new waterpark and running from Main St. to the intersection of Gilbert and Brantingham streets should be completed in June. There is a one-mile trail at the Rudd Lake Campground. The paved loop trail circles the lake while passing through an open grassy area. FRANKLIN COUNTY Work is under way on an addition to the Rolling Prairie Trail. The addition will run from Coulter to Hampton, with spurs into Hampton and to Beeds Lake State Park. Parts of the trail in Hampton and the spur to Beeds will be paved, while the portion from Nettle Ave west of Hampton to Coulter will be gravel. This section of the trail should be completed in August. Check with the Franklin County Conservation Board (641-465-4375 or www.franklincountyconservation.org) for updates. Long-range plans call for the trail to be extended east from Hampton to link with the portion of the Rolling Prairie Trail in Butler County. Maynes Grove four miles south of Hampton features about five miles of trail through woodlands, wetlands and prairie. WKW Conservation Park, one mile north and one mile east of Hampton, features an approximately ¾-mile loop nature trail with recreated animal homes for visitors to explore. There is a small trail system at Inge bretson Memorial Park, two miles west and one mile north of Sheffield. Beeds Lake State Park offers lakeside hiking. HANCOCK COUNTY The county conservation board recently completed an approximately 1½-mile mowed loop trail through the Eagle Lake Nature Area. The trail begins at the parking area off Hwy 18 west of Duncan and features open prairie, woodlands and wetlands. The nearby Eagle Lake Park (three miles east and a half mile north of Britt) has a half-mile loop trail.

Eldred-Sherwood Recreation Area, three miles east and one mile north of Goodell, includes a two-mile trail around Indian Lake. The adjacent Eldred-Sherwood Timber features a half-mile hike down a county road and a small trail to the Indian Lake outflow. There is a one-mile fishing access trail along the lakeshore at Crystal Lake Park (on the east side of Crystal Lake). Torkelson’s Pits northeast of Garner along the Winnebago River and the Eagle Lake Heritage Prairie south of Duncan both feature mowed trails. Pilot Knob State Park is popular with mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers. It features 13.5 miles of trails (including roads), 5-6 miles of which are designated for hiking only. KOSSUTH COUNTY Smith County Park three miles north of Algona features a 1.5-mile trail around Smith Lake and through prairie areas. There is a one-mile mowed path through wooded areas and around the lakeshore at Burt Lake Park northwest of Swea City. Algona features a 1.3-mile paved bike trail that originates at Ernie and Gladys Williams Park and runs along the Bull Ditch before ending at Clark St. Ambrose A. Call State Park is a popular hiking destination. MITCHELL COUNTY The Brumm Addition across from Riverside Park near Stacyville features a one-mile gravel loop trail through a wooded area and down to a small picnic area on the Cedar River. The Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail begins at the welcome center in Riceville and runs into Minnesota, where it eventually connects with the Shooting Star Trail. All but the last two miles are now paved, making it popular with bikers as well as walkers and runners The Harry Cook Trail goes from Osage about one mile west to Spring Park. Just across the Hwy 9 bridge is the Mitchell County Nature Center. From there the Cedar River Greenbelt Trail parallels the river for about four

miles, ending at the town of Mitchell. This steep, rocky trail is popular with hikers and equestrians. New Haven Potholes (six miles east and 1.5 miles north of Osage) is an outdoor classroom featuring wildlife observation decks and four loop trails of various lengths. The area includes woodlands, prairie and wetlands. The St. Ansgar Recreation Trail is a one-mile loop around the high school, ball diamonds and children’s garden. WINNEBAGO COUNTY Thorpe Park (6.5 miles west and 1 mile north of Forest City) features a 1.5-mile loop trail through a small wooded area and around a large marsh. An additional one-mile trail goes through prairies and wetlands on the adjacent Russ Wildlife Area. Forest City offers the two-mile Hynes Spur that begins at J Street on the north end of Pammel Park, runs along the Winnebago River and adjacent to Heritage Park, and ends at the Hancock County Winnebago River Canoe Access near the airport on B-14. The nine-mile Hanson Loop begins at the head of Hynes Spur, takes J Street east to Golf Course Road and then goes north to a paved trail adjacent to Hwy 9. The paved trail goes east to 205th Ave., which runs south to the northwest entrance of Pilot Knob State Park. Cyclists can either take a side trip into the park on the Pilot Knob Loop or complete the Hanson by taking 340th St. west to Golf Course Road and then going north to J Street. Lake Mills offers a 1 ½ mile trail that begins at the Promise of America Mon ument on Hwy 105, runs past the baseball fields and ends near the high school and the softball field. WORTH COUNTY Ochee Yahola Park about two miles north of Northwood features nearly two miles of mowed grass trails with three different loops passing through timber and skirting wetlands. A 1.6 mile paved loop trail winds around and through the Worth County Fairgrounds in Northwood, passing a gazebo and several flower gardens. Much of the trail is lighted and there are public restrooms nearby. The trail is open year-round unless snow is too deep. WRIGHT COUNTY Lake Cornelia Park four miles south and two miles west of Belmond has a one-mile walking path extending about half way around the lake. The Three Rivers Trail follows an old rail line and stagecoach route. From the eastern trailhead at Eagle Grove the crushed-limestone trail runs three miles in Wright County, where it crosses the Boone River. Continuing through Humboldt County, the trail crosses the East Fork of the Des Moines River and runs parallel to its West Fork for several miles before ending near Rolfe in Pocahontas County. The Franklin Grove Heritage Trail in Belmond begins at Pool Park and runs for 3.4 miles. Local volunteers maintain trees, shrubs and flowers along the trail.

E48 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

Clear Lake anglers have plenty of targets By TIM ACKARMAN For The Globe Gazette

CLEAR LAKE?

