Who says lake season has to end when the temperature drops? At Twin Lakes in Calhoun County, winter isn't something to endure—it's something to celebrate. Twinterfest brings people together for a uniquely Iowa winter celebration filled with outdoor adventure, friendly competition, great food and plenty of reasons to bundle up and head to the lake. Twinterfest has become a winter tradition at Twin Lakes, transforming the frozen lake and surrounding community into a playground for all ages. Past celebrations have featured everything from motorcycle, ATV and UTV racing on the ice to ice skating, tobogganing, broom ball, ice bowling, barrel rides and even "Snowga"—yes, yoga in the snow. One of the signature events is the Lake Poker Run, where participants make their way around Twin Lakes collecting cards at stops along the route. And in true Iowa fashion, organizers don't particularly care how you get there. Past participants have traveled by ATV, UTV, snowmobile and even by car along the roads surrounding the lake. It's less about speed and more about enjoying the journey—and perhaps putting together a winning poker hand along the way. Then there are those brave souls who apparently look at an Iowa lake in February and think, I should jump in that. The Twinterfest Polar Plunge invites adventurous participants to take a bone-chilling dip in North Twin Lake, with costumes encouraged and spectators welcome. For those who prefer to keep their winter coats securely zipped, watching from the sidelines is an equally respectable Twinterfest tradition. Of course, no Iowa celebration would be complete without plenty to eat and drink. Previous Twinterfest weekends have offered pancake breakfasts, chili and cinnamon rolls, barbecue, pizza, an ultimate hot dog bar, mini donuts, campfire s'mores, hot cocoa and other treats scattered around the lake. Warm-up stations provide a welcome place to thaw out before heading back outside for the next adventure. But perhaps the most memorable part of Twinterfest happens after the winter sun begins to disappear. As evening settles over Twin Lakes, the celebration culminates with Fireworks on the Ice. Fireworks launched over the southern bay of North Twin Lake illuminate the frozen landscape while music and festivities continue nearby—a spectacular winter version of the lake celebrations usually associated with summertime. Twinterfest is also a reminder that Twin Lakes isn't simply a summer destination. There is something special about the lake in winter: the quiet shoreline, crisp air, frozen water and the sight of neighbors, families and visitors gathering together in the middle of an Iowa February simply because it's fun. So dig out the snow pants. Find the warmest gloves you own. Bring the kids, invite some friends and plan a winter getaway to Calhoun County. Whether you're racing across the ice, stretching through Snowga, cruising around the lake, warming your hands around a fire, cheering on a Polar Plunger or simply enjoying the view, Twinterfest offers something you won't find on an ordinary winter weekend. Come experience Twin Lakes in a completely different season. Because at Twin Lakes, we don't wait for summer to have fun. Twinterfest 2027 — Twin Lakes, Iowa Watch for the official 2027 date, schedule, registration information and event updates at the official Twinterfest website.

community

HAHarvey Walden

1 week ago

Calhoun County Historical Society Releases Community Event Calendar

The Calhoun County Historical Society is pleased to present its community calendar. This calendar will be updated regularly with events, meetings, and other happenings of interest to Calhoun County residents. Please check back often for the latest information. If you have an event you would like to see added to the calendar, please contact the Historical Society directly. We aim to be your comprehensive source for what's happening in our county.

