Highlights of 2016

The New Year is almost here, and as many of you are contemplating on your newest resolutions,  we thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and revisit the ‘highlights of 2016’ in Mason City, Iowa.

River City Sculptures on Parade Arrived

The 2016 outdoor exhibit of Sculptures on Parade made their way Downtown in May of ’16. This exciting exhibit is the work of artists from all over the country and is displayed year-round.

The Great Race

The Great Race, hosted by VMC was  held Saturday, June 25, in conjunction with Cannonball Days. Hundreds of spectators made their way to East Park to see vintage/antique vehicles from the Great Race. The race began on June 18 in San Rafael, CA and finished in Moline, IL on June 26. As the drivers parked their vehicles, spectators had the chance to talk to the crew, take pictures and able to get autographs from the drivers! Staff and volunteers of Visit Mason City served  guests lunch before their departure. There were many compliments of lunch served, Mason City’s hospitality and BEAUTIFUL East Park. Guests and many Mason City residents enjoyed this event as well as volunteers and staff.

Willow Creek Waterfall Featured on the Ultimate Iowa Waterfall Road Trip

The Willow Creek Waterfall in Mason City was ranked #5 on the Ultimate Iowa Waterfall Road Trip. Travelers completing the waterfall road trip frequently stopped in at the Mason City Visitor Information Center  for directions to the waterfall. The waterfall road trip blog post created social media buzz all over the Midwest. The waterfall is located in the Rock Crest- Rock Glen Historic District and can be seen from the State Street Bridge.

The Iowa Downtown Conference

The Iowa Downtown Conference took place in Mason City the first week of August. The conference brought in Main Street & downtown community members from all over  the state. During the conference there were seminars and workshops held in various venues throughout the Downtown District and focuses on downtown development. Mason City businesses benefited from tourism dollars as visitors were shopping and dining.

River City Sculptures on Parade Announced 2017 People’s Choice Award

The votes were tallied up and the winner was announced -“Ralph Moose”, was named the 2017 People’s Choice. “Ralph Moose”, a sculpture of a shy moose will be added to the community’s permanent collection. The Moose  is now on permanent display in front of Moorman Clothiers.

Piano on the Plaza

Mason City natives, Tara Fitzpatrick and Joshua Brueggeman repurposed and created a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired piano.  The piano was donated by the Clarion Inn of Mason City and is located in the Downtown District out, on the Plaza.

  Mason City Municipal Airport & Air choice One Offers Flights To Minneapolis

Air Choice One, a family owned and operated company  recently announced why will offer flights form Mason City to Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport. The new service will help grow tourism in Mason City, and offers residents of  Mason City and North Iowa Area accessible and affordable airfares to 3 major airports; Minneapolis-St.Paul, St. Louis-Lambert International and Chicago O’ Hare International.

The Historic Park Inn Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary

The Historic Park Inn celebrated their 5 year anniversary of the re-opening of the Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel in the world. Wright on the Park along with other organizations in the community such as Visit Mason City raised funds and received grants to make this multi-million dollar project happen. The hotel now provides  a 27-room boutique lodging, & HPI 1910 restaurant & lounge, ballroom and meeting space. Wright on the Park celebrated with many activities during the week including a murder mystery, speakeasy, glow run and more!  It was a fun week for residents in the community as well as out of town guests.

The Historic Park Inn Named Outstanding Lodging Property

Congratulations were in order as the Historic Park Inn Hotel was named Outstanding Lodging Property at the 2016 Iowa Tourism Awards. The award ceremony took place on October 20th, 2016.

Mason City Community Threatre Mural Completed

The Downtown District was brightened up  with a POP of color as the mural at the Mason City Community Theatre was completed.  A big thanks went out to Keely Hertzel and her amazing work!

FAM Tour Iowa Group Travel Association

The IGTA FAM tour made it’s way to Mason City on the evening of October 31. Unfortunately the FAM group didn’t have time to spend a day in our community, but they enjoyed a full evening in Mason City. The group of 30 tour operators enjoyed a fantastic meal by the 1910 Grill as they dined in the ballroom of the Historic Park Inn. Visit Mason City, the host of this event,  presented 2 “River City Mystery” on the completion of their meal. The guests were to stop at attraction booths from Mason City & Clear Lake to receive clues after listening to information about each attraction. As the evening came to an end, the  guests stayed the night at the Holiday Inn Express. Visit Mason City’s main mission was to make their stay ‘memorable’ and we think we did just that!

