Thursday, August 3, 2017

Check Out What’s Happening in Mason City & North Iowa!



August 3, 2017
Thursdays on Main - Downtown Clear Lake from 6-9pm. Enjoy a car show, music, food, family activities and much more. Movie in City Park at 9pm. Call Clear Lake Chamber (641-357-2159) for more information. www.facebook.com/ThursdaysOnMain/

August 3, 2017
Ted Nugent - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). From the ground breaking Amboy Dukes’ hit “Journey to the Center of the Mind”, to classics like “Stranglehold” and “Cat Scratch Fever”, Damn Yankees chartbuster “High Enough,” and cult classic “Fred Bear”, Ted’s no-holds barred career spans five decades. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: $38.00 advanced/ $43.00 door. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

August 3, 2017
Sit-And-Knit - Fat Hill Brewing, 17 N. Federal Ave (641-423-0737). New and experienced knitters are welcome to join our monthly knitting meet-up! Bring your supplies and your new ideas and get ready for a fun and creative evening in the tap room. The knitting meet-up is hosted by Mason City Knitting Club, Hooked on Yarn. Event time: 7pm-9pm. www.fathillbrewing.com

August 3-4, 2017
Summer Arts Program - Clear Lake Arts Center(CL Tel Studio), 17 S. 4th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa (641-357-1998). Aspiring young artist are invited to participate in numerous artful experience this summer at the Clear Lake Arts Center from 10:30am to Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This program is open to all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $8 per class or purchase a punch card with 5 punches for $30. www.clartscenter.com

August 3-4 , 2017
Summer Art Camp - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Papier Mache Clay Sculpture (ages 6-12). Papier Mache clay sculpture & other 3-D projects. Snack provided daily. Event time: 8am-Noon. Fee: $65, members $58. https://macniderart.org/

August 4, 2017
Guitar Legend Dick Dale with the Whitesidewalls - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Officially described by the guitar company as a "Fender Legend", Dick Dale has acquired many sobriquets over the years including the Father of Heavy Metal, the Father of the Power Players and the Father of Loud. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: $18.00 advanced/ $23.00 door. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

August 4, 2017
MacNider: Off the Clock - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Complimentary wine and appetizers are available throughout the event, in addition to live music by Sam Crosser. Visitors can mingle with friends and coworkers as they explore the galleries and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. This is a FREE event and is open to the public. Event Time: 5pm-7pm. https://macniderart.org/

August 4,  2017
Bob Dorr and the Blue Band - PM Park, 15297 Raney Dr. (641-357-1991). After three decades the guys from the Blue Band are going their separate ways, come give them your best wishes and bring a lawn chair.  Event time: 7pm-10:30pm. Admission: FREE http://pmpark.net/

August 4, 2017
Fresh on Friday's - Central Gardens, 800 2nd Avenue North (641-357-0700). Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of Central Gardens. Come relax, learn and share. Young and old, the garden is a place of interest to all. Coffee & seasonal refreshments served on the patio. The August program will offer a variety of activities to get kids moving in the garden! Yoga, dance, and bubbles (kids must be accompanied by an adult). Event time: 8:00am-11:00am. FREE admission.

August 4, 2017
North Iowa Farmers Market - Located the corner of 1st NE & N Delaware – Parking lot South of the First Congregational Church Enjoy the good old home grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods, 4pm to 6:30pm. www.northiowafarmersmarket.com/

August 4 - 5, 2017
Tax- Free Weekend - Two days of tax-free shopping on clothes and school supplies.

August 4 -5, 2017
CLASS Car Show & Summer Dance Cruise -Clear Lake Iowa - The Clear Lake Auto Social Society's annual event kicks off Friday night with a  car cruise around Clear Lake, with a concert to follow. Car cruise departs at 6pm (start at Kingland Systems and end downtown), concert to follow at the Surf Ballroom.