community

HAHarvey Walden

1 week ago

Leadership Calhoun Cohort #1 Turns Class Project into Lasting Community Impact

Leadership Calhoun Cohort #1 is celebrating the success of its inaugural year by turning leadership, collaboration and a creative class project into meaningful investments in Calhoun County. Members of the first Leadership Calhoun Cohort recently presented a $7,600 donation to Curtis Vanderheiden, Calhoun County Conservation Director. The contribution represents proceeds from Leadership Calhoun presents Cuisine in the Corn, the Cohort’s class project held in August. Cuisine in the Corn brought people together for a unique dining experience while showcasing the agricultural roots, rural character and strong sense of community that make Calhoun County special. As part of planning the event, Cohort members determined that proceeds would be directed toward two projects designed to make a lasting impact in the county. The $7,600 donation to Calhoun County Conservation will support the Outdoor Classroom at the Calhoun County Nature Center, providing another opportunity for the success of Cuisine in the Corn to benefit residents and visitors for years to come. The Cohort also designated $2,000 to establish a Leadership Calhoun Scholarship in conjunction with Iowa Central Community College. The scholarship will be awarded to a Calhoun County student who applies and intends to complete an education and return to Calhoun County to work. During the current 2026–27 school year, members of Leadership Calhoun Cohort #1 will continue their involvement by presenting information about the scholarship opportunity to area schools. The goal is not only to provide financial assistance but also to encourage young people to see Calhoun County as a place where they can build a career, establish a home and become part of the next generation of community leaders. The success of the inaugural class comes as Leadership Calhoun prepares to welcome Cohort #2 in October with 18 new members, expanding from 15 participants during its first year. Cohort #2 truly represents the countywide mission of Leadership Calhoun. Participants come from all corners of Calhoun County — from Jolley to Farnhamville, Lake City to Manson, and communities and workplaces throughout the county. The geographic and professional diversity of the group will bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives and ideas to the program. “We are so pleased to expand the Cohort from 15 to 18 members in our second year,” explained Theresa Hildreth, CCEDC Executive Director and Director of Leadership Calhoun. “The support from across the county is allowing CCEDC to expand the Cohort to a larger membership, and increased financial support from our named sponsors enhances our programming.” Leadership Calhoun is an initiative of Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation designed to develop and connect current and emerging leaders while providing participants with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural Iowa and Calhoun County. The Cohort meets once each month from October through May, with each session focusing on a relevant issue affecting rural Iowa and, more specifically, Calhoun County. Through presentations, discussions, tours and hands-on experiences, participants gain a broader understanding of the county while building relationships with leaders, businesses, organizations and communities throughout the area. Those relationships have proven to be one of the most meaningful outcomes of the program. Members of the first-year Cohort are already anxious to become involved as presenters during year two. Many have identified the months and topics in which they would like to participate, and some have even commented on how much they miss the monthly Cohort connection. “This Leadership Calhoun experience not only exposed me to topics I wasn’t well versed in, it brought me 14 new friends from across the county,” shared one Cohort #1 member. “You can’t put a price on the relationships we created and the friendships that will last a lifetime.” That enthusiasm is exactly what Leadership Calhoun was designed to create — a network of people who better understand their county, know one another across community and professional boundaries, and are willing to stay engaged long after their Cohort year has ended. As Cohort #2 begins, Cohort #1 members will have opportunities to share their experiences and knowledge with the next group, creating an expanding network of Leadership Calhoun alumni throughout the county. The accomplishments of Cohort #1 demonstrate that Leadership Calhoun is about more than developing individual leadership skills. It is about creating connections and turning those connections into action. From a dinner in the corn to an outdoor classroom, a scholarship encouraging future workers to come home, and friendships connecting people across the county, the first Leadership Calhoun Cohort has created an impact that will extend well beyond its inaugural year. And with 18 new leaders representing communities across Calhoun County preparing to begin the journey in October, Leadership Calhoun is just getting started.

Community & Government Notices

Winter Comes Alive at Twin Lakes: Twinterfest 2027

1 week ago

Calhoun County Historical Society Releases Community Event Calendar

1 week ago

Leadership Calhoun Cohort #1 Turns Class Project into Lasting Community Impact

1 week ago

Cuisine in the Corn Celebrates Leadership, Agriculture and the Spirit of Calhoun County

