Eric Smidt

Thank you to Iowa PBS for the invitation to attend today’s premiere screening of The Legacy of 4-H documentary film at the Iowa State University Alumni Association.

On location last week at The Dot, a cozy spot in west Ames with a wonderful vibe and great drinks and food. Traction story out in early summer.

It’s a late post, but last December I tested how two recording formats could combine together at the Reiman Gardens Winter Wonderland. While I’m ready to put winter behind us, that night was tons of fun and they do a great job with it.

After months of shooting and editing, there’s nothing better than finally reaching the credits on a new short doc project. More details coming soon, including the official trailer.

Homewood Golf Course opening day!

We're one week out from the earlybird deadline for the Ames Doc Film Fest. Filmmakers can continue to submit films through June 15, it's just the cost to submit will increase slightly. All submissions will be accepted through Film Freeway. filmfreeway.com/AmesDocumentar…

Episode #020 of the AREA Podcast is live! Thanks to Ashley Thompson, President & CEO of the United Way of Story County, for coming on the podcast. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! amesalliance.com/podcast/

Karen and I had a chance to tour the City of Ames Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center earlier this week. It has a lap pool, zero-depth splash pool, a sweet slide, and multi-purpose rooms that will be great for events. It is anticipated to open by the end of April.

Thanks to Ashley Thompson, President & CEO of the United Way of Story County, for coming on the AREA Podcast today. I continue to be impressed by the depth and impact they make across Story County from supporting families to bringing partners together. Episode out yet this week.

I love seeing Traction magazine in the wild! These two images were sent to me completely unrelated to each other today.

Here is a great shot from last Saturday's show with the Dogtown Rhythm Band at the Historic Phillips Theater in Fort Dodge when we opened for the Avey Grouws Band. Photo courtesy the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association.

I got stopped by a couple in Downtown Ames yesterday afternoon, who I did not know. They shared that they rarely read what comes in the mail, except for Traction magazine that they read cover to cover. Issue 14 of Traction is now in print and online. amesalliance.com/news/traction/

When you’re watching NCAA March Madness this weekend, take a closer look at the hoops as each Spalding unit was hand-crafted in Jefferson, Iowa. I had the chance to tour the American Athletic facility last fall. Check out the full Traction story below: amesalliance.com/traction-stori…

The Ames Documentary Film Festival website is now live. In addition to the festival overview, it’ll be the place to find the 2026 schedule and Official Selections when they’re announced in August. Mark your calendar for September 27! amesdocfilmfest.com

I stopped by Sigler Companies this morning to catch the final stage of Traction magazine in production. I’ve shared a few behind-the-scenes looks before, but it never gets old seeing how it all comes together. youtu.be/21B7ClUPM_k

It was an incredible turnout and show in Fort Dodge last night at the Historic Phillips Theater, opening with the Dogtown Rhythm Band with Ronley King for Avey Grouws Band final Iowa show.

The extra copies of Issue 14 of Traction magazine were delivered to the office, which means we are only days away from it arriving in mailboxes. Be on the lookout next week from the @AmesAlliance.

Submissions are now open for the Ames Documentary Film Festival, and it’s exciting to already see films starting to come in. Short docs mean we can showcase more filmmakers and more stories for audiences here in Ames. filmfreeway.com/AmesDocumentar…

For years, I’ve collaborated with the Ames History Museum as they’ve curated and shared so much of the fascinating history of our community. Joining the board felt like a natural next step. Here’s a look at AHM–related stories that have appeared in Traction over the years.

I find it pretty cool that Iowa Public Radio is coming to Downtown Ames. Thanks to the Ames Voice for bringing this to my inbox this morning. @IowaPublicRadio amesvoice.com/2026/03/04/iow…