BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Do you remember playing this game as a kid? I used to think it was the absolute most fun to find something completely obscure and trick my older brother, when it was likely meant to teach us colors. As I grew older and had a family of my own, I soon found out the real purpose of this game is to keep kids occupied (and quiet) while on long car rides, or while waiting for food at a restaurant.

The past few days, I’ve been spying something new around town. Something to signify excellence, commitment, and to honor those working on the front lines during this global pandemic.

LIME GREEN BOWS!!

The Mason City Jaycees have partnered with Main Street Mason City to show their support of MercyOne employees, the Mason City Police Department, Fire Department and all EMS. To thank the medical staff and support teams, police, and firefighters for all their hard work, dedication, and commitment to keeping everyone safe. These people are working day in and day out to ensure the security and well-being of all of us. They are our neighbors, our relatives, and our friends.

And so, in honor of each of them, we decided to paint the town lime green!

You will see lime green bows adorning the trees, light posts and benches around Central Park and the entire MercyOne campus in Mason City, at the police station as well as the fire station. These bows signify so many things for our community. The strength, commitment, and dedication of the incredible employees and staff, but mostly the thanks and appreciation from all of us, to them.

Main Street Mason City and the Mason City Jaycees have collaborated many times in the past. A partnership which has proven to be a solid connection, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. Since joining forces, many of the Jaycees have begun volunteering for the Main Street organization, proving a perfect fit for the betterment of our community. Last year, the Jaycees hosted a bags tournament to raise funds for the Main Street organization. A portion of those funds were used to purchase the ribbon.

And did they ever purchase a lot of ribbon!

Lime green bows have literally popped up all over Mason City, and even the surrounding communities. That’s because enough ribbon was purchased to provide each MercyOne employee and first responder with a section of ribbon to tie on their trees or homes. MercyOne is an integral part of our community and the whole region of North Iowa. These lime green bows tie us together, creating one cohesive unit of solidarity for all of those who put themselves at risk during this pandemic.

As MercyOne and our allies at the police and fire stations have been huge supporters of the Main Street organization, we are happy to return the favor and kindness. It’s our turn to show them how much we value their partnership and assistance.

So, how can you participate? Well, it’s easy! Just stop in to Fareway in downtown Mason City. There is enough ribbon there to provide 500 families a piece to put in front of their home. If you are unable to make it to Fareway but would like to purchase your own ribbon for your neighborhood or business go to www.directfloral.com to place an order.

And be sure to check out our new Facebook Page, Bows of Support, for lots of fun pictures as people show their support. Please post your photos to this page using the hashtag #BowsofSupport. We’d LOVE to see them!

We’re all in this together, North Iowa. Let’s show the world how we pull together, showing our gratitude and support for our own local medical staff and emergency personnel.