My column for July ~ Bruce Wasenius

A couple of things thinking back to when I lost my job the last time. A lot of people urged me to get back onto the air in a variety of ways. The more I looked into it I found obstacles everywhere with starting a virtual station and programming the music or some kind of podcast it just was a lot of work that I didn't really want to get involved with. So when I was contacted about going back to the Fox just for 5 hours a week it seemed to be the solution and I'm happy to say I was right.
It's the season for fun and celebration be careful of over doing it.
Back in August.

Mason City Area 4th of July Schedule

 

Mason City 

Mason City’s annual Independence Day fireworks display, featuring a concert by the Mason City Municipal Band, is Tuesday, July 3, in the stadium at Mason City High School’s Mohawk Field. The Mason City Exchange Club has been sponsoring the event since 1981. Stadium gates open at 6 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Admission is free, but freewill donations are welcome.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake’s Fourth of July celebration in City Park will include its annual Arts & Crafts Fair, nightly live music, and the Evans United Shows Carnival. Carnival goers may take advantage of $17 Wrist Band Days from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, and Monday, July 2.

Friday, June 29

5 p.m. – Evans United Shows Carnival

5-9 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fair

7 p.m. – Live music: GRIN (classic rock)

Saturday, June 30  

10 a.m. - 9 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fair

Noon – Evans United Shows Carnival - wrist band day until 5 p.m. 

Noon – Bingo tent

7 p.m. – Live music: Arch Allies Tribute Band (70s-80s rock)

Sunday, July 1 

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fair

Noon – Evans United Shows Carnival

Noon – Bingo tent

1 p.m. – Family Feud Game Show

3 p.m. – Family Fun Time Games

7 p.m. – Live music: Strait Run (classic rock)

Monday, July 2 

10 a.m.-9 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fair

Noon – Evans United Shows Carnival  - wrist band day until 5 p.m. 

Noon – Bingo tent

7 p.m. – Live music: Nick Hickman (country)

Tuesday, July 3

10 a.m. - 9 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fair

Noon – Evans United Shows Carnival

Noon – Bingo tent

7 p.m. – Live music: The Hepperly Band (variety cover band)

Wednesday, July 4

10 a.m. – Parade on Main Avenue

11 a.m. - 9 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fair

Noon – Evans United Shows Carnival

Noon – Bingo tent

1:30-3:30 p.m. – Denny’s School of Dance

8:30-10 p.m. – Clear Lake Municipal Band

10 p.m. – Fireworks over Clear Lake

Charles City

Charles City boasts a large number of activities, in Central Park, as well as around town, as part of their Independence Day celebration. Find a complete schedule of events at www.charlescitychamber.com.

Tuesday, July 3

10:30 a.m. – Kids Day Parade through Central Park

11:15 a.m. – Charles City Shining Stars cheerleaders

2 p.m. – Obermeier Construction BMX Bike Stunt Show

5-11 p.m. – Uncle Sam Jam

7-11 p.m. – Live music: The Dweebs

Wednesday, July 4

7:30 a.m. – Firecracker 5 – 5K/5 miles at Charley Western Trail

10:30 a.m. – Independence Day Parade

11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. – Independence Day Celebration

Noon – Live music: Endless Summer

5-7 p.m. – Live music: The Spacemen

10 p.m. – Fireworks display

Osage

Osage is holding a fireworks display in Mitchell’s Interstate Park, Tuesday, July 3, at dusk, followed by a day of activities on the Fourth.

Wednesday, July 4

7:30 a.m. – On the Run for Education 5K/1-mile run/walk at City Park

10 a.m. – Parade

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. – Town & Country BBQ

12:30-2 p.m. – Kids activities at Mitchell County Fairgrounds

2:00 p.m. – Mitchell County Rodeo Association presents: Extreme Bull Riding

Belmond

Belmond's July Fourth celebration theme for 2018 is “Havin’ a Blast in Belmond,” with festivities lined up Saturday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 4.

Saturday, June 30

7:30 a.m. – Firecracker Classic 5K run starting at football field

10:30 a.m. – Kayak races at B-K Outdoor Classroom

Sunday, July 1

8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Belmond Fire Department Omelette Brunch

2 p.m. – Bill Riley Talent Search at high school auditorium

Tuesday, July 3

5 p.m. – Kiddie Parade on First Street S.E.

