Area residents had three opportunities to enjoy good food, great conversation and fresh air in downtown Fort Dodge this summer.

The event that made all of that possible was Lunch on Central. Anyone who has lived in Fort Dodge likely remembers Lunch on the Square. Lunch on Central is the same concept, but the location was moved a few blocks east of the City Square to an alley in the 700 block of Central Avenue that runs between the Webster County Courthouse and The Messenger building.

While the location changed, the ultimate goal of the noon meals remains the same: get more people to come downtown to enjoy a festive lunch and while they are there, spend some time in the growing number of shops that are bringing new life to the traditional commercial heart of the city.

Lunch on Central was held on the last Fridays of June, July and August.

The event is organized by Main Street Fort Dodge. The volunteers of that organization deserve much credit for the success of Lunch on Central.

Lunch on Central also had a number of sponsors we wish to thank for making this event possible. They are C & M Apparel, Candies & More, Country Financial Group-Chuy Rivas, The Dariette, Edward Jones – Gabe Pettit, First Interstate Bank, Flannery Tax & Bookkeeping, Green Dragon Book Shop, Head Start Zero-Five, Iowa Central Community College rugby team, KD’s Over the Moon, Luminess Spa and Candle Co. LLC, May Kay’s Gifts & Home Decor, OnMedia, Rush Hour Clothing, and the Webster County Pork Producers.

The Webster County Board of Supervisors graciously allowed the parking area on the east side of the courthouse to be used for the lunchs.

It took teamwork to make Lunch on Central a success this year.

We look forward to more of Lunch on Central next year.