NR fisheries biologist Scott Grummer has mostly good news for Clear Lake anglers. “The walleye fishing has been great,” Grummer said. “Even better than I expected.” Walleye survival and growth has been average or above for the past few years, while forage production on Clear Lake last year was slightly below average, Grummer said. Anglers have found plenty of eager walleyes on warm spring days as a result. Walleyes from 14-17 inches have constituted most of the catch. (Clear Lake has a

three-fish limit on walleyes, with a 14-inch minimum and only one fish over 22 inches allowed.) Fishing is normally best from spring to early or mid summer. Hotter summer months can be slow before things pick up again in the fall. Forage species such as yellow bass, bluegill and spottail shiner spawn in May and June. Strong hatches, while beneficial to the long-term health of the fishery, can provide an abundance of food and actually reduce angler success in the short term. Yellow bass from 2005 and 2006 are providing anglers with plenty of fish in the 89½-inch range. There are also good numbers of 6-inch

and 4-inch fish from 2009 and 2010, respectively. White bass numbers are up, Grummer said, with good populations in the 11-14inch range along with some larger fish. Most are caught incidentally in open water by anglers trolling crankbaits for walleyes, although they can be targeted in sandy areas during spring and fall. White bass tend to congregate in large schools, Grummer noted. Finding them can be “hit and miss,” but action can be furious when active fish are discovered. DNR stocks 600 10-12inch muskies in Clear Lake every other year. All fish are tagged and survival is strong, allowing biologists to monitor

and control the population. “They’re the best-understood fish in the lake from a biologist’s standpoint,” Grummer said. There are currently strong populations of muskies from 20 inches to just below 50 inches. “There’s definitely an opportunity to catch a trophysized fish,” Grummer said. Channel catfish on Clear Lake are an underutilized resource, Grummer said. “The harvest has been down, but it isn’t for lack of fish.” Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill and crappie are all present in Clear Lake, although generally not in numbers sufficient to attract many anglers specifically targeting those species.

Lots of finny fun waiting in North Iowa lakes, ponds, rivers and streams By TIM ACKARMAN For The Globe Gazette hile Clear Lake is North Iowa’s premier fishing spot, numerous smaller lakes, gravel pits, ponds, streams and rivers offer angling opportunities. Here’s a county-by-county listing of some favorites:

BUTLER COUNTY The Shell Rock River offers smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. “Walleye fishing in the Shell Rock this spring has been phenomenal,” DNR fisheries biologist Scott Grummer said. GERRO GORDO COUNTY Bluebill Wildlife Area southeast of Clear Lake on Indigo Avenue features a 40-acre borrow pit with a large concrete boat ramp and a dock. A new rock jetty offers increased access for shore anglers. The pit is stocked with bluegills, largemouth bass and catfish. Bluegills are up to 10 inches, while most bass run 12-16 inches. (The statewide length restriction is 15 inches.) Grummer believes the pit could harbor largemouths up to 6 pounds. The Shell Rock River offers smallmouth bass, walleye and catfish while the Winnebago River offers walleye and catfish, primarily below the Fertile Dam.

Beeds also sports a good catfish population. The Iowa River cuts through the southwest corner of the county and features smallmouth bass, walleye, Northern pike and catfish. HANCOCK COUNTY At Crystal Lake, bluegills up to 8 inches should now be spawning on beds near shore. There are excellent numbers of largemouth bass from 14-16 inches.“If you hit it right you can catch a bass every cast,” Grummer said. Good numbers of Northern pike from 20-25 inches and some walleyes from 1519 inches are also available. Indian Lake in Eldred-Sherwood Park northeast of Goodell is a 25-acre lake featuring bass, bluegills and catfish. Some nice bluegills are available. West Twin Lake west of Goodell is a good bullhead destination. There are some Northern pike in the Winnebago River.

FLOYD COUNTY Both the Shell Rock and Cedar Rivers offer smallmouth bass, walleye and catfish.

KOSSUTH COUNTY Smith Lake located three miles north of Algona offers a good largemouth bass fishery.“The 18-inch size limit gives the potential to catch some quality bass,” Grummer said. There are two strong yearclasses of crappie, with 7-inch and 10-12-inch fish available. Bluegills are up to 8 inches. Channel catfish are also available. The East Fork of the Des Moines River is excellent for catfish and good for walleye.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Beeds Lake three miles northwest of Hampton “has been one of our better (largemouth) bass lakes, and there’s no reason to think it would be any different this year,” Grummer said. Fishing is also good for 7-7½-inch bluegills and 9-10-inch crappies. There is a strong yellow bass population, with many fish in the 7-8-inch range. Grummer said

MITCHELL COUNTY The Cedar River is a strong fishery offering smallmouth bass, walleye and catfish. The Little Cedar and Wapsipinicon rivers also flow through the county. DNR stocks trout in Turtle Creek, Spring Creek and the Wapsipinicon River. Check www.iowadnr.gov for stocking times and regula-

tions. A trout stamp is required in addition to a regular fishing license. WINNEBAGO COUNTY Lake Catherine located in Thorpe Park (5½ miles west and 1½ north of Forest City) offers bass, catfish and bluegills. Rice Lake between Lake Mills and Joice is an excellent place to target 10-14-inch bullheads. It is fair for crappie and yellow perch in the fall, primarily in the deeper water near Rice Lake State Park. There are some walleye and Northern pike. The Winnebago River offers limited opportunities for Northern pike. WORTH COUNTY Silver Lake about five miles west and two miles north of Northwood is being drawn down to repair the water-control structure and renovate the fishery. Promiscuous fishing is allowed, with unlimited lines and no bag or possession limits. The Shell Rock River offers good Northern pike fishing and limited opportunities for walleye. Rice Lake lies partially in the county. WRIGHT COUNTY Lake Cornelia four miles south and two miles west of Belmond offers strong populations of 6-8inch yellow and white bass and 8-10-inch yellow perch. Every other year DNR stocks channel catfish, which are kept in cages throughout the summer and fed by Wright County Conservation Board employees before being released in the fall. Largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill and crappie are also available. Bullhead fishing is excellent throughout the summer. Elm Lake north of Lake Cornelia and Morse Lake five miles west of Belmond offer bullheads and yellow perch. There are some Northern pike in the Iowa and Boone Rivers.

THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E49

Groups combining free fishing weekend with child-related fishing, teaching opportunities any area groups offer fishing clinics or contests for kids and/or families. Most are held in conjunction with DNR’s free fishing weekend June 1-3 when a license is not required for fishermen of any age. At other times Iowa residents under 16 may fish without a license under the supervision of a licensed adult. Fish caught by the children apply toward the adult’s daily bag limit, and all other state regulations apply.

SATURDAY, JUNE 2: DNR staff will host a Kid’s Fishing Clinic at McIntosh Woods State Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. Topics will include fish identification, fishing tips and water safety. (641-357-3517) Immediately afterward the Clear Lake Fishing Club will hold its annual Take-a-Kid Fishing tournament. Lunch is provided and numerous prizes are awarded. www.clearlakefishingclub.com Mason City Parks and Recreation will host a Fishing Derby from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a casting contest and prizes. Registration is at East Park shelter house No. 2. There is a $1 charge. (641-421-3673) The Mitchell County Conservation Board will host a Fish Iowa Fishing Derby at Riverside Park near Stacyville from 9 a.m. to noon. DNR will offer a live fish display. Prizes are awarded and concessions provided by Mitchell County 4-H. (641-832-7246). The Morwens Kiwanis will host a fishing contest for kids (K-6) at Smith Lake near Algona. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with fishing from 9 to 11 and lunch to follow. Nightcrawlers will be provided and prizes awarded by age category. (515-295-8525) The Floyd County Izaak Walton

League will host a kid’s fishing clinic at R Campground in Charles City from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Topics will include knot tying, bait and equipment, live fish identification and fish cleaning. There will be casting practice and time for fishing. Lunch will be served and prizes given. (641-228-2857) The Clarksville Lions will host a Fishing Fun Day for kids 16 and under at Sportsman’s Park near Clarksville from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be educational presentations and prizes awarded for all participants. Entry fee is $5 ($1 for each additional child in the same family), with proceeds supporting scholarships for graduating seniors. (319-278-4203). The Floyd County Conservation Board is planning a fishing event, but details were not finalized at press time. Call 641-456-4375 or go to www.franklincountyconservation.org for updates. SUNDAY, JUNE 3: A Kid’s Fishing Derby sponsored by local businesses will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Prairie Bridges Park in conjunction with Ackley Sauerkraut Days. Bait is provided and prizes and trophies will be awarded. (319-240-3995) OTHER: The Whittemore Gun Club will host a fishing contest at Siems Park from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 10. Nightcrawlers will be provided. Lunch will be served and prizes awarded. (515-320-1176) The Friends of Beeds Lake State Park will host a kid’s fishing tournament in conjunction with the Beeds Lake Blast Aug. 25. Plans are also in the works to host a carp fishing tournament at Beeds this June, with the date and time to be determined. (641-4250723 or www.friendsofbeedslake.com) Winnebago County Conservation Board (641-565-3390 or www.winnebagoccb.com) is tentatively planning a fishing event this fall.

TIM ACKARMAN/For The Globe Gazette

Wes Enabnit of Clear Lake and his sons Aizik (left) and Bradyn, then ages 6 and 8, prepare to weigh in their catch at the 2011 Take-a-Kid Fishing Tournament at McIntosh Woods State Park.

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E50 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE

North Iowa Community Summer Calendar Compiled by Judy Delperdang

MAY Through June 23 — A Prayer for Earth, Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 641-421-3666, www.macniderart.org. May 24 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert, 6:45 p.m. Southbridge Mall. May 24-26 — North Iowa Band Festival, East Park, Parade downtown Mason City at 10 a.m. Saturday. Carnival, free entertainment, NIBF market, car show, food at East Park. Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free admission; www.nibandfest.com. May 25-27 — Dressage Bara Trac 1 Horse Show, North Iowa Events Center, 641-423-3811. Talented horse and rider teams perform intricate patterns and difficult moves. May 26 — River City Dames of Anarchy Roller Derby vs. Norfolk Bruisin’ Betties, 7 p.m., All Season’s Building, North Iowa Events Center. May 27 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. May 28 — I-35 Speedway Races, Hawkeye Dirt Tour, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I-35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. May 31-June 2 — Cup o’Joe Reader’s Theatre, 7 p.m., Clear Lake Arts Center. Tickets, $10 in advance, $12 at the door; call 641-357-1998 or visit www.clartscenter.com.

JUNE Through June 23 — A Prayer for Earth, Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 641-421-3666, www.macniderart.org. June 1 — David Allen Coe, Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, 641-357-6151. Doors open 8 p.m. Tickets $20 advance, $25 door; www.surfballroom.com. June 1 — Party in the Park, 5-9 p.m. in Central Park, Charles City, with family fun and entertainment. Free. Food, beverages available. Music by Equilateral. June 1 — Friday Night Out in City Park, Osage. Food and beverage vendors, games and activities for kids, live music listen. June 1-2 — Motofest III, City Park, Clear Lake. Preevent ride, 6:30 p.m. Friday, from Surf Ballroom. Rally Ride registration, 9 a.m. Saturday. Events in the park begin at noon: stunt shows, ride challenges, bike show, vintage bike and scooter display, vendors, bands; www.northiowamag.com.