7-11 p.m. – Family Street Dance - $2 admission, bring a lawn chair

Wednesday, July 4

10:30 a.m. – Parade

Noon – Car and tractor show at City Park

Noon – Belmond Fire Department pork chop dinner

1:30 p.m. – Family activities at Swimming Pool Park

10 p.m. – Fireworks at football stadium - $4 adult/$2 under 18

CRYSTAL LAKE

Crystal Lake's annual Bullhead Days will be held on Saturday and Sunday June 30-July 1, and Wednesday, July 4. All activities are at Crystal Lake City Park unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, June 30

10 a.m. – Water volleyball registration

11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Concessions and ice cream truck open

12:30 p.m. – Horseshoe tournament registration

6 p.m. – Concert in the Park with live music by Somethin’ Country

Sunday, July 1

8-11 a.m. – Fireworks breakfast

8-11 a.m. – Senior citizens bake sale

11:30 a.m. – Corn Hole tournament registration

1-4 p.m. – Craft and vendor show

1-4 p.m. – Live music: Bob and the Raiders

Wednesday, July 4

5 p.m. – Fourth of July parade

6 p.m. – Free food served until gone

6 p.m. – Kids pedal pull

8-10 p.m. – Live music: Bob and the Raiders

10 p.m. – Fireworks display

SCARVILLE

Scarville is hosting a variety of activities on Wednesday for their celebration.

10:30 a.m. – Fourth of July parade

11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Pizza, nachos, and walking tacos served until gone

2 p.m. – Corn Hole tournament registration

8 p.m.-midnight – Street dance at the tennis court featuring Harry O'Neal and Jay Brooks

Fireworks display at dusk

BUFFALO CENTER 

Buffalo Center’s Independence Day festivities begin with a parade, inflatables, and a pedal pull. Food, music, games, and numerous family activities can also be found at Lions Park, Wednesday, July 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

10 a.m. – Fourth of July parade

11:30 a.m. – Concessions open

Noon-7 p.m. – Inflatables and obstacle course

1 p.m. – Corn Hole tournament

2 p.m. – Music in the Park sponsored by The Historical Society

2-4 p.m. – Kids pedal pull

Fireworks display at dusk at Bison Football Field

WESLEY

Fourth of July activities begin Tuesday in Wesley, continuing through Wednesday evening, in the town's South Park.

Tuesday, July 3

7 p.m. – Wesley Public Library’s Third Annual GlowRun 3/5K walk/run

Wednesday, July 4

8 a.m. – Volleyball and softball tournaments

9 a.m. – Concessions open

10 a.m. – Beer garden opens

11 a.m. – Inflatables, corn box, various games and activities

1 p.m. – Kids pedal pull (Sign up before 12:30 p.m. at Headquarters table)

3 p.m. – Scavenger hunt and water balloon fight

4 p.m. – Chicken or rib dinner

4-7 p.m. – Live music: 50/50 (80s rock) 

Fireworks display at dusk

Fireworks!

Jane Fischer & Associates Real Estate

1002 East State St, Ste B
Mason City, Iowa 50401

 641) 424-4663 ~ www.JaneFischer.com

They're HOW Old?!

Actor Gary Busey is 74. Comedian Richard Lewis is 71. Drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple is 70. Singer Don Dokken of Dokken is 65. Singer Colin Hay of Men at Work is 65. Actress Maria Conchita Alonso is 63. Actress Sharon Lawrence (“Fired Up,” “NYPD Blue”) is 57. Actress Amanda Donohoe is 56. Actress Judith Hoag (“Nashville”) is 55. Singer Stedman Pearson of Five Star is 54. Actress Melora Hardin (“The Office”) is 51. Actress Christina Chang (“The Good Doctor”) is 47. Rapper DJ Shadow is 46. Guitarist Todd Sansom of Marshall Dyllon is 40. Singer Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls) is 40. Comedian Colin Jost (“Saturday Night Live”) is 36.

Get A Patriotic Cupcake Before They're All Gone!

Grandma Sugar's Cupcakery

Kitty-Corner Across from the Post Office

Downtown Mason City

(641) 430-6534

www.grandmasugars.com

Holiday Weekend in Central Iowa

 (Some content courtesy: DSM Register)

June 30 ~ The Booty Movement Bump & Grub

Celebrate the electronic music scene in Iowa at the 2018 The Booty Movement Bump & Grub. Enjoy free burgers and hot dogs, as well as frisbee golf and the best djs in the midwest blasting music by your favorite electronic artists. A splash pad and playground are on site, so bring the whole family. Crivaro Park, 1012 SE 14th St. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

See Grammy Award-winning superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill when they perform together on their Soul2Soul World Tour. Each ticket comes with a download of the couple’s first-ever album together “The Rest of Our Life.” 7:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St. Tickets start at $49.50 at HyVeeTix.com.

