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Wednesday March 25th, 2026

CEO's Corner

Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

There's still time to register for our Leading Ladies luncheon. This experience is something you don't want to miss. Julie Thorson, Head Coach and CEO at Friendship Haven will be speaking on how to navigate through tough conversations in the workplace with confidence and clarity. Julie will then share insights and strategies to help leaders communicate effectively, strengthen relationships, and move forward with a purpose. 

Whether you're looking to build confidence or simply just invest in yourself, this Leading Ladies is meaningful for everyone. 

Don't wait until it's too late, secure your seat today.

Astra Ferris

Astra Ferris, IOM

Chief Executive Officer

The Newsletter is growing, and we need your help to keep the flow of things going smoothly. If you are wanting to submit a flyer please click HERE to complete the NEW process making sure to include all the details needed for your submission. *Reminder: Deadline to submit is 12:00PM the Tuesday before the Newsletter releases.

New episode dropped today, take a listen:

ALLIANCE UPDATES

Member Benefits

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Meet & Mingle on Main Street


Wednesday, March 25 4:30-6:00pm (Come & Go) at The Atrium on Central (1012 Central Avenue) Interested in the future of downtown Fort Dodge? Learn more about plans to revitalize downtown and meet Main Street businesses and volunteers. Tours of the Carver Building will be available. Appetizers and refreshments are provided. FREE TO ATTEND!


More Info

DSAOC'S Annual Cake Auction


The 29th Annual DSAOC Cake Auction is fast approaching, and we’re excited to bring it back as an online auction once again this year! Our goal is to raise $35,000 to support vital services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and other violent crimes—and we need your help to make it happen. Help spread the word by sharing the DSAOC Cake Auction with your family, friends, colleagues, and fellow local businesses.

Opens: 10:00AM on 3/26/2026

Ends: 7:00PM on 3/30/2026


More Info

Vineyard Vibrations: Tom Shadonix


Join us for Vineyard Vibrations on Friday, March 27th from 6-8PM. We will showcase the talent of Tom Shadonix, a gifted solo violinist. Tom’s skillful mastery of the violin will transport you to a world of musical artistry and evoke emotions like never before. 🎶Music is FREE to enjoy 🥪 Snacks available for purchase in the winery ✅ Want to bring your own snacks? No problem! 🚫 Want to bring your own drinks from home? Sorry, this is prohibited per our liquor license. Even non-alcoholic beverages! No cover. Just bring your crew, grab a glass, and let the music move you!


More Info

The Annual K of C Friday Lenten Fish Fry


You are invited to join the Knights of Columbus and Holy Trinity Parish for the annual Friday Fish Fry that runs

✨Now through April 3rd, 2026

🕛5:30PM-7:30PM

$13 Fried or Baked Shrimp Dinner

$15 Combo Dinner

$7 Grilled Cheese or Kid's Portion

Dinners Include: baked potato or fries, coleslaw, roll, & ice cream

✅Take Out Available

This community event is held at the Corpus Christi Center in Fort Dodge. This is a highly popular event and the whole Fort Dodge Community is invited for a fun night of Fish Dinners, Fellowship and Fun!

Bingo supporting The Lord's Cupboard


Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun! Select Sundays from 3-5PM. We are partnering with The Lord's Cupboard. Participants may donate items off of their wish list or give a cash donation in exchange for bingo cards.


More Info

Money Smart Virtual Series


As spring approaches, many people find themselves facing extra expenses or lingering debt. However, research shows that “Money Smart,” a financial education workshop, delivers proven steps on how to take charge of your financial future. Beginning March 24, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host “Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt,” a no-fee, three-part virtual series providing practical tools to help you regain control, reduce stress and set yourself up for success.

✨Begins Tuesday, March 24th

12:00PM or 5:00PM


Register Here

Pancake Breakfast


Join Leo Lion & Thumper Bunny for photos, fun & breakfast! Hosted by Fort Dodge Lions Club!

✨Saturday, March 28th

7AM-11AM

📍KandiLand Daycare Center

821 South 25th Street

Spring has Sprung Vendor Market


Celebrate spring at the Fort Opera House March 28th! The annual spring vendor market will be open at 9am showcasing a variety of vendors. The Easter bunny is visiting and we'll have an Easter Egg Hunt!

✨9AM-4PM

💲No admission. Please bring 2 pet items for Almost Home to show your support!

Legacy Banquet


Enjoy an evening of fellowship, dinner, and a silent auction as we gather to support the mission and ministry of Community Christian School. We are excited to welcome Scott Larsen from the Legacy Coalition as our guest speaker for the evening. Free will donations will be received for the meal, and all proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Community Christian School.