June 1-3 — Pony of the Americas, North Iowa Events Center, 641-423-3811. Young riders on smaller horses compete in conformation, performance, games and jumping. www.northiowafair.org. June 1-3 — Sectional Duplicate Bridge Tournament. June 2 — Fishing Derby, 1-3 p.m., East Park Shelter House 2, Mason City, 641-421-3673. Prizes in various age groups; casting contest. $1 admission. June 2 — Take a Kid Fishing Tournament, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Clear Lake. Teams of one adult and up to two children ages 16 and under fish from a boat or on the shoreline. Free food, prizes for all entries. DNR seminar at 8:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Clear Lake Fishing Club, Whitetails Unlimited, and the Iowa DNR. www.clearlakefishingclub.com. June 2 — Kites Over the Prairie, 11 a.m.-4.p.m., at the Jenison Meacham Arts Center and Farm, north of Belmond. Free admission. Kite demonstrations by Kay and Larry Day and Mark Brandt, kites for sale, concessions and an area to fly your own kites. June 2 — Ackley Sauerkraut Days. Parade line up at the Buss Barn at 5:30 p.m. June 2-3 — Hy-Vee Invitational youth baseball tournament; www.mcyouthbaseball.com. June 3 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. June 3 — Mason City Municipal Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. East Park. June 3 — Charles City Municipal Band Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Central Park. June 3 — Vintage Car Day, 1-5 p.m., Kinney Pioneer Museum, 641-423-1258. North Iowa Vintage Automobile Club display on the lawn; food, music and exhibits. Museum admission, $3 adults, $1 children. June 5 — Tuesday on the Town, downtown Hampton. Live music, shopping, festivities and the Hampton Municipal Band. June 6 — Mason City Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Southbridge Mall. June 7-10 — Father of the Bride; 7 p.m. June 7-9, 2 p.m. June 10, Mason City Community Theatre, 215 S. Delaware Ave., 641-424-6424; www.mccommunitytheatre.com. June 8-10 — Midstates Hunter/Jumper Horse Summerfest show, North Iowa Events Center, 641-4243547. Nationally rated-A Hunter/Jumper horse show in three outdoor arenas. Competition Grand Prix at 5:30 p.m. Saturday; $2 admission. www.midstateshorseshows.com. June 8-9 — Bash On The Farm 2012, annual free Christian music festival, with music from gospel to metal on three stages, and headliners Tricia Brock

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and Fireflight. Camping, food, games, and more. New location, Heritage Park, Forest City. www.bashonthefarm.com/2012. June 9 — Town and Country Picnic, Kensett, all day. Breakfast, tractor ride at 8 a.m., noon picnic, kid’s games, activities, horse and wagon rides. June 9 — MacNider Museum Arts Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., on the lawn of the museum and public library, 641-421-3666. Family entertainment, including musicians, storytellers, and art activities. Art market features more than 50 artists. Free admission. www.macniderart.org. June 9 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. June 9 — Mason City Municipal Band concert, 4 p.m., Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. June 9 — River City Dames of Anarchy Roller Derby vs. Pushup Brawlers, 7 p.m. All Season’s Building, North Iowa Events Center. June 9 — Cerro Gordo County Women’s Health Fund 5K Walk/Run, City Park, Clear Lake. Registration, 7 a.m., www.cghealth.com. 5K run at 8:30, 5K walk at 9 a.m. Silent auction in the Lakeview Community room; local vendors. June 9 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 7 p.m. City Park Bandshell. June 9 — Festival in the Park, Clarion. Parade, vendors, music. June 10 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. June 10 — Outdoor 3D and 600 Round Archery Shoot, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mohawk Archery Club Outdoor Range, 15781-15803 County Road B20, 641494-7805, www.mohawkarchery.org. June 10 — Hunter Fuerste and His Vintage Orchestra, 6-10 p.m., Surf Ballroom. Doors open at 5. June 10 — Old Fashioned Sing-Along, 4-5 p.m., Hampton’s Windsor Theatre. Free; a freewill offering will be accepted. June 10 — Vietnam Veterans annual Recognition Day picnic, Swensrud Park, Northwood. Features a Mobile Riverine Memorial and Traveling Museum, raffle, military merchandise fundraiser, and entertainment. Contact Jerry or Linda Parmley, 641-2935131. June 12 — Tuesday on the Town, downtown Hampton. Live music, shopping, festivities and the Hampton Municipal Band. June 13 — Taste of Clear Lake Cruise, 6-8:30 p.m. on the Lady of the Lake. Annual Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce fundraiser with food and prizes.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E51 Reservations required. June 13-17 — Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Stebens Children’s Theatre, 616 N. Delaware Ave., 641-424-9802. www.stebens.com. June 13-17 — Worth County Fair, Northwood; www.worthcountyfair.com. June 14 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. June 14-17 — Father of the Bride; 7 p.m. June 14-16, 2 p.m. June 17, Mason City Community Theatre, 215 S. Delaware Ave., 641-424-6424; www.mccommunitytheatre.com. June 15 — Friday Night Live, 6-10 p.m. Central Park, Mason City, 641-494-0003. Live music, food, and family fun. June 15 — Party in the Park, 5-9 p.m. in Central Park, Charles City, with family fun and entertainment. Free. Food, beverages available. Music by The Rude Band. June 15 — Friday Night Out in City Park, Osage. Food and beverage vendors, games and activities for kids, live music listen. June 15-16 — Greene River Days, Perrin Park, Greene. Free live music, grand parade, kiddie parade, Rockin’ Recess dance, inflatables for children, bean bag tournament, 5K run/walk, food; www.greeneiowa.com. June 15-16 — Sister Friend Weekend, Hampton. June 15-17 — Midstates Hunter/Jumper Horse Summer show, North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-3547. Nationally rated-A Hunter/Jumper horse show in three outdoor arenas. Competition Grand Prix at 5:30 p.m. Saturday; $2 admission. www.midstateshorseshows.com. June 15-17 — Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater

Weekend, with kayak, stand-up paddle board and canoe competitions at Riverfront Park. Races begin at scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday. Open boating available Friday and Sunday; www.ccwhitewater.com. June 16 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org June 16 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 7 p.m. City Park Bandshell. June 16 — Klemme Ag Days. www.facebook.com/klemme.agdays. June 16 — Oatmeal Days, St. Ansgar, with 2x4 bike ride, Wee Saints waffles, fun in the park, sidewalk sales, parade; www.stansgar.org. June 16 — North Iowa Bucks vs. South Central Hawgs football, 6 p.m. West Fork Middle School Football Field, 200 Maple St. W., Rockwell. June 16 — Runnin’ with the Law Triathlon, Mason City Aquatic Center, 843 Birch Drive; registration 7-8:30 a.m. Start, 9 a.m.; 10 meter swim, 10-mile bike, 3mile run. June 16, 21, 23 — Sundown Days, Hanlontown. Breakfast, parade, lunch, games and entertainment Saturday; Hanlontown Great Annual Bike Ride Around Town, ice cream at sunset Thursday; big tractor pull Sunday. June 16-17 — Spring Classic, Amateur Trapshooting Association trapshoot, Ventura Gun Club. Participants compete for cash prizes in clay target shooting; www.venturagunclub.com. June 17 — Tractor and Truck Pull, 11 a.m. MPI track, McIntire’s south edge. Gals Gone Wild class pull at 1 p.m.; proceeds to Relay for Life. Lunch on the grounds. Free admission; a free will offering will be taken. June 17 — Charles City Municipal Band concert, 7:30

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p.m. at Central Park. June 17 — Father’s Day BBQ Cruise, 1-2:30 p.m. Lady of the Lake. Entertainment, food, door prizes. Board at 12:30 p.m.; $20 adults, $12 children 12 and under. www.cruiseclearlake.com. June 17 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 3 p.m. City Park Bandshell. June 17 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. June 17 — Mason City Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m. East Park. June 19 — Tuesday on the Town, downtown Hampton. Live music, shopping, festivities and the Hampton Municipal Band. June 19-21 — Insectigations! Lime Creek Nature Center, for children ages 7-8. Fee is $20 which includes a daily snack. Registration required; 641-421-3673. June 19-21 — Tiny Tot Nature Camp, Lime Creek Nature Center, children ages 4-6. Fee is $20 which includes a daily snack. Registration required; 641421-3673. June 20 — Mason City Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Southbridge Mall. June 21 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. June 22-24 — Dressage Lite Horse Show, North Iowa Events Center, 641-423-3811; Region 4 Junior Rider team champions. Talented horse and rider teams perform intricate patterns. June 22-24 — River City Throwdown Adult Softball Tournament, Fredrick Hanford Park; 6:30 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. June 23 — Greek Festival, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Transfigu-

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E52 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE ration Greek Orthodox Church, 1311 Second St. S.W., Mason City. A taste of Greece with a village atmosphere; food, music and dancing; www.holytransfiguration.ia.goarch.org. June 23 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. June 23 — Mason City Moto X Races, 11 a.m., North Iowa Events Center. Tickets $8, kids under 5 are free. June 23 — North Iowa Herb Festival, Garden and Craft Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Healing House Herb Shop, 600 Second Ave. N., Clear Lake. Featuring local artisans, garden items, plants, and speakers; healinghouseclearlake.com. June 23 — Tour of Gardens and Homes, Clear Lake. Proceeds support Central Gardens of North Iowa; www.central-gardens.org.

June 23 — North Iowa Bucks vs. vs. Minnesota Silverbacks football, 6 p.m. West Fork Middle School Football Field, 200 Maple St. W., Rockwell. June 23 — Disc golf/North Iowa Tour, East Park. Disc golf tournament for all ages, genders and skill levels. Registration, 8-9:30 a.m. Men $20, women $10; www.facebook.com/NorthIowaTour. June 23 — BRAM-Bike Ride Around Mitchell. Enjoy a day ride around Mitchell County on your bicycle. Five routes to choose from. Ride begins in the City Parking lot on Main Street. June 23 — Annual Borderline Tractor Ride, 8 a.m., Rake. For information, call Phil, 641-590-0501. June 24 — I-35 Speedway Races, Hobby Stock Special, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-4246515, www.I-35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. June 23 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 7 p.m.

City Park Bandshell. June 24 — Mason City Municipal Band concert, 7:30 p.m. East Park. June 24 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 3 p.m. City Park Bandshell. June 24 — Lonny Lynn Orchestra, 5-10 p.m., Surf Ballroom. June 25-29 — Day Camp: Those Amazing Animals, Lime Creek Nature Center, for children entering third and fourth grades. $15 Lime Creek Nature Center members; $20 non-members. Register by June 20, 641-423-5309. June 26 — Tuesday on the Town, downtown Hampton. Live music, shopping, festivities and the Hampton Municipal Band. June 28 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities.

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E53

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June 14 and 21 • July 12, 19 and 26 • August 2, 9 and 16 More fun than ever! Things to do for all ages! Live Entertainment & Movies in the Park every Thursday night!

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The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to come to downtown Clear Lake for Thursdays on Main, starting June 14. Lots of fun, food, wine and shopping for all ages. We are also looking for general vendors who would like to promote their business during this exciting event, which draws thousands to our downtown shopping district. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Trish at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at trish@clearlakeiowa.com or by calling 641-357-2159. MS-80075

E54 • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • THE GLOBE GAZETTE June 29 -July 1 — IA NBHA District 2 Barrel Race, North Iowa Events Center. Participants compete in timed barrel racing events; www.ianbha.com. June 29-July 5 — Fourth of July Celebration, downtown Clear Lake. Midway, carnival, amusement rides, bingo, large craft, music at the bandshell, Independence Day parade down Main Avenue and fireworks on the Fourth. June 30 — Cannonball Day, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Prairie Playground, East Park, www.friendsofthe457.org. Kids Fun Ride, Pedal Tractor Pull and Bill Riley Talent Search. Music by Endless Summer. Lions Club barbecue chicken, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 30 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. June 30 — Coulter Fun Day. June 30-July 4 — America’s Hometown July 4th Celebration, Charles City; www.charlescitychamber.com. June 30 — Red, White and Blues and BBQ, 5-9 p.m. at Central Park, with — music by Bernard Allison. Patriotic family-friendly event with games, music and a barbecue competition. Free; food and beverages are available for purchase. June 30-July 1 — “And Then There Were None,” Franklin County Arts Council summer play, Windsor Theatre, Hampton.

