It is a followup to last year’s successful version of the tournament and is part of a larger expansion of recreation programming.

“The feedback we received with our program expansion and getting opportunities for the 2- through 5-year-old and adult age groups was what we had hoped,” Alexis Wolfe, recreation technician, said. “We want to give all community members options to participate in a variety of ways.”

Wolfe’s second year in her role starts with the second Mario Kart video game tournament. The competition, open to three divisions of boys and girls in first through 12th grade, is Jan. 17.

“We had a good turnout in our first such event last January,” Wolfe said. “With a new division for eighth through 12th grades added to the first through third and fourth through seventh competitions, the goal is to surpass the 17 entrants of year one.”

The first 12 individuals per division can register through the Fort Dodge Recreation Department’s ActiveNet application on the city’s website or in person at the office.

“There is a potential for more than 12 per division,” Wolfe said. “I’d recommend calling the city hall office or emailing us to check in as the tournament gets closer.”

Citizens Central, the downtown Fort Dodge location that houses the recreation office, is the host site. The tournament is scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for first through third grade; noon to 2 p.m. for fourth through seventh grade; and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for eighth through 12th grade.

Prizes will be awarded for first through third place in each division.

The Mario Kart competition kicks off a busy January and February schedule for the Fort Dodge Recreation Department. The annual Can Play adaptive basketball season begins Monday and runs for four dates through Jan. 24.

The always popular Valentine’s Day daddy-daughter dance returns the weekend of Feb. 14.

Complete 2026 scheduling information is available through the ActiveNet application at www.fortdodgeiowa.org.