Each year, the Visit Mason City Tourism Awards celebrate the dedication and passion driving our community's tourism growth. There are four categories open for nominations:
Nominations for the Visit Mason City Tourism Awards are now open. Don’t miss the chance to honor the people and places that make Mason City a welcoming and exciting place to visit. Nominations are due by 11:59 PM on July 31st.
The Mason City Pickleball Club has demonstrated outstanding tourism excellence through its successful marketing and promotion of the fast-growing sport of pickleball. The annual Mason City Pickleball Classic tournament, held at the newly improved East Park complex, attracted more than 100 teams and 260 players from nine states, showcasing Mason City as a prime destination for sports tourism. The tournament, which spanned three days, was officially recognized by Mayor Bill Schickel as “Pickleball Classic Days,” enhancing the city’s reputation as a pickleball hub.
The 12-court complex has become a key attraction, drawing players of all skill levels and providing economic benefits through increased tourism.
By combining professional excellence in event organization and effective tourism promotion, the Mason City Pickleball Club has significantly contributed to the local economy and enhanced the city’s tourism profile.
The Mason City Farmers Market has transformed into a vibrant Saturday morning destination. Vendors from across North Iowa come to sell a variety of goods, attracting an increasing number of regional visitors each week. Many out-of-town attendees begin their day at the Market before exploring downtown or staying at the Historic Park Inn, which enhances both the Market's visibility and its contribution to the local economy. By supporting small businesses and local farmers, the Market has become a hub for promoting North Iowa’s agriculture while encouraging shopping and dining downtown.
The Market is truly for everyone. Their inclusive approach was evident during partnerships with events like the annual Pride Festival and the Mason City All-Year Class Reunion, welcoming all attendees and fostering a sense of community. The weekly performances by local musicians create a peaceful, enjoyable atmosphere, while the vendors offer diverse products, including gluten-free options and the popular Power of Produce booth, which encourages children and adults to try fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. The Mason City Farmers Market has successfully cultivated a welcoming and vibrant experience for all who attend.
Longtime residents of Mason City, Terry and Mary Balek were first introduced to geocaching by their daughter. Soon after, it became a family hobby and they found themselves on the hunt for caches all around the U.S. Eventually, Terry began creating caches and hiding them throughout the local community and surrounding area. He incorporated his love and appreciation for Mason City's history by creating the "Mr. Toot Geocaching Adventure". Each of the puzzles in the collection of caches includes a fun fact or story related to Mason City history, native son Meredith Willson, or "The Music Man" theme. Questions answered correctly reveal coordinates and clues that lead geocachers along the Mr. Toot Trail. Active members of the Iowa Geocache Organization, Terry and Mary worked to bring the annual "Hike & Seek" event - a geocaching convention - to North Iowa in September 2022. Terry created a number of new caches specifically for the event with the objective of highlighting various points of interest (and history) including the Buddy Holly Crash Site, Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Georgia Hanford Park, Meredith Willson Boyhood Home, Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District, and more.