August 4-10, 2017
Exhibit: Hava Hegenbarth: Capturing the Natural World - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum(Center Space Gallery), 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum is pleased to highlight the whimsical images created by Mason City artist, Hava Hegenbarth.  Hava Hagenbarth: Capturing The Natural World, includes 29 prints and drawings.  Hagenbarth’s artwork, featuring an assortment of animals and natural landscapes, will transport the viewer to the continent of Africa without leaving North Iowa. Hegenbarth is retired from the U.S. Foreign Service where she served primarily in Africa.  She always had a love and talent for art but pursued other interests in her career.  She now has the free time to create the art she loves and share it with Museum visitors.  Exhibit will be on display until September 23, 2017 - open during normal museum hours. https://macniderart.org/
August 5, 2017
Matt Woods LIVE - Mason City Brewing, 28 E State Street (641-423-1080). Enjoy live music featuring Matt Woods from 8:00pm-10:30pm - No cover charge. http://www.masoncitybrewing.com/

August 5, 2017
Maben & 4th - PM Park, 15297 Raney Dr. (641-357-1991). 4th and Maben, Maben and 4th, local favorites that know how to play! Bring and a chair and enjoy! Event time: 7pm-10:30pm. Admission: FREE http://pmpark.net/

August 5, 2017
Farmers Market - Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA (641-231-6588). The mission of the Clear Lake Farmers Market is to offer healthy, fresh produce and handcrafted products to consumers while building community connections and supporting the local economy. Event time: 9am-12pm. https://www.facebook.com/clearlakefarmersmarket

August 5, 2017
Pictures with Spider-Man at Love & Luck - Love & Luck Photography, 320 1st St. SW (641-420-8270). Pictures with Spider-Man at Love & Luck Photography. No appointment needed! We'll be printing 5x7's on site. Must buy at least one photo. Cost for prints are 1 for $10, 2 for $15 or 4 for $20. Doors open at 10am, pictures end at noon. http://www.loveandluckphotography.com/

August 5, 2017
Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2nd NW (641-423-2000). Afternoon Skate: 1pm-4pm - The most popular session for parties and larger groups; $5/skater & $15/family. Night skate: 7pm-10pm - Most popular skating session with Jackpot Dice Game much more; $8/skater. www.myrollercity.com

August 5, 2017
Guest Speaker: Anna Lewis - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Author Anna M. Lewis will share stories of female architects, engineers, and landscape designers from the 1800s to today—ending with comments about STEM programs in our schools and how we can encourage the young builders of the future. There will also be books for sale and signing after the presentation. Event time: 2pm-3pm. https://macniderart.org/

August 5, 2017
Jeremy Jewell - Fat Hill Brewing, 17 N. Federal (641-423-0737). Jeremy Jewell is a southern Minnesota based musician who plays guitar and sings, as well as blowing harp and playing foot percussion. He performs both original and cover music in a vintage folk style a la Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band etc. No admission charge. Must be 21 or older. Event time: 2pm-5pm. http://www.fathillbrewing.com/home

August 5, 2017
Split Second Band - The Landing, 1603 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake (641-357-5123). Join us as we bring Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Split Second Band, to Clear Lake, IA. Rocking out to the best rock & roll from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Drop by after the CLASS Car show tour for some live music, good company and perfect lake views of Clear Lake. Event time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. No cover charge. http://stayclearlake.com/index.php

August 5, 2017
Dressage Horse Shows - North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4th SW (641-423-3811). Dressage Bara Trac 1 Horse Show – Talented horse and rider teams perform intricate patterns and difficult moves. Time: 8:00-4:30pm. www.northiowaeventscenter.org

August 5, 2017
Architectural Walking Tour - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Scheduled tours are seasonal and weather permitting. Please call ahead to reserve your spot or if you are wondering about weather. Tours start at 9am and last around 45 minutes. Please call 641-421-3666 or email dstraw@masoncity.net to register. The cost is $5 per person. Explore Mason City's treasured Prairie School Architectural heritage. See the largest grouping of homes on a unified site, ending at a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908, his first in Iowa. https://macniderart.org/

August 5, 2017
Moonlight Movies – East Park Band Shell.  “Spaceballs”. Movies are free and begin at dusk; Pre-movie activities & fun from 6pm-8pm.

