💙 Out of the Darkness North Iowa Walk

💙 Out of the Darkness North Iowa Walk

📅 Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰ Check-in and activities: 9:00 a.m.
🎤 Opening ceremony: 10:00 a.m.
🚶 Walk: Immediately following the ceremony
📍 Location: Mason City High School Softball Field, next to John Adams Middle School
💲 Registration: Free

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness North Iowa Walk will bring the community together to remember loved ones, support those affected by suicide and mental health struggles, and raise funds for suicide prevention. 💙🕊️

Participants are encouraged to register online before the event at afsp.org/NorthIowa. Registration is free, and walking is not required to take part in the event.

🌼 Participants may also sponsor a pinwheel flower in honor of a loved one who died by suicide, has attempted suicide or struggles with mental health. Pinwheel sponsorships are available for a $25 donation during registration or anytime through the day of the walk.

🎗️ Event Activities

The morning will include:

🎟️ Raffle tickets for a patriotic-themed quilt or Coleman pop-up grill
🛍️ Silent auction
🎨 Rock painting
🏖️ Sand pouring connected to the AFSP honor bead colors
🤝 Community resource tables
📿 Honor bead ceremony explaining the meaning of each bead color
🎤 Two guest speakers
🌮 Walking tacos for a freewill donation, provided by the North Iowa Southern Minnesota Veterans Stand Down
🇺🇸 Presentation of the flags by the Manly American Legion veterans

Raffle tickets are $10 each and are available from committee members through 10:00 a.m. on the day of the event.

The walk and activities are expected to conclude around noon.

All funds raised will support suicide-prevention research and help provide free programs and events throughout North Iowa. 💙