Back-to-school is just around the corner, and summer may be winding down, but there is still some serious fun to be had in the Siouxland area in August. Dakota City will be holding their 6th annual Cottonwood Days Festival from August 18th to 20th, with Hubbard’s 8th Annual Hoot Owl Days coming the next weekend, from August 25th to 27th. Both events promise to be full of fun and adventure, and we invite you to join in the festivities! Here are just a few of the items on the agenda for these festivals.
Cottonwood Days Festival - August 18 - 20
Dakota City’s beautiful downtown will be buzzing Friday night, August 18th as the Hamburger and Hotdog Feed starts the weekend off. From 5pm - 8pm, vendors will be serving up popcorn, burgers, hotdogs and chips. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy our outdoor movie starting at 9:30pm.
Saturday morning starts with a fantastic array of food and merchandise vendors displaying their wares at Cottonwood Cove Park. After you’ve done a bit of shopping, head over to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where our very own Dakota County Historical Society will be running tours. The annual Cottonwood Days Parade starts Saturday in front of the American Legion, heading down Broadway and ending at Cottonwood Cove. Saturday’s events include a Car Show, Kid’s Fun Zone, Sand Volleyball and Horseshoes, watermelon and corn eating contests, and much more! End your day with a street dance featuring Locked N Loaded, from 9pm to 1am.
Sunday features breakfast at the American Legion, followed by a church service at the Methodist Church.
Hoot Owl Days - August 25th - 27th
For the 8th summer in a row, Hubbard will be celebrating Hoot Owl Days. Friday night, grab the kids and the grandparents and come on out and enjoy movie night at the Hubbard Community Center.
Saturday starts with a bang with our 5k Hoot Owl Fun Run and Decathlon Kids Fun Run. After your run, be sure to check out the Fishing Clinic at Kramper Lake, the Farmers Market and vendor stands, and the 150 Years of Statehood celebration at the Baseball Diamond. The busy Saturday continues with Isom’s Mini Carnival and Petting Zoo, Kids Crafts, a pet show, chair massage, and live music. Our famous Hooting Contest starts at 1pm on stage - this is not to be missed! Afternoon highlights include basketball and horseshoe tournaments and wagon tours of the Danish Alps. Our local rock’n’roll favorite, 35th and Taylor, will be the main event of the night. The band offers an alternative rock sound with a blend of classic and contemporary sounds with a heavy blues influence. Lead singer Anna Taylor was a contestant on Season 6 of The Voice and in 2015 the band was awarded the “Spirit Award” by the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association. Come and join them for the night of Dancing and fun!
Sunday starts with a Catholic Mass at St. Mary’s Church, followed by a delicious country breakfast by Trinity Lutheran Church served at the St. Mary’s Parish Center. Finish your weekend strong with our signature Lawn Mower Poker Run at 3pm at the Community Center.
We look forward to seeing everyone at both of these fantastic community events!