July 1 ~ Shakesperience FREE-stival

Bring picnics and your kids to and watch “Tempest-Tossed Tales.” The 10th anniversary season of the Iowa Shakespeare Experience unfolds in a new “Festival-in-a-Day” format, providing three free shows in three downtown venues. Explore the world’s most legendary stories in a theatrical adventure packed with live music and Iowa actors, musicians, vocalists and playwrights.

IowaShakespeare.org

July 2 ~ 25th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops

It’s the 25th anniversary of the Des Moines Symphony’s Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa’s largest single-day concert event. Bring picnic baskets, blankets and chairs and settle in for a patriotic concert for the whole family, followed by the area’s premiere fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline. 6:30 p.m. Iowa State Capitol, E. Ninth St. and Grand Ave. Free. 

Johnnyswim & Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors Hear two of the decade’s most acclaimed acts as they come together for “The Goodbye Road Tour,” featuring harmony-heavy vocals, acoustic guitars, classic songwriting, sweeping melodies and a message of hope and resilience. 7 p.m. Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets start at $32.50 at hoytsherman.org.

July 3 ~ All Iowa Bash

Celebrate not only American but also Iowa at the All Iowa Bash in Historic Valley Junction. Try food and drink from local Iowa vendors, check out crafts from Iowa artisans, listen to music from Iowa bands, cheer on the competitors at the Bill Riley Talent Search and more. 3-11 p.m. 300 block of Fifth Street, West Des Moines. Free. 
Pixies

See beloved alternative rock band Pixies, which has been entertaining fans for 30 years, live at Hoyt Sherman Place. Their hit singles include “Here Comes Your Man,” “Velouria” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven.” 7:30 p.m. 1501 Woodland Ave. Tickets start at $55 at hoytsherman.org.

July 6-7 ~ 80/35 Music Festival

Indie rock, jam and hip-hop music fans converge at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines for the annual 80/35 Music Festival, curated by the Des Moines Music Coalition. Headlining this year is superstar Kesha, who has nine top-10 hits, including her single “Tik Tok.” Electro Pop duo Phantogram (Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel) will be the featured performer Friday. Other acts scheduled to perform include Atmosphere, Courtney Barnett, the Poison Control Center, Phoebe Bridgers and many more. Get a two-day pass for just $85. See more ticket options and the full lineup at 80-35.com.

July 7 ~ Corndog Kickoff

Celebrate “All Roads Lead to the Iowa State Fair” at the 22nd annual Corndog Kickoff benefit auction and Fair Food Grazing Party at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. No need to wait until August — you can sample all of your favorite fair foods, take a ride on the Sky Glider and bid on some auction items and packages, including prime seats for Reba, Florida Georgia Line or Sugarland, Chicago Cubs or St. Louis Cardinals tickets, a 12-foot metal rooster and more. The silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a live auction at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 10. Tickets are $100 before July 1, then increase to $125. Purchase them in advance at BlueRibbonFoundation. org or at the door.

Nitefall on the River: Cody Johnson See why Billboard’s Chuck Dauphin calls Cody Johnson “The Real Deal” and “The Best Country Singer You Haven’t Heard Yet.” The former Texas prison guard has played to a half-million fans in sold-out shows across the country. Hear him perform songs from his latest album “Gotta Be Me,” and listen to music from guest Randall King. 8 p.m. Simon Estes Amphitheater, 75 E. Locust St. Tickets are $25-$75 at nitefalldsm.com.

July 8 ~ Garden Art Fair

See the nature-inspired art from new and returning artists at the Garden Art Fair at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., Ames. Artists will be displaying and selling jewelry, paintings, pottery, fabric, woodwork, glass, home decor and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pay general admission and check out all of the exhibits at Reiman Gardens: $9 adults, $4.50 children.

July 10 ~ Nitefall on the River: Gin Blossoms and Dan Tedesco

American rock band Gin Blossoms found much success in the 1990s with hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Until I Fall Away,” “Found Out About You” and “Follow You Down,” among others. Their newest album “Mixed Reality” is expected to be released this summer.

Hear them perform live with solo artist Dan Tedesco at Simon Estes Amphitheater, 75 E. Locust St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25 at nitefalldsm.com.

July 13-15 ~ AnimeIowa

Fans of anime, manga and Japanese culture come together at AnimeIowa.

Enjoy three days of activities, including guest speakers, vendors, entertainment and more. Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St. Tickets are $65 at the door and $40 for Saturday only. Find more details at animeiowa.com.

July 13-22 ~ Gilligan’s Island: The Musical’ Carousel Theatre of Indianola will perform the Iowa premiere of “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical” on July 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m, and July 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. First United Methodist Church in Indianola, 307 W Ashland Ave., Indianola. carouseltheatre.org