A fun and tasty event will return to downtown Fort Dodge today. Main Street Fort Dodge is orchestrating Lunch on the Square from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The goal is to get more people to come downtown to enjoy a festive lunch hour and also spend some time in the shops that are revitalizing the traditional commercial heart of the city. The outstanding green space of the City Square affords a fine venue for this event.

There will be three Lunch on the Square gatherings this summer. The first is today. The others will be the same hours on July 26 and Aug. 30.

The cost of the meal is $6. Today’s menu is pulled pork sandwiches, chips, potato salad, a cookie and water provided by Rosedale Water.

Money raised from Lunch on the Square will go toward funding free and low-cost future events downtown.

The lunches will provide more than just an opportunity to eat. There will also be entertainment. Today, storyteller Mike Zahm will perform in the gazebo on the square.

Each Lunch on the Square will have sponsors. Today’s sponsors are Annie’s Bridal, The Dariette, Tillie’s Quilts, Dungeons and Dodgers, Euphoria Massage, Homespun Collections, Mary Kay’s Gifts & Home Decor, Nins Custom Creations, Real Deals on Home Decor, River Hops Brewing, Rosedale Water, Rush Hour Clothing and Studio Fusion.

The Messenger enthusiastically supports Lunch on the Square. We urge our readers to make plans to join in the fun today. This promises to be a great way to grab a tasty lunch, enjoy being outdoors on a fine summer day and sample some exceptional entertainment. It’s also an opportunity to get reacquainted with downtown Fort Dodge if you haven’t spent time there lately.

And after this Friday, we suspect you’ll want add to your calendar noontime on the last Friday of July and August. Lunch on the Square is something not to be missed.