August 5, 2017
Cannonball Gardens - East Park (Cannonball Gardens), Mason City, (641-423-5328). Head down to East Park from 8-9am where the Friends of the 457 will host a getting to know the Cannonball Gardens event. The event, complete with coffee and cinnamon rolls on the lower level patio Garden area in East Park. Anyone interested in knowing more about the Gardens or becoming a volunteer is invited. Volunteering can be as little an hour a week or month, at the best time that suits you. http://www.friendsofthe457.org/pView.aspx?id=1551&catid=1

August 5, 2017
River Float/Clean Up - Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Rd, (641-423-5309). Join the Mason City Earth Day Committee and Lime Creek Nature Center as we float a beautiful stretch of the Winnebago River, picking up trash along with way. This combination leisure/working float will ensure that we leave the river better than we found it! A limited number of canoes are available for use. No cost but registration required. Event time: 9:00am-Noon. http://www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us/departments/lime-creek-nature-center/public-programs/

August 5-6, 2017
Ladies Weekend Out: Shopping Experience- Southbridge Mall, 100 S. Federal Ave (641-423-6688). Come check out a wide variety of home based businesses. Saturday, 10am-7pm & Sunday, 12pm-5pm. http://www.southbridgemall.net/



August 6, 2017
Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series - North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4th SW (641-424-6515). Weekly racing series featuring Budweiser USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and Rookies Rockin’ USRA Tuners. Times: Pit Gate opens at 4:00pm, Spectator Gates 5:00pm, Hot Laps: 6:00pm, racing to follow. Tickets: General Admission $12; Juniors (13-16), Seniors (65+), Military and First Responders with proper i.d. $10; Kids 12 & Under FREE; Pit Pass $25. http://masoncitymotorspeedway.com/schedule/

August 6, 2017
Dressage Horse Shows - North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4th SW (641-423-3811). Dressage Bara Trac 1 Horse Show – Talented horse and rider teams perform intricate patterns and difficult moves. Time: 8:00-4:30pm. www.northiowaeventscenter.org

August 6, 2017
Kids Day -  Kinney Pioneer Museum, Hwy 122 West, Mason City Municipal Airport (641.423.1258). Special day dedicated to pioneer type children activities including indoor and outdoor games, hands-on activities, face painting, music, magic show & more! Cook your own hotdog and/or marshmallow over an open fire. 1-5pm. Admission: $3 Adults, $1 Children under 12. www.visitmasoncityiowa.com/kinney-pioneer-museum

What's Shakin' At The MacNider?


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

My Column for August, by Bruce Wasenius


Well, here it is again, the beginning of another month. Every month about three days before the end I start having ideas about what I'm going to say in this month's missive.
But when the first day comes I can't think of anything specific...
I think well, I could go on about nothing in particular similar to Seinfeld, or recount concert reviews for the last shows I've been to or places that I have visited but it seems as though I do that every month so that's not new.
My cats are always entertaining but mostly to my family.
My Aunt Helen is having birthday number is 102 which is noteworthy and the kid is going to be 17 the next day which is noteworthy in that he'll be starting his senior year, which is important to him, as is the fact that we've begun some dirt road practicing--which was going well until we ran off the road and needed a tow. Important mostly to the tow truck driver and the insurance company for reimbursing me over $100.
I definitely should say thanks to all who have welcomed me back on the air, it's worth giving up 4 hours of retirement to be able to do what I love to do.
The evenings turn into night more quickly this month and even more next, driving to the station at 6:30 every Saturday evening it becomes more noticeable but that's the way the world turns.
I could reminisce about hitchhiking from Mpls. to San Francisco and back in the summer of 1970, but I think that's probably rated NC-17 at best.
As soon as I post this I have no doubt that all the things I had considered for this column will come back to me, but I'll try to write them down next month.
Have a happy and safe August.


Thursday, July 27, 2017

Here's Your Weekend!




July 28, 2017
Fiber Fun -  Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Calling all creative and curious kids to learn the ways of Wet Felt! Transform felt fivers into an amazing sculpture using your hands, bubble wrap, water and soap. Event time: 9am-noon. Fee: $25, members $22. https://macniderart.org/

July 28, 2017
Summer Arts Program - Clear Lake Arts Center(CL Tel Studio), 17 S. 4th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa (641-357-1998). Aspiring young artist are invited to participate in numerous artful experience this summer at the Clear Lake Arts Center from 10:30am to Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This program is open to all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $8 per class or purchase a punch card with 5 punches for $30. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

July 28, 2017
Air Supply - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All" solidified this Australian soft rock duo as a permanent force in modern music. "Lost in Love", "All Out of Love", "The One That You Love", and "Sweet Dreams" have also each achieved multi-million plays on the radio. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $39.00 advanced/ $44.00 door. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

