Members of the Gowrie Development Commission brainstorm ideas for Gowrie while participating in the Institute for Decision Making from the University of Northern Iowa

American Legion Auxiliary:

American Legion Post 431: Peterson Post #431 meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. and Dinner at 7:00, with the meeting to follow. The Legion holds many fundraisers throughout the year including a casino night, pork chop dinner. This group is the main supporter of Gowrie’s Independence Day celebration. Contact Commander Dick Dean for more information.

Dollars for Scholars:

Golden Crest Villa:

Gowrie Arts Council:

Gowrie Development Commission: This organization sponsors many events throughout the year in order to promote Gowrie and support its citizens and businesses. Each year they sponsor the Easter egg hunt, Garage Sale Days in June, Independence Day festivities, Gowrie Appreciation Days in August and city wide holiday open houses in December. Most recently they have spearheaded the updating of this web site and aiding new businesses in town. For more information contact Gayle Rabbitt, GDC President, at 515-352-3150; or Jansa, Executive Director, at 515-352-3193.

Representing the Prairie Valley chapter at the First Lady’s Walk for Dollars for Scholars

Gowrie Federated Women’s Club:

Prairie View Golf & Grill: This 9-hole golf course is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and features Wednesday men’s, Tuesday women’s, and Thursday couple’s golf leagues as well as occasional weekend tournaments. For more information contact Owner/Manager Harley Ball at 515-352-3320

Gowrie Groundbreakers 4-H Club: The Gowrie Groundbreakers 4-H club currently has a membership of 28 youth and six adult leaders, following the 4-H curriculum under the leadership of the Webster County Extension Office in Fort Dodge. Linda Cline is the County Youth Coordinator and can be reached at lcline@iastate.edu. Members of this club participate in the Webster County and Iowa State fairs, the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and Animal Science Round-up. On the local level, the club supports their community food pantry, fireworks fund, parks and pool projects, Arts Council, and county humane society, to name a few. Monthly meetings are held on the 1st Sunday of each month (with a few exceptions) at the Gowrie Fire Station at 3:30 PM. The meetings usually consist of business, educational presentations and recreation. Members have also participated on County Council, State Council, and the State Tech Team. Contact garyandkelliew@wccta.net for more information.

Xi Eta Sigma members at the recent Ham Ball Dinner Fundraiser

Gowrie Historical Society: The Gowrie Historical Society is comprised of an eleven member board that is in charge of preserving, protecting and presenting the collection of historical items of early-day Gowrie and surrounding farm area. The collection is housed in an early day railroad train depot that has been restored. It is located in beautiful Laurel Park, just south of the Gowrie Swimming Pool. The depot is full of early day photos and pioneer items of our early history. The depot-museum can be toured upon request by contacting Alan Wooters at 515-352-3983.

Gowrie Jaycees: The Gowrie Jaycees is a local organization that is very involved in various community activities. The Gowrie Jaycees organizes such activities as the 4th of July street dance, Run, Punt & Pass, Super Shooters, and the Firecracker 40 (a 40-mile bike ride). The Gowrie Jaycees donates money from their fundraisers back to the community and schools. For more information you may reach Brad Lane at 515-352-3248.

Gowrie Trees Forever:

Kensington Club: Kensington Club is the oldest women’s organization in Gowrie outside of church and fraternal groups. In 1906 several women organized and wrote the club’s constitution. The group is a study club, meeting monthly, and varying each year’s themes over a wide range of subject matter. The club also devotes itself to civic service. Please contact chairperson Almeda Gordon for more information. 515-352-3664

Over 60 Club:

Parks Board:

Pool Board: Open afternoon and evening hours during the summer months, the Gowrie Swimming Pool is another great opportunity for recreation in Gowrie. A volunteer board oversees activities and local lifeguards provide private and public swimming lessons, open swimming, private parties and water aerobics. For more information contact the pool directly at 515-352-3911.

Prairie Valley Area Soccer Association: Every Saturday during April and May Brockett Park is full of soccer games for children ages 7 through 14 (8th grade). Registration takes place in February to form teams. Training and coaching materials are provided for those interested in volunteering. Coaches, board members and officials are needed as well as help setting up equipment. For more information contact Mary Anne Wiley at 515-352-3030.

Rose Lodge #506: of the Masonic Fraternity meets at 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) in the basement of the Gowrie Public Library. The Masonic Fraternity is a charitable organization that believes in good citizenship, honesty, and building the good character of its members. We hold annual fundraisers for the local ambulance service and for a scholarship to be awarded to a local high school graduate. For more information contact Jim Wiley at 515-352-5258 or Gene Smith at 515-352-5222.

Scouting - Boy Scouts Troop 42 and Cub Scout Pack 42 Programs: The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. Pack 42 is active both locally and within the Twin Lakes District of the Mid-America Council. Beginning in First Grade, Cub Scouts enjoy a variety of activities within their Den and work toward achieving goals. Cub Scouts can make the transition to Boy Scouts in Sixth grade. Each year the Pack sponsors group activities such as a Pinewood Derby, Raingutter Regatta, a food drive, Blue & Gold Banquet, camping, and much more. For more information about this program contact Cubmaster, Cindy Bush, or Scoutmaster, Bill Bush, at 515-352-3123.

Summer Youth Program: Little League Baseball In June, the two area baseball diamonds are constantly being utilized by children’s baseball games and practices. Volunteers are needed for coaching, umpiring and concession stands.

Wheels of Gowrie Youth Center (Skate Center): As the only skating rink in Webster County, it is great recreation for the whole family! Available for birthday parties, private parties, and open skating, the rink is open weekends from August through June. Overseeing this not-for-profit recreation center is a volunteer board of directors. For more information contact Evelyn at the Skate Center at 515-352-9930.

Xi Eta Sigma Sorority: This local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a non-academic international sorority, was founded for the social, cultural and civic enrichment of its members. During monthly meetings members plan for fundraisers and donating cash, services and goods to various community needs. Fundraisers include our annual ham ball dinner and cookbook sales are currently underway. Members also enjoy socials and trips such as the Pirate Party at Twin Lakes, Pampered Sisters at LaJames in Fort Dodge, and the upcoming Sweet Deal Casino Night! Beta Sigma Phi is not a secret society. New members are always welcome!! The Greek letters of its name represents life, learning and friendship which is the organization’s motto. For more information contact Sue Anderson at 515-352-3066. more info