After the 1979 tornado, Manson rebuilt itself not just with bricks and boards, but with a strong sense of community. Neighbors showed up for one another. Families pitched in. Pride in the town ran deep.

That same spirit continues today. Crater Days has grown into a weekend where friends, families, and neighbors gather to celebrate how far the community has come; through parades, music, kids’ activities, and shared meals. It’s a reminder that Manson is built on more than streets and buildings, it’s built on community pride and connectedness.

“Everyone is welcome to join us for a weekend of fun, food, and community pride. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Manson, or a first-time visitor from another town, there’s something for everyone at Crater Days and we would love to have you,” said Macie Schoon, a member of the Crater Days Committee.

The Friday night lineup on June 27 includes the Heartland appreciation meal at Heartland Bank, 1314 First Ave., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The truck pulls will follow at the Fairgrounds beginning at 6 p.m., then there will be an outdoor movie, “Field of Dreams,” at the softball field.

On Saturday, June 28, the parade will begin at 10 a.m.

Activities for the kids this year will include a foam party, face paintings and tattoos, inflatables, and more. All kids’ activities will be held at Gazebo Park behind City Hall.

There will also be several food vendors available throughout the day on Saturday.

The annual Crash My Crater concert will end the night featuring Austin Snell and Austin Williams on Main Street. Gates for the event open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets are $35 with VIP costing $70.

Tickets can be purchased at crashmycrater2025.eventbrite.com. They are also available at Shore Side Pub and Grub in Manson and Hy-Vee in Fort Dodge.

On Sunday there will be a Community Church Service where people can gather on the square and bring their lawn chairs. In the afternoon, there will be a car show at Gazebo Park from 1 p.m. to 3p.m.

“We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the many volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who make Crater Days possible each year,” said Schoon. “From planning and setup to running events and cleaning up afterward, this celebration wouldn’t happen without the dedication of so many. Whether it’s donating time, providing financial support, or offering services and supplies, each contribution plays a key role in bringing our community together. Your commitment helps keep this tradition alive and thriving–not just for Manson, but for everyone who comes to celebrate with us.”

For event updates and more information about Crater Days, follow them on Facebook at Manson Updates and Events.

Friday, June 27th

• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Heartland Appreciation Meal @ Heartland Bank

• 6:00 PM – Truck Pulls

• 8:00 PM – Outdoor Movie “Field of Dreams” – Softball Field

Saturday, June 28th

(All kid activities held at Gazebo Park located behind City Hall)

• 8:00 – 10:00 AM Get to Know the Trail Fun Run/Walk – Trail Committee

• 9:00 AM – Middleton Classic – Shotgun Start – 4 person best shot

• 10:00 AM – Parade (9:30/9:45 Lineup)

• 11:30 – 1:30 Foam Party – Dugan’s Party Rentals

• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Face Painting & Tattoos by Heather Leith

• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Balloon Animals – Balloon Cera

• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Bingo @ VFW

• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Car Seat Safety with Officer Hogan

• 11:30 AM: MNW Band @ Gazebo

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Inflatable Football & Basketball – Dugan’s Party Rentals

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Human Foosball – Manson Public Library

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Betterment Barrel Trains

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Calhoun County Conservation – Craft

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Self-Serve Activities

Basketball Toss • Connect 4 • Bags • Bucket Toss

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Food Vendors

• Manson Lions Club

• Manson Hometown Grocery

• Methodist Church

• PEO

• Fort Dodge Freeze Dried

• Lifepoint Church

• The Corndog Company – Storm Lake

• 5:00 PM – Crash My Crater featuring

Austin Snell & Austin Williams on Main Street

Sunday, june 29th

• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – St. Paul Brunch @ VFW

• 9:00 AM – Middleton Classic – Shotgun Start – 4 person best shot

• 11:00 AM – Community Church Service

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Good Sam Dog Parade

& Hot Dog Meal @ Good Samaritan

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Car Show @ Gazebo Park

• 11:00 – 3:00 Food & Sales Vendors at Gazebo Park

• Lucky Wife Wine Slushy

• The Little Lemon Co.

• Fort Dodge Freeze Dried

• Manson Daycare Fundraiser

• Trail Committee Raffle Booth

• Veterans Memorial Raffle Booth

• …and more!