✨March 29, 2026. Doors open at 4:30


Register Here

After Hours


3rd-5th graders are invited for a fun night of pizza, activities, and a movie at the Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center.

✨Thursday April 2nd

5:30PM-7:30PM


Register Here

Babysitting Clinic


ISU Extension and Outreach Webster County is sponsoring a babysitting clinic for students in grades 4th-8th. In this clinic students will cover various topics of babysitting from the fundamentals, safe and healthy cooking skills, what to do in an emergency and much more!

✨Friday, April 3rd

9:00AM-3:00PM

💲$25 4-H members

$30 Non 4-H members

Includes Snacks, Lunch & Resources

📣Class size is limited please sign-up by March 27th

📞Please contact Kristyn with any questions

515-576-2119

Vineyard Vibrations: Stadium Dr.


There is something special about a local band that truly has it — and Stadium Dr has it. On Friday, April 3 from 6 PM to 8 PM, Soldier Creek Winery welcomes Stadium Dr for an americana music night rooted in the timeless, layered sound of artists like Wilco. Their music is honest, textured, and the kind that settles into you long after the last song ends. This is a night to slow down, pour a glass of your favorite Soldier Creek wine, and let local talent remind you why live music matters.


More Info

Annual {Adult} Easter Egg Hunt


🐣🍷 An Easter Egg Hunt You DON’T Want to Miss! 🍷🐣 Forget everything you know about Easter egg hunts—this one is for adults only, and it’s packed with wine, prizes, and unforgettable fun! Join us on April 4 at 2 PM at Soldier Creek Winery for an afternoon filled with excitement, laughter, and a little friendly competition.


More Info

A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease


To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge.

📍 Friendship Haven

✨beginning April 6, 2026 5PM-6PM


Register Here

Career Fair


Mark your calendars for the spring Career Fair.

✨Wednesday, April 8th

10:00AM-1:00PM

📍Career Education Building Fort Dodge Campus

Aced Cornhole League Iowa State ACL State Championships


Aced Cornhole League Iowa ACL State Championships! Full slate of events for men and women of all ages and different skill levels. Sponsorship opportunities available! Contact Jeb at acedcornhole@gmail.com for more information.

April 17-18th

📍Lizard Creek Ranch

Timber Hall


More Info

Community Health Center 20th Anniversary


Community Health Center of Fort Dodge will hold its annual fundraising event on Saturday, April 11, at 5:30 PM at The Laramar, celebrating 20 years of service to the community. The evening will feature dinner, live and online auctions, and musical entertainment by Scott Kirkhart. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown significantly, expanding from 3,000 patients in 2008 to nearly 18,000 patients last year across multiple locations while providing nearly 60,000 visits in 2025. This year’s fundraiser will support expanding access to breast cancer screenings by bringing mammogram services on-site. Raffle and event tickets are available HERE or at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.

Low-Carbon Ethanol Update


Join Summit Carbon Solutions to learn about low-carbon ethanol and its impact on Iowa's agriculture market!

Lunch will be served.

✨April 21st 12:00PM

📍Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance - 24 N 9th St.


Register Here

Non-Surgical Solutions For Foot & Ankle Pain


Dealing with heel pain, Achilles tightness, nerve pain, or arthritis that just won’t go away? 🦶🏼

Join us for a special MLS Laser Therapy evening at Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa and learn how to feel better, faster.

🧑🏼‍⚕️ The Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa Team along with Rachel Palen, DPT, will be there to share insight, experience, and practical treatment tips.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• Causes of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, neuropathy, and arthritis

• Treatment options and personalized care

• How MLS laser can reduce pain and speed healing

• The role of physical therapy in recovery

✨ What to expect:

• Light snacks 

• Live MLS laser demo

• Q&A with our team

🎉 Event-only perks:

• VIP appointments available

• Exclusive savings

• Retail specials

While RSVP is not required, we would love to know if you plan to attend. Call 515-639-3775 to reserve your seat.

📅April 21st 5:30PM-6:30PM

📍1200 NW 36th St. Ankeny, IA


Produce Basics Child Care Provider Training


Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is piloting a NEW child care provider training, Produce Basics, which has been approved for two hours of credit by Iowa Health and Human Services and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The training helps providers learn best practices related to food safety and garden safety to provide a healthy environment for children in their care. Health and Human Sciences Educators will be hosting Produce Basics virtually on April 30, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Child care providers will discover the risks related to produce while exploring garden safety guidelines and learn ways to keep fresh fruits and vegetables safe through storage, cleaning, and preparation. One provider responded “this was a wonderful class and very enjoyable. I truly learned a lot about produce that I didn’t know.” The program cost is $20 per person. 


For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

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