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July 1 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. July 3 — Mason City Exchange Club Fireworks, North Iowa Events Center. Musically choreographed fireworks display at 9 p.m. Music by the Mason City Municipal Band. Free. July 3 — Kids Day, Charles City; kids parade, games, stage show, inflatables in Central Park. July 4 — America’s Hometown July 4th Celebration, 10:30 a.m. parade, 8:30 p.m. Municipal Band concert, fireworks, downtown Charles City. July 4 — Fireworks Party Cruise, 7 p.m. Lady of the Lake. Entertainment, food and door prizes; $35. www.cruiseclearlake.com. July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration, Scarville. Parade, 10:30 a.m.; fireman’s barbecue, music by “Somethin’ Country,” free ice cream and bars, flea market, kid’s pedal pull. July 4 — Firecracker Days, Buffalo Center: 5K run/walk, 7:30 a.m.; parade, 10 a.m., sand volleyball, inflatables petting zoo, fireworks. July 4, 6-8 — Hometown Fourth of July Celebration, Northwood. Parade, 11 a.m., old-fashioned Fourth at noon, fireworks, 10 p.m. Wednesday. Pool party, live music, tournaments Friday-Sunday. July 5 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. July 6-7 — Summer Nights Tennessee Walking Horse Show, 7 p.m., North Iowa Events Center. Admission, $1; www.twhm.org. July 6-7 — Duesey Days, Garner; www.garneriachamber.com. Craft show, parade, car show, inflatables, music. July 6-7 — The National Truck and Tractor Pull, Rockwell. July 6-8 — Bicycle, Blues and BBQ, Clear Lake City Park. Live blues and barbecue, 6 p.m. Friday. Fun ride at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, with Blues and BBQ at noon and 2011 State Championship bicycle criterium. Road race Sunday. www.bicyclebluesbbq.com. July 7 — Lions Breakfast by the Lake, 7-11 a.m. City Park. Dad’s Belgian Waffles fundraiser for the Clear Lake Lions Pride Lions Club. Adults, $7, $6 advance, 5 and under free. July 7 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art ven-

dors, music and other activities. children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. July 7 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 7 p.m. July 15 — 10th annual Heritage Fest, Heritage Park, City Park Bandshell. Forest City. Ethnic foods, antique power shows; July 7 — Firemen’s Dance, Buffalo Center, 8:30 p.m. www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com. July 15 — Mason City Moto X Races, 11 a.m., North with “Arch Allies.” July 8 — Conestoga Cookout, noon-4 p.m. Kinney PioIowa Events Center; $8, kids under 5 are free. July 15 — Annual Noon Lions Chicken Barbecue and neer Museum. Pork sandwich dinner, accordion music, broom makers, rug weaver, games for chilLioness Pie fundraiser, 10 a.m. until sold out, City dren; $7 for adults, $3.50 for children includes the Park. July 15 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 3 p.m. meal and museum. July 8 — Lions Club Fly-In Breakfast, Northeast Iowa City Park Bandshell. July 15-20 — Grand National Rally/Winnebago Rally Regional Airport, Charles City. July 8 — C.A.R. Show, Central Park, Charles City. grounds; http://www.winnebagoind.com. July 8 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa July 15 — Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 790 Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.Iannual outdoor flapjacks and ham breakfast 35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 chilfundraiser, North Iowa Events Center, Mason City; dren 6-12; ages 5 and under free. free admission and parking. Free will donation. July 8 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 3 p.m. July 17 — Middle School Adventures: Floating and City Park Bandshell. Fishing, Quarry Lake, Lime Creek Conservation July 8 — Summer Garden Party, Central Gardens, Area, for children entering 7th and 8th grade; $5 for Clear Lake. Upscale evening event with food, bevermembers, $10 non-members. Register by July 11; ages, music, and live and silent auctions; www.cen641-423-5309. July 18-22 — Floyd County Fair; www.floydcountytral-gardens.org. July 8 — Mason City Municipal Band concert, 7:30 fair.org. July 18-22 — Franklin County Fair, Hampton. p.m., East Park. July 8 — Sentimental Swing Orchestra, 5-10 p.m., July 19 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Central Surf Ballroom. July 8 — Old Fashioned Sing-Along, 4-5 p.m., Hampton’s Windsor Theatre. Free; a freewill The Rainbow Ends “on the island” on offering will be accepted. the south shore of Lake Chetek July 9-13 — Day Camp: Outdoor Adventures! at Lime Creek Nature Center; children entering the fifth and sixth grades; $15 for Lime Creek Nature Center members, $20 nonmembers. Registration required by July 3, 641-423-5309. • Comfortable cottages with boat & dock July 11 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North • Motor Rentals • Special Rates Spring & Fall Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 Carol & Don DenTandt Your Hosts children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. www.RainbowsEndResort.travel July 11-15 — North Iowa Fair, North Iowa Events Center; www.northiowafair.org. 2626 7-1/4 Avenue (715) 924-4514 July 12 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Chetek, WI 54728 1-800-576-4492 Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. July 12 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, handpowered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. Montauk in Clermont July 13 — Party in the Park, 5-9 p.m. in Central Home of William Larrabee, Park, Charles City, with family fun and enterIowa’s 12th Governor tainment. Free. Food, beverages available. Music by Flaming Camaros. Open Memorial Day July 13-15 — Iowa Independent Film Festival, to Labor Day noon-8 p.m., Clear Lake Arts Center. Public Daily Noon-4pm screenings of feature-length, documentary, Labor Day to Oct.13 short art films, and student productions. Fri, Sat, & Sun Noon-4pm MS-79361 Admission, $10 per day, $25 weekend; www.iowaindie.org. 26223 Harding Rd, Clermont, IA 52135 563-423-7173 July 13-15 — July Jubilee, Lake Mills. For inforemail: montauk@acegroup.cc OR visit www.iowahistory.org mation, visit www.lakemillsiowa.com or call 641-592-5253. 5K run/walk, street dance, music, flea market/craft show, parade, antique tractors, concessions, games, pedal pull. July 13-15 — Puckerbrush Days, Forest City; 641-585-2092 or www.forestcityia.com. In Our Little “Peace” Parade, 10 a.m. Saturday; 5K, fireman waterOf The World ball competition, diamond dig, fireworks, Sandy Beach flight breakfast, Variety Show. HSK Cabins July 14 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce Open May - Sept. and art vendors, music and other activities. July 14 — Clear Lake Municipal Band concert, 20250 121 St. NE 7 p.m. City Park Bandshell. New London, MN 56273 July 15 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North 320-354-2745 Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 MS-79935 www.beardsresort.com

