MASON CITY – The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced the certification of the North Iowa Sports Authority as a Regional Sports Authority District. This certification provides $50,000 in state funds to be used to attract one new event to the area while retaining and expanding six existing events. These event partners include:
Iowa State LeMans Championship – Jan. 20-22, 2012 in Clear Lake
Indoor Amateur 3-D Archery Shootout – March 10-11, 2012 in Mason City
Midstates Horse Shows – May 2-6, 2012; June 6-10, 2012; June 13-17, 2012 in Mason City
Barrell Bash – May 18-20, 2012 in Mason City
Throwdown in River City Adult Softball Tournament – May 18-20, 2012 in Mason City
NBHA Iowa District Barrel Race – June 29-July 1, 2012 in Mason City
Bike Criterium and Road Race – July 7-8, 2012 in Clear Lake
Through the partnership of Visit Mason City, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Cerro Gordo County, the North Iowa Sports Authority submitted a grant application for this designation. The grant requires a $25,000 local cash match, which has been raised through the joint partnership. According to Visit Mason City, the estimated tourism impact to the area by the visitors attending these events is anticipated to generate over $3.5 million in direct visitor spending.