The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association have partnered to set up the photo opportunities at Fort Frenzy. The event is called #goatsnaps (greatest of all-time snaps)

The idea came about after Lydia Schuur, communications specialist for the Growth Alliance, visited what’s called the Selfie Station in Des Moines.

“Lydia went to the Selfie Station in Des Moines and posted some pictures on social media,” said Shelly Bottorff, executive director for the FDFAA.

Bottorff said fundraising for the FDFAA has been difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. She thought a similar setup to the Selfie Station would be a fun offering in Fort Dodge.

“From our perspective, I was worried about there being a loss of momentum for our organization,” Bottorff said. “I am not so worried about that anymore. We have been able to adjust to the circumstances and the arts prevail. Nothing in history has stopped the arts before, so we will figure it out.”

The #goatsnaps event will be held at Fort Frenzy from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 9; from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 10; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11.

Thirty people can make a reservation during one block of time.

“You don’t have to have 30 people to make a reservation,” Bottorff clarified. “We have 30 slots available for each hour during that time.”

Bottorff said #goatsnaps is appropriate for all ages.

“We provide the selfie ring light setup and you pop your camera phone in, set your timers and take as many photos as you’d like for the entire hour,” Bottorff said.

Cost is $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5 through 12 and free for children 4 and under. A majority of funds will go to support FDFAA and its restoration of Phillips Auditorium in the former Phillips Middle School, which was transformed into apartments in recent years.

Themes like a mirror room, Halloween room, an outerspace room and a flower power room, are included.

The Iowa Central Community College photography program will be helping with the setup.

Bottorff said the event will be COVID-19 conscious.

“We will be limiting the number of people allowed to participate in one hour so that we can maintain social distancing,” she said. “Masks are encouraged.”

Cleaning stations will be set up throughout the Fort Frenzy venue.

“We wanted to be as mindful as we could in preparation for the event,” Bottorff said.

Bottorff said a cash bar will be open for all time slots. Music will also be playing in the background.

“I think it would be fun for a birthday party or a team-building activity for a company,” Bottorff said. “Hopefully despite everything going on we can provide something fun and artistic.”

If you go:

What: #goatsnaps fundraiser for Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association

Where: Fort Frenzy

How it works: Show up, take fun pictures with different themes

When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 9; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 10; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11

Cost: Cost is $13 for ages 13 and up, $10 for ages 5-12 and free for children 4 and under.

Sponsored by: Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association.

For reservations: email fdfinearts@gmail.com or text/call 515-570-7807.