July 28, 2017
Fresh on Friday's - Central Gardens, 800 2nd Avenue North (641-357-0700). Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of Central Gardens. Come relax, learn and share. Young and old, the garden is a place of interest to all. Coffee & seasonal refreshments served on the patio. The Clear Lake Arts Center will offer a drop in garden-inspired art activity (kids must be accompanied by an adult). Event time: 8:00am-11:00am. FREE admission. http://www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

July 28, 2017
North Iowa Farmers Market - Located the corner of 1st NE & N Delaware – Parking lot South of the First Congregational Church Enjoy the good old home grown fruits and vegetables and homemade baked goods, 4pm to 6:30pm. www.northiowafarmersmarket.com/

July 28, 2017
Paul Weitzel & The Hats - Mason City Public Library (Library  Commons), 225 2nd St. SE (641-423-005). Paul Weitzel and The Hats will play from 11am-1pm in the Library Commons at the Mason City Public Library. Free admission. http://www.mcpl.org/

July 28, 2017
Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience @ Friday Night Live - Central Park, Downtown Mason City (641-494-0003). Bring your blanket and lawn chairs, and enjoy a night of high energy and great music -FREE. Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is the ultimate experience for any hardcore Beatles fan or a light listener of the famed group. The audience-driven show where YOU are able to request your favorite tune; hence, no two shows are the same!  Show starts at 7pm. http://www.niacc.edu/performing-arts-center/event/yesterday-and-today-the-interactive-beatles-experience/


July 28, 2017
New Trick - The Landing, 1603 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake (641-357-5123). New Trick is a classic rock band from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They LOVE to ROCK - Playing classic rock music from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Event time: 7:30pm-10:30pm. No cover charge. http://stayclearlake.com/index.php

July 28- August 3, 2017
Exhibit: In Her Own Right: Marion Mahony Griffin - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum(Kinney-Lindstrom Gallery), 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961) was one of America’s first woman architects, a Chicagoan also known as a skilled artist, environmentalist, and community activist. A central contributor to the Prairie School of Architecture, her drawings of the Unity Temple and many other projects introduced Frank Lloyd Wright’s early work to the world. Mahony Griffin was the first registered woman architect in Illinois who became a pioneer in architecture and community planning. A key member of Wright’s Oak Park Studio for 15 years, she and husband Walter Burley Griffin won the international design competition for Canberra, Australia’s national capital. This exhibition traces her early life, her personal and professional partnership with Griffin on three continents, the final years of her life in Chicago—and sheds light on the work and legacy of a Chicagoan of immense but often overlooked importance. Exhibit will be on display until August 16, 2017. https://macniderart.org/

July 28 -July 31, 2017
2017 Photo Contest- Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501 Lime Creek Road (641-423-5309). This photo contest is for participants of all ages to showcase nature and activity photos taken at Lime Creek or any of the Cerro Gordo Country Conservation areas. Photos may be taken at any time of the year. The photo contest is open to everyone. No more than three entries per contestant. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ribbons and cash awards will be given in three categories: Youth(K-8), Youth (9-12), & Adults. There will be two rounds of judging. Initial submission will only be accepted electronically via email until Monday, July 31, 11:00pm. Send submissions to LimeCreekPhotoContest@gmail.com 

July 29, 2017
Architectural Walking Tour - Charles H. MacNider Art Museum, 303 2nd St. SE (641-421-3666). Scheduled tours are seasonal and weather permitting. Please call ahead to reserve your spot or if you are wondering about weather. Tours start at 9am and last around 45 minutes.  Please call 641-421-3666 or email dstraw@masoncity.net to register. The cost is $5 per person. Explore Mason City's treasured Prairie School Architectural heritage. See the largest grouping of homes on a unified site, ending at a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908, his first in Iowa. https://macniderart.org/

July 29, 2017
Steve Earle & The Dukes with the Mastersons - Surf Ballroom, 460 N Shore Dr. Clear Lake (641-357-6151). Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Earles’ albums seamlessly blend rock, folk and country. His debut record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts in 1986, immediately established the term “New Country.” Doors open at 8pm. Tickets: $20.00 advanced/ $25.00 door. https://www.surfballroom.com/boxoffice/index.htm