1 week ago

More than 150 guests gathered in the Moore family cornfield near Twin Lakes on Friday, August 7, for Leadership Calhoun presents Cuisine in the Corn, a sold-out evening celebrating local food, agriculture, leadership and the spirit of Calhoun County. Cuisine in the Corn was the community service project of the inaugural Leadership Calhoun cohort, a program of the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC). “Tonight is about much more than an exceptional meal. It is a celebration of leadership, collaboration and investing in the future of our communities,” said Theresa Hildreth, CCEDC Executive Director. “We believe the greatest investment we can make is in our people.” CCEDC launched Leadership Calhoun in 2025 as an initiative of its Strategic Plan priority of Community Development and Capacity Building. The nine-month program brought together 15 emerging and established leaders with roots and a passion for Calhoun County. Meeting one day each month, participants explored economic development, education, government, agriculture, healthcare, civic leadership and other issues impacting the county through discussions, facility tours and connections with local and state leaders. As part of the program, the cohort was challenged to develop a community service project that would create a lasting impact. Their answer was Cuisine in the Corn. Proceeds from the evening will support scholarships for students with Calhoun County roots who intend to return to the county and the outdoor classroom being developed by Calhoun County Conservation. [[Gallery]] Pat and Sue Moore and their family hosted the event in their cornfield, creating a memorable setting surrounded by some of Calhoun County’s most productive farmland. Pat Moore is a longtime member of the CCEDC Board of Directors. “Pat and Sue are the ultimate hosts, and we appreciate their dedication, leadership and support throughout Calhoun County,” Hildreth said. The Iowa-inspired dinner was catered by Yetter Locker and featured Caesar salad, sweet corn chowder, smoked pork loin and turkey, red mashed potatoes, green beans with candied bacon and dessert. Pork was provided by Iowa Select Farms, with turkey raised by the Moline family of Golden Prairie Turkeys. Homegrown flowers from the Hedeen family and Emily Hildreth of Cedar Ridge Hildreth Homestead added to the farm-to-table atmosphere. Entertainment was provided by 1 Piano, 2 Much Fun, which kept guests engaged and singing along throughout the evening. The performance concluded with a patriotic salute that provided a memorable ending to the celebration. Project point person, Bailey Landgraf shared her thoughts of Leadership Calhoun, “I was excited to be chosen to be part of this new group, Leadership Calhoun. I enjoy getting involved in my community and I was eager to learn more about the place I call home! What I took away from this past year has been huge and I have gained a ton of knowledge about the businesses, people, and opportunities in our county. Our event Cuisine in the Corn was a great culmination of our program and a way to promote, celebrate, and give thanks to our county members.” Attendee Susan Schoon of Twin Lakes raved about the event, “We had the best corn chowder! And the entertainment was fabulous.” Leadership was also on display through the involvement of South Central Calhoun FFA students, who assisted throughout the evening. Their participation brought another generation into the event and reinforced Leadership Calhoun’s mission of developing leaders through hands-on engagement and service. Working alongside the cohort and community volunteers provided the students an opportunity to demonstrate servant leadership—stepping forward, working together and serving their community. Their involvement was also a reminder that building Calhoun County’s future means creating meaningful opportunities for young people to become engaged and lead today. “Leadership programs are most powerful when participants take what they’ve learned and put it into action. Cuisine in the Corn did exactly that,” said Cheryl O’Hern of Spin Markket + Digital. The momentum continues this fall with Leadership Calhoun Cohort #2. Another group of emerging and established leaders will begin the nine-month experience of learning more about Calhoun County, building connections and discovering opportunities to become more engaged in their workplaces and communities. Community members can become involved in several ways. Individuals interested in growing their leadership skills are encouraged to apply for Cohort #2, while businesses and organizations can nominate or financially support employees and emerging leaders. Businesses, organizations and individuals can also become Leadership Calhoun sponsors, helping CCEDC continue to provide high-quality programming and experiences for participants. Those interested in participating, nominating a future leader or becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation for more information. “Calhoun County is truly an amazing place,” Hildreth told the crowd. “It’s amazing because of the people who are here—those who work and live in our communities. You are the people who make Calhoun County amazing.” With more than 150 people gathered around tables surrounded by Iowa cornfields, Cuisine in the Corn provided a fitting celebration of the inaugural Leadership Calhoun cohort and demonstrated the program’s mission in action: connecting people, strengthening communities and investing in the future of Calhoun County.

Explore the Rolling Prairie Trail in Calhoun County

2 weeks ago

Check out the Rolling Prairie Trail

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