The 2025 Star Spangled Spectacular, with a theme of “Celebrate Freedom, Feel the Vibe in 2025!” is still accepting donations as bills from various vendors continue to come in after the celebration ends. Fundraising co-chairs Josh Newhouse and Matt Brostad set a goal of $45,000, and they received just over $43,000 in cash and in-kind donations. “This year was very different from last year, and we are extremely grateful to all donors for their generous donations,” said Newhouse. Donors and categories received June 24 – June 30, 2025 include:
● Liberty Bell Ringers ($350 and up): Tyson Foods-Turkey Operations, Fareway –
Round Up For Fireworks, VT Industries, Rotary Club of Storm Lake, Larson Oil &
Distributing Company, Edwards Storm Lake, Hunzelman, Putzier & Company, Mike and
Katie Solem, Storm Lake Honda, Three B Capital, Three B Real Estate, Stickers and
Posters, Dr. Kyle and Ashlee Glienke, Citizens 1st National Bank, and Tyson Foods.
● Patriots ($150-$349): Rusty and Patty Kosky, Walsh Chiropractic/Dr. Courtney
Goodchild, Grand Central Coffee Station, Rick and Kim Martin and Family, Josh and
Laura Newhouse, Shane and Nancy Lenhart, Steven and Emily Sievers, Seth and
Deanna Harrer, A & A Automotive, Felton Concrete/Todd and Jennifer Felton, Matt and
Katie Brostad, Matt and Ana Phillips, Matt and Linda Ricklefs Jay and Sharon Butterfield,
Gennatos Family Dentistry, Michael Pierce, Century 21 The Professional Group, Bill and
Lana Crilly, Mike and Andrea Frantz, Loew’s Carpet One Floor & Home, Rich Merten, in
Memory of Liz Merten, Ken Schweller, Smokin Hereford BBQ, Mark and Christine
Young, and Garrett and Kelsey Feddersen.
● Skyrockets ($100-$149): Gigi Tompkins, Paul and Stef Merten, Brandon and Sarah
Johnson, Leo’s Kitchens, Marlene Massop, Duane and Donna Queen, Peter and Julie
Steinfeld, Aronson Plumbing & Heating, Automotive Service Center, Arvid and Coleen
Baughman, Russ and Tracee Dierenfield, Roy and Michelle Grant, Bill and Joan Kruse,
Nick and Tanya Landgraf, Marcus Lumber, Lee and Laurie Meylor, Al and Michelle
Patten, Paxton’s Jewelry, Rich and Jene Robinson, Sliefert Funeral Home, Tim Smith,
Norman and Kathy Sorenson, Mike Wilson, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, and Scott
and Joni Wulfekuhler.
● Firecrackers ($50 to $99): Matt and Elissa Doebel, Pat Cowan, Dave and Tiffany Stern,
Jim and Sally Anderson, Alan and Dawn Bowles, Al and Kathi Buckingham, Jared and
Tyonia Eggers, Storm Lake I.O.O.F. Lodge #221, Shannon and Michele Kelly, Craig and Beth Lamoureux, Ali and Austin Langel, Marlene Morrow, Bruce and Ann Storm, Unity
Point Family Health Center, and two anonymous donors.
● Sparklers (up to $49): Dorothy Franzmeier, Sarah Lytle, Mary Drey, Mike and Feryle
Berkland, Susan and Troy Briggs, Brent and Debra Hendriks, Jerry Kahl/Jerry’s Tree
Service, Bonnie Phillips, Al and Rhonda Slight, Mary Estelle Cole, and Beth Dawson
McPherren.
A favorite Northwest Iowa tradition, Storm Lake’s annual Star Spangled Spectacular celebrates
Independence Day along the City’s beautiful shores. The family-friendly event is held July 3-4
and welcomes fresh entertainment and returning favorites such as The Big Parade, food and
shopping vendors, a classic Car Cruise, the Ride-Run, fireworks, a Patriotic Ceremony, a Kiddie Parade, and more.
Visit www.starspangledspectacular.net
