Locally, the summer season got started in a big way this past weekend.

After a one-year break imposed by the pandemic, Frontier Days returned with a full slate of activities. It all started on Friday evening with an opening ceremony that gave special recognition to the staff of the Webster County Health Department for all the work it did during the pandemic. Next came a Saturday morning parade featuring motorcycles, tractors, horses, fire trucks and even some Imperial stormtroopers from the “Star Wars” movies. There was lots of music to be heard and enjoyed during Frontier Days along with entertainment that included everything from juggling to an arm wrestling tournament.

Frontier Days Chairman Terry Cook and his crew of volunteers did a tremendous job to put on this fun weekend. On behalf of the community, we say thank you.

Believe it or not, Frontier Days was not the only fun community event recently. On Friday, the first Fort Dodge Ford Toyota – Ja Mar Cruise of the year was held. Last year, the Johnson family and their staff at the dealership saved a Fort Dodge tradition by taking on the cruise after Ja-Mar Drive-In Restaurant lost access to the parking lot where it had been held for about 40 years.

After a year of pandemic restrictions, people were ready to get out and see friends and classy cars. A great turnout revved up Friday night’s cruise.

We thank the Johnson family, the staff at Fort Dodge Ford Toyota and everyone else involved in putting together this cruise. We look forward to seeing you at the next one.

And that brings up an important point. If we want to continue to have fun events in the community, everyone needs to support them by turning out. So we encourage everyone to learn about upcoming events this summer, and then get out and enjoy them.