Wednesday March 25th, 2026 | | 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.
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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:
| | Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public! | |
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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Career Fair
Mark your calendars for the spring Career Fair.
✨Wednesday, April 8th
10:00AM-1:00PM
📍Career Education Building Fort Dodge Campus
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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For a list of all events,
click here.
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New Website Is Now Online for Lifestyles Moving
Why Homeowners Choose LIFESTYLES MOVING Family owned and operated, you’ll be treated like family! Properly licensed and fully insured Independently operated, no brokers or middlemen. Every time you call, you'll speak to a real person honest, and upfront pricing with no hidden fees. In-person estimates and virtual options available On-time, reliable team - we show up when others don’t.
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From Coaching Olympians to Building Future Champions at Iowa Central Community College
The Spin Markket Report Simon Stewart is the Assistant Coach of Iowa Central Community College Tack and Field. We discuss his time training Olympians, his passion for coaching, what he thinks are the most important traits for student athletes, and more!
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