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THE GLOBE GAZETTE • EXPLORE SUMMER 2012 • E55 Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. July 19 — Middle School Adventures: Biking and GPS Challenge, Wilkinson Pioneer Park, Rock Falls, for children entering 7th and 8th grade; $5 for members, $10 non-members. Register by July 11; 641423-5309. July 19 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. July 19-23 — Winnebago County Fair, Thompson; www.extension.iastate.edu/winnebago. July 20 — Friday Night Live, 6-10 p.m. Central Park, Mason City, 641-494-0003. Live music, food, and family fun. July 20-22 — Think Joice Days, Joice. Dueling Pianos Friday; parade, pedal pull, waterball fight Saturday; Top of Iowa Car Show Sunday. July 21 — 17th annual Clear Lake Antique and Wooden Boat Rendezvous, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Seawall area adjacent to City Park. Wooden, aluminum and fiberglass boats from the 1920s-1960s will be displayed; www.clearlakeacbs.org. July 21 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities; www.stansgar.org. July 21 — Turkey Days, Grafton. 5K Fun Run/Walk, tournaments, parade, butter-basted grilled turkey sandwich dinner, car show, children’s games/inflatables, pedal pull, street dance. July 21-22 — NISCA HII Youth Horse Show, 9 a.m., North Iowa Events Center; www.northiowafair.org. July 21 — Herb Festival, St. Ansgar, with local artist, pedal car show, vendor booths, lectures and tours. July 22 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. July 22 — Sammy Jensen Orchestra, 5-10 p.m., Surf Ballroom. July 22 — Outdoor 3D and 600 Round Archery Shoot, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mohawk Archery Club Outdoor Range; www.mohawkarchery.org. July 22 — Una Vocis Choral Ensemble concert, world premiere of Eric Whitacre’s “Goodnight Moon,” 7:30 p.m., Holy Family Catholic Church, Mason City. July 22-26 — Iowa Choral Director’s Association Summer Convention, North Iowa Community Auditorium, www.iowachoral.org. July 24 — Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson, 7 p.m. Surf Ballroom; $45 advance, $50 at the door. July 26 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. July 26 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie

train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. July 27 — Party in the Park, 5-9 p.m. in Central Park, Charles City, with family fun and entertainment. Free. Food, beverages available. Music by WildCard. July 27 — Ghost Boat Cruise,9-10:30 p.m., Lady of the Lake. Performers share their most frightening tales, part of the Iowa Storytelling Festival. Tickets, $15 (ages 10 and up), are available at the Clear Lake Public Library or Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. July 27-28 — Up In Smoke BBQ Bash, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, East Park. Try some of the best barbecue in the nation prepared by awardwinning vendors, and listen to live music. Free admission; tickets sold to purchase food from vendors. www.upinsmokebbqbash.com. July 28 — 45th Annual Brat Daze, Stacyville. July 28 — Latimer Fun Day. July 28 — Art Sail, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in City Park, Clear Lake; 75 juried artists showcasing their works. Contact the Clear Lake Arts Center, 641-357-1998, www.clartscenter.com. July 28 — Iowa Storytelling Festival, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. City Park, Clear Lake. Free performances by the Midwest’s finest storytellers. For information, Clear Lake Public Library, 641-357-6133. July 28 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. July 28 — Greene Summerfest, Greene park. July 28-29 — 19th Annual Lakeside DixieFest, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, Clear Lake City Park, featuring professional Dixieland jazz bands. Free; showcase.netins.net/web/dixiefest/index.html. July 28-29 — Trader Jack’s Sports Card Show, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Southbridge Mall. Free admission. July 28 — Crazy Daze, Buffalo Center. Craft shows and live bands. July 29 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free.

AUGUST Aug. 2 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org. Aug. 2 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. Aug. 3-4 — CLASS Car Show and Summer Dance Cruise. Car Cruise around Clear Lake and concert at Surf, 6 p.m. Friday; Car Show around City Park

from noon Saturday, concert 7-11 p.m. at the bandshell; www.classcarclub.com. Aug. 3-5 — Wapsi Days, Riceville. Food, music, barbecue competition, 5K run, parade, kid’s games, car show, bean bag tournament. Aug. 3-5 — Bara Trac II Dressage Horse Show, North Iowa Events Center. Region 4 adult team champions. Horse and rider teams perform intricate patterns and difficult moves. Aug. 4 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.-noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org Aug. 4-5 — Dows Corn Days; parade at 10 a.m. from the Fire Station. Aug. 5 — Spirit in the Park, noon-7 p.m., City Park. Free concert with The Ball Brothers, Headin’ Home Quartet, and others. Free-will offering. Aug. 5 — I-35 Speedway Races, Stockcar Special, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641-424-6515, www.I-35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 6-12; ages 5 and under free. Aug. 7 — National Night Out, crime and drug prevention event, 5 p.m., East Park, Mason City. Kid-power pedal tractor pull, demonstrations, and displays by local community and youth-oriented organizations. Free food, prize drawings. Aug. 9 — Mason City Market, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org. Aug. 9 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. Aug. 9-12 — National Hobo Convention, Britt. Parade, mulligan stew, Hobo King and Queen coronation, memorial service, flea market, classic car show, hobo jungle, www.brittiowa.com. Aug. 10 — Friday Night Live, 6-10 p.m. Central Park, Mason City, 641-494-0003. Live music, food, and family fun. Aug. 10 — Party in the Park, 5-9 p.m. in Central Park, Charles City, with family fun and entertainment. Free. Food, beverages available. Music by Endless Summer. Aug. 10-11 — Summerfest, Hampton. Two days of inflatables, live music, fun for kids and families, topped off with the WhiteSidewalls. Aug. 10-12 — The ninth annual Kicken’ and Chicken Weekend, Rockwell. Rodeo, softball tournament, chicken dinner, street dance, live music and car show. Aug. 10-12 — Cedar Valley Memories 17th annual Power/Steam Engine Show, Osage. Featuring Hart Parr and Oliver tractors and equipment, demonstrations, flea market; $5 adults both days, children 12 and under, free.

