There’s still time to join us for our Annual Awards Dinner, and I truly hope you will. This evening is one of my favorites each year because it gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people and partnerships that keep our region moving forward.

We’ll be honoring our incredible award winners while also highlighting the big wins we’ve experienced across Greater Fort Dodge this past year. From business expansions to new investments and collaborative community efforts, there is so much momentum to celebrate. It’s a night that reminds us what’s possible when we work together with shared purpose.

And while you’re registering, don’t forget about our upcoming Never Lose a Customer Again Workshop on February 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Your registration includes a complimentary copy of the book, but we only have 35 free books remaining. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! If customer retention, loyalty, and long-term growth are priorities for your business (and they should be!), this is a session you won’t want to miss.

We’re building momentum, strengthening relationships, and continuing to elevate our region in meaningful ways. I can’t wait to celebrate with you and to keep the progress going together.

Bingo at the Winery

Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun! Soldier Creek Winery is partnering with Webster County Animal Protection Pound, donate items off of their wish list or cash donation in exchange for bingo cards. Four rounds of regular Bingo and one round of black out Bingo with wine prizes!

More Info

Starlab Experience

Learn all about planets and constellations in an immersive experience that’s fun for all ages.

📍Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center

✨Feb 14th & 21st

9:30AM or 10:30AM

Register Today

Webster County Historical Society

The Webster County Historical Society is pleased to announce they will have an Open House on February 17th at the Fort Dodge Public Library. The open house will be from 3:00-6:00pm in Room #143. The theme for the Open House is to honor past politicians that came from Fort Dodge and the Webster County area.

More Info

Co-Parenting for Resilience

Helping Families Navigate Divorce or Separation Co-Parenting for Resilience is designed to help parents support their children’s well-being during divorce or separation. Grounded in current research, the class combines video, discussion, and practical strategies to promote healthy adjustment.

Register

Movie Night

Invite your friends and family to Harvest Vineyard Church to enjoy a free movie night on February 20! We will be showing Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG) in the auditorium and have snacks to enjoy. Bring your blankets, wear your PJ's, and come hang out for a fun evening! Contact: maggie.davis@harvestvc.org

Investment in Character Campaign Dinner

Please join us for our first annual Investment In Character Dinner! All proceeds support scouting in your local Iowa communities. Doors will open at 5pm, to allow for participation in activities provided from our Invention Scout team, as well as fellowship among attendees and Scouting leadership.

✨Saturday, February 21st

6:00PM-7:30PM

📍The Crossroads Hotel & Event Center

More Info

Grant Writing 101

Learn grant writing and boost funding prospects at our expert-led workshop for nonprofits, government entities, and school districts. Workshop Highlights • Tailored for beginners. • Build grant application skills. • Identify funding sources. • Enhance your appeal to funders. • Gain project planning skills for your grants success.

Register Here

Communicating Data Insights to Build Lasting Trust

Workshop details

Thursday, Feb. 26 | 10 a.m. to noon Special pilot registration rate: $50 (advance enrollment required) What participants will learn Identify meaningful insights to share from analysis, evaluation or exploration Organize findings for understanding and productive discussion Use simple, clear visuals to support communication Communicate data transparently to build trust with funders, partners and the public

Register

Webinar Series for Iowa Food Businesses Begins in March

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Food Innovation and Business Hub, a resource that helps Iowa entrepreneurs develop successful food businesses, will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” webinar series in 2026 to support current and aspiring Iowa food entrepreneurs. The webinars are offered at no cost and open to all. March 3: What is the Food Innovation and Business Hub? April 7: Differences in a Cottage Food License vs. Home Food Processing Establishment License May 5: Identifying Your Customers June 9: Food Safety 101 - Understanding Water Activity, pH, Microorganisms July 7: Food Innovation and Business Hub Analytical Services Aug. 4: Shelf-Stable Frostings Register for which webinar you want to attend.

Register

Angel Ride Bags Tournament

The Eagles Ballroom hosts this years Angel Ride Bags Tournament. Join us on Saturday March 7th, 2026 on the 3rd floor in the Eagles Ballroom. Registration begins at 11:00AM, Bags Fly at 12:00PM. This will go out in support of local breast cancer patients within a 75 mile radius of Fort Dodge.

ServSafe Food Safety Certification Class

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Webster County will be hosting a ServSafe® food safety certification class in Fort Dodge on March 16. This class will prepare individuals to become a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), a requirement for retail food establishments in Iowa. The ServSafe® program blends information from the latest FDA Food Code, food safety research, and years of food sanitation training experience and is administered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. This class will be held in the meeting room at the Webster County Extension and Outreach office in Fort Dodge. Registration is due by February 23 by registering online at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/servsafe-events

A Starry Night

Join us for a Prom uniquely designed for special needs individuals ages 16 and up.

✨Saturday, March 14th 2026

📍Crossroads Hotel & Event Center

Dinner at 4:30PM

Grand March 5:30PM

Dance 6:00PM-9:00PM

🎟️$20 per person, tickets must be purchased by Saturday, Feb 28th

Available at HyVee

For a list of all events,

click here.

Terry L. Allers, FAIA Retires

After more than 55 years in the architecture profession and more than 46 years as President of Allers Associates Architects, Terry L. Allers, FAIA, retired on December 31, 2025. Allers’ passion has been helping clients with their design needs, as well as mentoring architecture graduates entering the profession. 

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How AI is Transforming Digital Marketing for Small Businesses

Every small business launches with clear goals to fast-track growth. Yet online, it feels invisible. Social media posts receive little attention. Ads consume a budget without results. Website visitors come and leave without taking action. Business owners know digital marketing matters, but it's overwhelming to keep track of tools, data, and constant algorithm changes. This situation is common, and it often leads to frustration, slow growth, and missed opportunities.

The Role of Evergreen Engineers in Fort Dodge's Growth and Expansion

Brad Cowell is the founder of Evergreen Engineers. We discuss his journey to engineering, how engineers work with clients and other engineers to solve complex problems, how technology has impacted the engineering industry, and more!

Proactive Leadership Webinar

FREE Webinar for Leaders! Join us Thursday, February 12th from 12:00 - 12:30 PM for a FREE live virtual webinar with the instructor, featuring an open Q&A to learn more about the Proactive Leadership program and how it can improve productivity and efficiency in your organization.

Register Here

OHV Park Tiny Homes

After a full day of riding the OHV trails, unwind at night in cozy tiny homes - two options available to rent!

Bob Heun Shelter

Located right in the heart of John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, the Bob Heun Shelter is a perfect spot for graduation parties, reunions, weddings, gatherings, and more! Enjoy all the amenities while taking in the breathtaking view of Badger Lake.

Rent Today