MASON CITY, Neb. – The Village of Mason City is gearing up for a weekend packed with community spirit and family fun during its annual Homecoming celebration, taking place Friday through Sunday (July 18-20). This year’s theme, ‘Legends of the Old West’, offers a mix of important traditions and exciting new events.
“We’ve added a couple new things this year and changed things up a bit,” said Donna Hoblyn-Bittner, one of the event organizers. “It’s about building and having new events to enjoy as well.”
Festivities kick off Friday evening with a hometown chicken and noodles supper at 5:30 p.m., followed by an ice cream social on Main Street. From there, families can head down to the rodeo arena, where activities include turtle races, an egg toss, and the new best dressed farm animal competition.
“Bring it on down, dress them up,” Donna encouraged. “Pick your favorite farm animal, dress them up, see what you can make out of the deal.”
Also new Friday night is the goat roping event at the Glen Burns Ballfield. “It’s just like team roping, except for it’s on foot,” Donna explained. “You’ll have a header and you’ll have a heeler. It’s a lot of laughs, a lot of fun.”
Those looking to test their skills can also sign up for the cornhole tournament, which runs alongside goat roping. “You can do both, go simultaneously,” said Donna. “Both events are $20 a team.”
Saturday begins bright and early with an 8 a.m. 5K fun run, followed by a co-ed softball tournament and the highly anticipated homecoming parade at 10 a.m. “We were pretty excited about this theme,” said Donna of the “Legends of the Old West” title. “That’s hence why we had the best dressed farm animal come in.”
The fireman’s BBQ follows at 11 a.m., offering pulled pork, beans, potato salad, and desserts—all by free-will donation. “The firemen always put on a good meal,” she said. “They’ll serve you and get you fed.”
In the afternoon, guests can enjoy the tractor pull, organized by Chris Hawkins. “Each year it is getting a little stronger every year,” Donna said. “They will have also some concessions on site if you didn’t quite catch the meal at the firemen’s.”
Saturday evening brings even more fun with live music on Main Street, including performances by Mel Shepherd, Chancey Hoblyn-Bittner & Sam Loy, and the popular Lost County Road, who will close out the night. “They are coming in and they’re gonna finish up our night from 9 to 12:30,” said Donna. “Then I will be pulling out some breakfast for you… biscuits and gravy again this year.”
Those who have never played chicken pie bingo have an opportunity in Mason City this weekend. “Usually we have cow pie bingo, but you know, chickens are a lot easier to haul than a cow,” Donna laughed. “There are 400 squares… and raise some money for [the] Ansley Junior Livestock.”
The weekend wraps up Sunday with church in the park at 10 a.m., a horseshoe tournament, and a movie night featuring Jesus Revolution at the First Baptist Church. “It’s just beautiful,” Donna said of the church service. “We got lots of shade trees here so it doesn’t get too hot.”
This year also features several fundraising efforts, including a silent auction to support a new veterans memorial and the sale of Mason City-themed t-shirts, with proceeds helping to finish the renovation of the community hall. “We got some goat roping shirts and we have Graham Stamps to thank for that,” said Donna. “Those proceeds are going to help finish off our hall renovation.”
With over 40 local sponsors and countless volunteers contributing to the event’s success, Mason City Homecoming remains a proud tradition for Custer County. “We can’t do this without you,” said Donna. “It definitely takes a huge team to coordinate everything.”
For a full schedule of events and updates, visit the Mason City Community Service Club or Village of Mason City, Nebraska Facebook pages.
View our full conversation with Donna below:
