Golphstok

05/28/2026

HELP WANTED!
We will be at the Pierson city park tomorrow, Friday May 29th @ 6 p.m. to finish cleaning up from the storms. There is not a ton left to do, and with enough people, it should only take maybe a couple hours.
The big stuff has been moved out, but there is still lots to rake and little things to clean up.
Bring your rakes!

05/22/2026

If you are in need of storm recovery assistance:

The IIAGP and DCA programs are activated when the Governor issues a disaster proclamation turning on IIAGP and DCA for the affected counties.

05/14/2026

The biggest party Pierson ever had was the 3-day centennial celebration in June 1983. Do you remember the Ferris wheel on Main Street? There was even a visit from Governor Terry Branstad!

Golphstok won't have pig wrestling or a weight loss contest. BUT there will be great music and great food!

Pierson still knows how to have a great time!

Mark your calendars for August 15, and watch this page for upcoming announcements about the fun new stuff we're adding this year!

05/12/2026

Here are a few of the (other) great festivals happening in our area this summer!
Participating in local small town events help keep our rural communities alive. Comment below tagging your favorite local festival!

Kingsley Chamber of Commerce
Quimby Watermelon Days

05/01/2026

From the 2008 award-winning documentary, Playing For Change: Peace Through Music. "Stand By Me," was the first of many Songs Around The World covered by Playing For Change.
This Ben E. King 1961 classic featured musicians around the world, and was recorded by the Playing For Change team during their travels. This song continues to remind us that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.

1.3M likes, 50K comments. "Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around The World"

05/01/2026

In an age of deep division and isolation, music is one way to bridge the gaps.

Music has the potential to make us feel connected to all of humanity. The more we use music to bring us together—literally and figuratively—the more potential for increased empathy, social connection, and cooperation.

via The Greater Good Science Center

Why would human evolution have given us music? New research says the answer may lie in our drive to connect.

04/29/2026

Golphstok is a non-profit 501(c)(3) event funded by the generous support of local businesses and individuals.

EVERY PENNY goes toward making our festival awesome and community improvement projects in Pierson.

Your generous donations over the past 9 years have helped us help our community!

If you're interested in sponsorship or donation, send us a message.

04/28/2026

How much difference does one little summer festival make??
Turns out - a lot.
According to research by for the Arts,

→ 30% of arts attendees travel from other counties
→ Visitors spend $60.57 on average in the community
→ 77% came specifically for the arts event

YOU be a part of that by attending and supporting your local small-town festivals.
And we've got just the thing to get you started!

Stay tuned for more details about what's happening in Pierson this August. ;)