Fundraising for Storm Lake’s 2026 Star Spangled Spectacular is off to a strong start, according to co‑chairs Matt Brostad and Josh Newhouse. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Built on Freedom, Bound by Community!”
Newhouse says more than $11,000 has already been raised toward the event’s $50,000 goal, with a noticeable increase in online donations through PayPal and Venmo. Letters have been sent to past donors and prospects, and organizers are continuing outreach to major contributors.
Residents who did not receive a fundraising letter or who have not donated in the past are encouraged to consider supporting the community‑run July 3–4 celebration.
Donations may be mailed to:
Josh Newhouse, Fundraising Chair
P.O. Box 457
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Online contributions can be made at StarSpangledSpectacular.net.
Donor Categories Through June 8, 2026
1776 Society ($1,000 and above)
Rotary Club of Storm Lake; Dr. Sabrina Martinez and Ben Davis; Three B Real Estate
Liberty Bell Ringers ($500–$999)
Rick and Carol Peterson; Security Trust & Savings Bank
Patriots ($350–$499)
Stickers and Posters; Citizens 1st National Bank; Edward Jones – Alex Girres
250 Club ($250 commemorative level)
Doug and Joanie Clausen; Tom and Sharon Daniels; Ellison Extinguishers – Mitch Ellison
Skyrockets ($200–$349)
Aaron and Kelsey Clausen; Paxton Family Trust c/o Citizens 1st National Bank; Felton Concrete – Todd and Jennifer Felton; Randy and Donna Sennert; Aflac – Pat Fitzpatrick; SunChaser Elite – Bill and Pat Fitzpatrick; Buena Vista University; United Bank of Iowa
Firecrackers ($100–$199)
Barb Anderson; Stille, Pierce & Pertzborn; Mike and Andrea Frantz; Larry and Linda Hecht; Frank and Nancy Alderton; Julianne Osegaro; Al and Kathi Buckingham; Colburn & Elk; Kevin and Cindy Cone; Dan Connell Law Office; Frank and Cynthia Demers; Jim and Terry Foell; Duane and Gwynn Gerlach; Juli Kwikkel; Patrick and Julia Mooney; Mike and Roxi Pertzborn; Phil and Margaret Redenbaugh; Gary and Karen Rosene; Dave and Connie Skibsted; Doug and Kari Thompson; Carl and Cyndi Turner; one anonymous donor
Sparklers (up to $99)
Al and Rhonda Slight; Barb Jackson; Betty Richardson; Brad and Maureen Strader; Bruce and Linda Baier; Buzz and Jean Paterson; Charlene Plagman; Clark and Nancy Gordon; Connie Salas; Donna and Tom Burback; Donna McPherren; Jeff and Tami Ebel; Joan Kurtz; John and Kyle Cejka; John and Roxie Brostad; Larry and Terry Davenport; LaVerne Grigsby; Lenny and Carol McDonald; Lottie Nelson; Mark and Rita Fitzgerald; Mary Lanphere; Murray & Murray P.L.C.; Phil and Pegg Havens; Rosie Reiling; Steve and Jenna Campbell
