PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES RECEIVES TOURISM GRANT SUPPORT FOR 2026-27 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES
Estherville, Iowa – Iowa Lakes Community College has received a $1,000 Tourism Grant from the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce to support the 2026-27 Performing Arts Series at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center.
The grant, funded through Estherville lodging tax dollars, will help offset lodging expenses for visiting artists and production personnel participating in the six-event series.
The 2026-27 Performing Arts Series will feature regional and nationally touring performers in genres including brass, country, jazz, classical piano, Celtic music and guitar. The series builds on a successful inaugural season that welcomed nearly 1,000 attendees and is projected to attract approximately 1,500 attendees during the upcoming season.
“We are grateful to the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce for its support of the performing arts and tourism efforts in our community,” said Jessi Strom, performing arts center promotions and operations coordinator at Iowa Lakes Community College. “This partnership helps us continue bringing outstanding performances to the region while creating opportunities for visitors to experience Estherville and all it has to offer.”
The series is expected to generate economic activity for local businesses, including restaurants, retail establishments and lodging providers. Iowa Lakes projects approximately 39 hotel room nights for visiting artists and crew members throughout the season, with additional overnight stays possible from audience members traveling to attend performances.
In addition to public performances, the series will offer educational outreach opportunities, including workshops, clinics and school engagements led by guest artists.
The Performing Arts Series will run from September 2026 through March 2027 at the Janice K. Lund Performing Arts Center on the Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville campus.
For more information about the Performing Arts Series, including performance announcements and ticket information, visit Iowa Lakes Community College at iowalakes.edu/performingarts.
About Iowa Lakes Community College
Iowa Lakes Community College serves Northwest Iowa through campuses in Estherville, Emmetsburg, Spencer, Spirit Lake and Algona. The college provides academic transfer programs, career and technical education, workforce training and continuing education opportunities that support students, employers and communities throughout the region.