July 29, 2017
Roller Skating - Roller City, 600 2nd NW (641-423-2000). Afternoon Skate: 1pm-4pm - The most popular session for parties and larger groups; $5/skater & $15/family. Night skate: 7pm-10pm - Most popular skating session with Jackpot Dice Game much more; $8/skater. www.myrollercity.com

July 29, 2017
Farmers Market - Surf Ballroom Parking Lot, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, IA (641-231-6588). The mission of the Clear Lake Farmers Market is to offer healthy, fresh produce and handcrafted products to consumers while building community connections and supporting the local economy. Time: 9am-12pm. https://www.facebook.com/clearlakefarmersmarket

July 29, 2017
Unity in the Community Family Festival - First Congregational UCC, 100 1st St. NE (641-423-0105). Fun for the whole family! $6.00 per person entry includes: Family scavenger hunt (register at 11:30am/hunt starts at 12pm), Inflatables, carnival games, kids crafts, adult beanbag tournament & music.  Event time: 12:00pm-4:00pm. https://www.firstchurchinmc.org/

July 29, 2017
Paul Micich Reception with World Port -  Clear Lake Arts Center(Hanson Gallery & Sukup Performing Arts Wing), 17 S 4th St., Clear Lake (641-357-1998). Paul Micich's Meet the Artist Reception with live music by WORLD PORT. Artist walk about 7pm. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

July 29, 2017
Fade to Black 7: Black in Iowa - The Main Event, 112 2nd St. SE (641-201-1060). Show hosted by Day Day with opener David Stephenson & KZ also featuring Dillion Meek. Doors open at 7pm, with show starting at 8pm. Early birds get the best seats. Ticket prices are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). http://www.themaineventmc.com/

July 29, 2017
Thrive 2017- Grace Church (church lawn),  440 N Illinois. Outdoor concert featuring Rend Collective, GAWVI, Mike Mains, & Shawn McDonald. Doors open at 3:30pm/Concert at 5:00pm. Tickets $20.00 per person/ $15 per groups of 10+.  Tickets available at https://www.itickets.com/events/370873.html

July 30, 2017
Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series: Lucas Oil ASCS Natioinal Tour - North Iowa Events Center, Hwy 122 West, 3700 4th SW (641-424-6515). Weekly racing series featuring: Lucas Oil ASCS National Sprint Car Dirt Series plus Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series featuring USRA Stock Cars, USRA B-Mods, USRA Hobby Stoc - Modifieds have the night off. Times: Pit Gate opens at 4:00pm, Spectator Gates 5:00pm, Hot Laps: 6:00pm, racing to follow. Tickets - General Admission $20/ Juniors (13-16), Seniors (65+), Military and First Responders with proper ID $17; Kids 12 & under FREE; Pit Pass $35 http://masoncitymotorspeedway.com/schedule/

 July 30, 2017
Sweetcorn Hamburger Feed - City Lake, City Park (North End), Clear Lake. Evening Lions annual fundraiser for community projects and Lion support. Serving will being at 11am and go until 3:00pm or until sold out. Cost: adults $8, under 10 $5.

July 30, 2017
Picnics and Performances (Featuring BJ Huffman)- Central Gardens of North Iowa, 800 2nd Ave N. (641-357-0700). Join us  from 5 to 6 p.m. to enjoy the beauty of the Gardens in a family-friendly environment. Admission is free and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, picnics and beverages. Featured entertainment, BJ Huffman - singer, songwriter, performer (acoustic/pop music). http://www.centralgardensnorthiowa.com

July 31 – Aug 4, 2017
Summer Arts Program - Clear Lake Arts Center(CL Tel Studio), 17 S. 4th Street, Clear Lake, Iowa (641-357-1998). Aspiring young artist are invited to participate in numerous artful experience this summer at the Clear Lake Arts Center from 10:30am to Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. This program is open to all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Class fee is $8 per class or purchase a punch card with 5 punches for $30. http://www.clartscenter.com/cgi-bin/index.pl

What’s Happening in Mason City & North Iowa Sept. 6 – Sept 13

September 7-9, 2018 Mason City Civil War Reenactment – East Park, located at the corner of East State Street and South Virginia Ave. ...