According to Main Street Fort Dodge Executive Director Mary Green-Warnstadt, a special initiative led by Dr. Terry Moehnke, has been created to transform Central Avenue and the gazebo into a beautiful holiday light display next Christmas.

“Our goal is to create an inviting and colorful atmosphere that will attract residents, visitors, and tourists alike to enjoy the holiday spirit,” said Green-Warnstadt.

To bring the holiday vision to life, Main Street Fort Dodge is seeking to raise $50,000 to cover the cost of lights, decorations, installation, and maintenance. Green-Warnstadt and Moehnke have estimated $35,000 for lights, $10,000 for installation and setup, and $5,000 for maintenance and repairs.

“We believe that this project will have a significant positive impact on the downtown area, fostering pride in the community, and encouraging people to shop locally,” said Green-Warnstadt.

-Submitted photo
Downtown Fort Dodge has sparkled with Christmas lights every holiday season for decades. Main Street Fort Dodge is hoping to transform Central Avenue and the downtown gazebo into a winter wonderland in 2025 and has started a fundraising drive to make it happen.

Donations for the new holiday light display can be sent to Main Street Fort Dodge, 24 N. 9th Street, Ste. D., Fort Dodge.

“We are so pleased with the interest from the community in reimagining the Christmas decorations downtown for 2025,” said Green-Warnstadt.