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Aug. 18 — Buttercup Slalom, Charles City WhiteWater Park. Aug. 18 — Celebration of the Passage of the 19th Amendment at Carrie Lane Chapman Catt home, Charles City. Aug. 18 — Rock Falls Fun Day. Tournaments, children’s games, inflatables, pedal tractor pull, a 5k walk/run. Aug. 18 — All Veterans-All Eras annual barbecue picnic, Swensrud Park, Northwood. Raffle, military merchandise fundraiser, entertainment and door prizes. Contact Jerry or Linda Parmley, 641-293-5131. Aug. 19 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641424-6515, www.I-35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 612; ages 5 and under free. Aug. 19 — Kids Day, 1-5 p.m., Kinney Pioneer Museum; 641-423-1258. Pioneer-type children’s activities, hands-on activities, face painting, music, magic show, hot dogs and s’mores. Admission: $3 adults, $1 children. Aug. 19 — Mason City Moto X Races, 11 a.m. North Iowa Events Center. Tickets $8, kids under 5, free. www.facebook.com/MasonCityMotoX. Aug. 19 — Outdoor 3D and 600 Round Archery Shoot, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mohawk Archery Club Outdoor Range; www.mohawkarchery.org. Aug. 23 — Mason City Market, 4:307:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-4940003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org Aug. 24-26 — Pony of the Americas, North Iowa Events Center. Show with halter, western, English, and speed events for registered POAs. Aug. 25 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org. Aug. 25 — Sixth annual Encouragement Corp. Christian concert, downtown Charles City. Free. Aug. 25 — Beeds Lake Fun Run and BLAST. Run around Beeds Lake, followed by activities and music. Aug. 25 — Sourdough Day, Sheffield. Parade is at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 25 — Railroad Ag Days, Manly. Parade, 11 a.m.; inflatables, book sale, beer garden, live music. Aug. 25-26 — Great Plains Championship of the United States Optimist Dinghy Association; sailors ages 7-16 will compete. Aug. 26 — Second annual Music Festival, Heritage Park, Forest City; www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com. Aug. 26 — Ken Kilian Saxtet Plus Big Band, 5-10 p.m., Surf Ballroom. Aug. 26 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641424-6515, www.I-35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 612; ages 5 and under free. Aug. 30 — Mason City Market, 4:307:30 p.m., Central Park, 641-4940003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. ww.mainstreetmasoncity.org.

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Aug. 10-12 — Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival, 7 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, PM Park, Clear Lake. Family festival with historical and fantasy characters, stage shows, contests, hands-on activities, food and beverages, treasure hunt and vendors. Costume contest. Admission, $7.50 adults, $5 kids 5-15; www.festint.com. Aug. 11 — Back-to-School Style Show, 11:30 a.m., Southbridge Mall. Aug. 11 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org. Aug. 11 — Pirate Party Cruise, 7:30-10 p.m. Lady of the Lake, Clear Lake. Pizza, cash bar, costumes encouraged. Tickets, $22; www.cruiseclearlake.com. Aug. 11 — 10th annual Heritage Park of North Iowa Tractor Ride, Forest City; www.heritageparkofnorthiowa.com Aug.11-12 — Fertile Days, Fertile. Rhodes hard run/bike ride, parade, inflatables, games, hayrides, live band. Aug. 12 — Clear Lake Evening Lions Hamburger and Sweet Corn Feed, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., City Park. Sweet corn eating contest. Aug. 12 — Jan Garber Orchestra, 5-10 p.m., Surf Ballroom. Aug. 12 — Old Fashioned Sing-Along, 45 p.m., Hampton’s Windsor Theatre. Free; a freewill offering will be accepted. Aug. 12 — I-35 Speedway Races, 6 p.m., North Iowa Events Center, 641424-6515, www.I-35speedway.com. Admission: $10 adults; $3 children 612; ages 5 and under free. Aug. 13 — Dockside Children’s Pirate Party, 1 p.m. Seawall, Clear Lake; www.cruiseclearlake.com. Aug. 16 — Mason City Market, 4:307:30 p.m. Central Park, 641-4940003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org Aug. 16 — Thursdays on Main, 6-11 p.m. downtown Clear Lake, 641-357-2159. Music, entertainment, classic cars, bounce house, hand-powered kiddie train rides, street market, movie in the park. www.clearlakeiowa.com. Aug. 17-19 — 23rd annual Prairie Homestead Antique Power and Country Craft Show, Jenison-Meacham Memorial Art Center and Farmstead, Belmond. Oliver tractors and equipment, 2012 Iowa Plowing Contest; www.belmondartscenter.org. Aug. 18 — Mason City Market, 8 a.m.noon Central Park, 641-494-0003. Food, produce and art vendors, music and other activities. www.mainstreetmasoncity.org Aug. 18 — Tractor and Truck Pull, 11 a.m. at the MPI track, McIntire’s south edge. Gals Gone Wild class pull at 1 p.m.; proceeds to Relay for Life. Lunch on the grounds. Free admission; a free will offering will be taken. Aug. 18 — Art-A-Fest, all day, Central Park, Charles City, with works by local and regional artists, music and activities. Free.

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