City Connect FORT DODGE
GIRLS STATE SOFTBALL Fort Dodge is gearing up to host the 2022 Iowa Girl High School
themselves to the tournament teams and spectators.
State Softball Championship on July 18-22. This tournament
Dodge Parks and Recreation staff does a great job providing
Fort
is the largest special event Fort Dodge hosts and we have had
services for the tournaments with the assistance of funding from
the honor of hosting it since 1970. The tournament hosts the 40
the Fort Dodge Convention Visitors Bureau. Many dedicated
best teams within the state of Iowa and spectators can watch
volunteers and employees work in the hot July heat to provide
the best of the best play this American summertime tradition.
the needed services for the tournament to run smoothly. Iowa
Teams from every corner of the state strive for years to get a
Central Community College’s commitment to providing lodging
chance to play at the Iowa Girls High School Softball Champi-
and meals for the teams is also extremely important. Local me-
onships. It is a summertime tradition that Fort Dodge is proud to
dia such as the Messenger assists by providing excellent cover-
host. During the five days of the tournament, 14,000-15,000+
age of the tournament. The volunteer organization, PICA (Pride
players and spectators, including media from across the state,
in Community Appearance), works diligently to beautify Rogers
will be at Rogers Sports Complex. Many hotels, restaurants, gas
Sports Complex and the community in general for our residents
stations and retail businesses see a significant uptick in traffic
to enjoy and our visitors to see. These are just some of the ser-
during this week, creating an economic impact of approximately
vices that are critical to the tournament staying in Fort Dodge.
$1 million from this tournament alone. Following the 2021 tournament, Lori Branderhorst, Parks, RecEven with our long history of hosting the Iowa Girls High School
reation and Forestry Director, praised everyone who makes Har-
State Softball Championships, Fort Dodge should not take the
lan Rogers the destination for State Softball over the past 51
tournament for granted. Our community must sell itself each
years. “We’ve had a terrific week, which is a testament to the
and every year by providing top-notch facilities
staff and the people who keep the tradition alive at
and services to the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union while our businesses
sell
the park,” Branderhorst told Messenger Sports Editor Eric Pratt. “We value the little things so much, and it (collectively) makes a difference. I can’t thank them enough for the work they do, both before and during state week.”
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