MASON CITY – The Charles H. MacNider Museum is pleased to announce the date and theme for its annual MacNider Arts Festival. This year festival goers will have an eco-friendly experience with the theme “Trashtastic” on Saturday, June 9th, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Art activities for children, lively musical entertainment, great outdoor food, and long-time festival traditions will all be part of the fun. All events are on the lawns of the Museum and the adjacent Mason City Public Library at 303 2nd Street SE in Mason City and are free and open to the public.
The day begins with the Mayor and City Council’s Pancake Breakfast at 9:00 am and lasts until 10:30, or until gone. Sponsored by the Cerro Gordo Association of Independent Insurance Agents, this free breakfast is one of the most popular parts of the festival! Starting at 11:00 a.m. the Museum will sell food for festival goers to purchase. Proceeds of the food sales benefit the festival and Museum programming.
From 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. hands-on activities will make every kid smile. Kids and their parents can make a variety of projects out of recycled materials, paint on easels, or create a Museum color-on t-shirt on which you create your own stylish art you can keep and wear. Join in fun interactive activities such as giant inflatables, Levey the Great’s magic show, and recycled clothing artist Sonya Darrow of Ladyfits throughout the day. Musical entertainment includes singer / songwriter Paul Christian, Co’ Motion Dance Theater and the Mason City Municipal Band.
The Art Market will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with three dozen fine artists and craftspersons. This is your opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, and photography. By purchasing work from these artists you are not only supporting the local economy and their work, you are purchasing quality unique art.
More than 200 area citizens are being recruited to volunteer during the Festival. If you are interested in volunteering during part of this event, contact the Museum at 641-421-3666. More details about festival will be posted on the Museum’s website at www.macniderart.organd its Facebook site as they become available.
Major Sponsors include the Principal Financial Foundation, the Cerro Gordo Association of Independent Insurance Agents, 3M Foundation, Wal-Mart Stores, many area businesses, as well as generous donations from the people of North Iowa. A full list of sponsors is found on our website. Generous sponsorships such as these help insure the festival remains free for the community.
