It is a yearly reminder that Manson is built on community pride and connection.

“Crater Days is one of those weekends that brings the whole town together,” said Macie Schoon, a member of the Crater Days Committee. “What started after the 1979 tornado has become a tradition that people look forward to every year. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and family, watch the parade, enjoy the many events happening around town, and celebrate everything that makes Manson a great place to live.”

The celebration kicks off Friday with 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, “A League of Their Own,” at the softball field beginning at 8 p.m.

The fun-filled weekend continues on Saturday, with the annual parade at 10 a.m.

-Messenger file photo by Hans Madsen
Pam Bleam, of Manson, reacts to the rather cool water in the dunk tank during the annual Manson Greater Crater Days celebration in June 2025.

There will be several food vendors and kids activities available throughout the day at Gazebo Park, 1015 13th St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities this year include a foam party, dunk tank, human foosball, barrel train, and a mechanical bull.

The annual Crash My Crater will end the night, featuring Aaron Lewis with special guests the Cody Hicks Band, Scott Kirkhart and Jesse Wilson, and Jared Benson.

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 $50. Tickets can be purchased at Hy-Vee in Fort Dodge, 115 S. 29th St., and online at www.tickettailor.com/events/mansoncrashmycrater. There is a limited supply of tickets available in store.

On Sunday morning, starting at 10:30 a.m., a community church service will be held, where people can gather on the square and bring their lawn chairs or blankets. In the afternoon, a car show will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Gazebo Park.

“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. “Everyone is welcome to join us for a weekend of fun, food, and community pride.”

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

Friday

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Heartland Bank Appreciation Meal

6 p.m.: Truck pulls at the Fairgrounds

8 p.m.: Outdoor movie at the MACC softball field

Saturday

8 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Trail Fun Run/Walk

9 a.m.: Middleton Classic golf tournament

10 a.m.: Parade

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Food and vendors

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: 3D Pen — Bubble Wand Activity

11:30 a.m.: MNW band performance

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Foam party

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Bingo at the VFW, dunk tank, human foosball, barrel train, Calhoun County Conservation craft, mechanical bull

5 p.m.: Crash My Crater featuring Aaron Lewis

*Activities and vendors at Gazebo Park

Sunday

9 a.m.: Middleton Classic golf tournament

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: St. Paul Sunday Brunch at VFW

10:30 a.m.: Community church service at Gazebo Park led by Lifepoint (Bring your lawn chairs.)

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Dog parade and hot dog meal at Good Samaritan

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Car show, food vendor at Gazebo Park