Ribbon cutting planned for Mason City Building CommUNITY mural

(ABC 6 News) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned in Mason City to celebrate the Building CommUNITY mural that was completed last month.

The ceremony is scheduled for August 11 at 3:45pm at the Community Health Center, 404 N Federal Avenue.

Building CommUNITY is an initiative of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce to highlight the inclusive spirit of North Iowans.

According to the 2020 US Census, the diversity of Mason City’s population stands at 93.17% white…but Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (commonly referred to as DEI) impact more than race and ethnicity, and with little racial diversity, North Iowa is striving to be more welcoming to ALL kinds of people.

Completing the mural prior to RAGBRAI visiting Mason City was the Chamber’s goal, and the community responded. More than 100 volunteers from local businesses, daycares, organizations, and citizens assisted in painting the mural. As a signature, they each left a thumbprint on the wall.

The Chamber’s DEI program is positioned as a workforce attraction and retention strategy to achieve economic growth and prosperity for all citizens.

Shortly after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Community Health Center will be celebrating their annual Mason City Back-to-School Block Party from 5-8pm, and to ensure students are ready for school, shoes and school supplies will be distributed.