Iowa Journeys Filmed TV Episode of Mason City

Visit Mason City, brought on Iowa Journeys to film a TV episode of Mason City – showcasing attractions, quality of life and local  businesses.  Visit Mason City staff had fun showing the cast around town and filming the TV episode. The episode will be aired in the first quarter of 2017 (January – March).

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

November 18 kicked off the premier of ‘It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas’ at the Music Man Square. Friends and family shared the holiday spirit as they enjoyed the sights and sounds of the holiday season strolling down the 1912 streetscape, experiencing nostalgia and warm memories of Christmases past.

Did you know, this Christmas display right here in Mason City, Iowa is the longest running Christmas Tradition in all of Iowa?! Starting with the Friday after Thanksgiving and running all the way until the last weekend of December.

‘Home For The Holiday Lights’

The first annual ‘Home For The Holiday Lights’ took place on November 26 – December 23, 2016. The celebration’s kick-off included lighting of the Central Park Tree, carolers singing and refreshments. Throughout the following weeks downtown business lights were display and voted on.

The 31st Annual Tuba Christmas performed favorite Christmas carols with over 100 tubas, baritone, saxophone and euphonious musicians form across the state.  The performance took place at the Southbridge Mall on December 10, 2016.

We here at Visit Mason City, can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for #MasonCityIA

Have a safe and wonderful new year!

 

Exhibit featuring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara highlights Mason City’s Fall Art Scene

Mason City is a feast for the senses this fall. Cultural arts are thriving with festivals, exhibits and events that highlight music, masterpieces and food. You won’t want to miss experiencing the many enthralling events (and beautiful weather) that will be in abundance this season.

The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum is among North Iowa’s many cultural treasures.

One of Mason City’s most anticipated exhibits Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home is now open at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. The exhibition explores the creation of a Wright house through the eyes of a client who spent more than fifty years fulfilling the renowned architect’s Usonian vision. An impressive compilation of original furniture, architectural fragments, rare archival materials, historic photographs, and video are all on view in this immersive exhibition, on display through October 31st.

Visitors to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara have the unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the values of a young Indiana couple worked in tandem with Wright’s vision to create one family’s definition of an American dream home.

‘Spirit of Mercury’ designed by Richard Bock at the request of Frank Lloyd Wright for use in light fixtures in the City National Bank.

In conjunction with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home the Museum is also hosting the Richard Bock: Master of the Human Form exhibition. This exhibit brings treasures from the Richard Bock Museum in Greenville, Illinois to the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum and tells the story of a professional artist and his devotion to the perfect human form.

Bock’s work eventually led him to connect with the famous Frank Lloyd Wright on a number of projects. Including the now famous “Mercury” statues that once adorned Mason City’s City National Bank. Richard Bock: Master of the Human Form will be on display through November 14.

On Saturday, November 7th at 2 p.m. Dr. Sharron Grimes will present Richard W. Bock, an American Sculptor at the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum.  This event is free and open to the public.

“Sonrise” is one of 36 sculptures that visitors will see along the sculpture walk throughout downtown Mason City.

Fall is also a great time to admire the season’s kaleidoscope of color while breathing in the cool, crisp air. Ahhhhh… Whether you’re exploring the historic Rock Glen-Rock Crest district on the Architectural Walking Tour or enjoying the River City Sculptures on Parade, nature’s beauty is all around.

But wait, there’s more…

If festive family fun is what you desire, Mason City has just what you’re looking for. Enjoy the flavors of the season at the Kinney-Pioneer Museum’s  annual Cider & Donut Day on Sunday, September 27th, beginning at 1 p.m. Fresh-pressed apple cider, warm and sugary homemade donuts, apple bobbing, bake sale and so much more.

Bavarian dancers take to the streetscape of 1912 River City during the Music Man Square’s annual Germanfest event.

Munich’s annual Octoberfest celebration may be drawing to a close, but don’t pack away the Lederhosen and Dirndl just yet. The Music Man Square’s annual Germanfest is a great opportunity for you to nod your head and tap your feet to the festive sounds of Polka and twirl along in a Bavarian dance. Pretzels, root beer floats, ice cream and great family fun all in the old-timely atmosphere of Music Man Square on Sunday, October 4^th. Festivities begin at Noon.

Many other great fall events are taking place in Mason City this season. Start planning your getaway at VisitMasonCityIowa.com today.