CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — Central Gardens of North Iowa will host its Summer Garden Party on Saturday, featuring a musician who has performed across the globe and honoring a longtime regional leader.
The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and will include live music and dancing with Jimmie C. Clark and FIDDLERS BAND. Clark spent 35 years based in Nashville while touring and recording, with additional time in Austin and Orlando.
Clark says his career has taken him to 30 countries, all 50 states and every province in Canada. In 2026 alone, his performances have taken him throughout the United States and Caribbean before the road brings FIDDLERS BAND to Clear Lake.
The evening will also include the presentation of Central Gardens’ Monarch Recognition to Jan Lovell. The Monarch Recognition honors someone whose lasting leadership has helped North Iowa flourish through environmental stewardship, conservation, beautification, education, community engagement or service.
Lovell’s decades of leadership have touched both the economic and natural landscape of North Iowa. During her career with CLtel, including serving as president from 2007 to 2025, she championed telecommunications infrastructure designed to help North Iowa attract businesses, families and talent.
Lovell chaired the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Board of Directors and has served on community college, bank, nonprofit, state and national telecommunications boards and committees. An avid gardener, kayaker and hiker, she continues to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.
Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on a wide-ranging silent auction supported by businesses, artists and individuals throughout the region. Among the featured experiences are two Iowa State football tickets with food in the Sukup Skybox Suite for the September 19 game against Bowling Green, a two-hour pontoon rental, golf packages and lessons, a weekend golf cart rental, a Clear Lake overnight and dining package and a party for 12 at Lake Pin & Play.
The auction also celebrates the area’s creative community with original and locally inspired artwork. This includes a large Lady of the Lake photograph by Speaker Photography, a watercolor by Clear Lake artist Dee Frederick, Central Gardens photography, handcrafted woodworking, stained glass, fiber art and other one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Garden Party will also feature hors d’oeuvres and libations, music, dancing and an opportunity to enjoy Central Gardens during a summer evening. Proceeds help Central Gardens continue caring for the Gardens and providing community programming and public access without an admission charge.
More than 25,000 people visit Central Gardens annually, with free programs throughout the season bringing together families, children, visitors and residents from across North Iowa.
Tickets are available through Central Gardens of North Iowa.
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