(Article submitted by Ciara Hoegh Produce in the Park Marketing Manager)
ATLANTIC, IA (July 12, 2026) – The “dog days of summer” usually describes the hottest days of the summer season, but Produce in the Park is reinterpreting the phrase. Dog Days is July 16 at Produce in the Park, and with it, dog-themed activities will redefine the phrase “dog days of
summer” as a fun, unforgettable part of the season.
The Atlantic Animal Shelter is the featured organization for the Dog Days market. The Atlantic Animal Shelter will be set up at the park sharing information on their services and needs for support.
Your Forte will provide a free dog-themed Art in the Park craft for children. Along with this craft, market-goers are encouraged to “howl along” to music performed by Sarah Selders.
Well-behaved dogs who don’t bark are allowed at the farmers market as long as they are on leashes. This week especially, dog owners are asked to only bring the best-behaved dogs, to ensure all people and animals are safe and comfortable at the park. Park attendees are also\ reminded to ask the owner’s permission before petting a visiting dog.
Serving the market on July 16, Hy-Vee will be grilling steak, hot dogs and hamburgers for the night. Louie’s Shaved Ice and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies will serve the market as well with cold treats suited for various ages.
A representative from Hy-Vee will also be serving samples of a recipe using zucchini, the featured produce item for July 16. Lyndsay Glissman, Registered Dietitian and Health Coach at Cass Health, notes the protective and beneficial nutrients found in zucchini: “Zucchini is a versatile squash that is rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, offering protection against certain cancers. These carotenoids also benefit your eyes, skin, and heart. Zucchini also has a high-water content, helping to aid in digestion and maintaining hydration in the hot summer months.”
Visiting organizations, friendly vendors, and free activities and entertainment all mark Produce in the Park as the best way to turn the “dog days of summer” into an unforgettably fun time.
Produce in the Park is able to provide a variety of fun all summer long thanks to its sponsors. Businesses and organizations supporting Produce in the Park as Annual Sponsors for the 2026-2027 season include the City of Atlantic, First Whitney Bank & Trust, Cass Health, Atlantic Hy-Vee, Cass County Tourism, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, Gregg Young Chevrolet of Atlantic, and the Nishna Valley YMCA. Sponsors for the month of July include Community First Credit Union and REM Iowa.
Produce in the Park is held every Thursday evening in the Atlantic City Park from 4:30–6:30 PM from June through September. All are welcome, and admission is free. The market accepts SNAP/EBT, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT available to children) and Double Up Food Bucks, which provide two-for-one produce coupons for any produce purchased at the farmers market with a SNAP/EBT or SUN Bucks card. Recipients of SUN Bucks are reminded that the funds expire 122 days after distribution.
Produce in the Park continues to accept vendor and sponsor applications for summer markets in the Atlantic City Park. Applications can be completed online at www.ProduceInTheParkAtlanticIowa.com, and printed copies are available at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce (102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022). Produce in the Park welcomes vendors selling handmade or homegrown products, including local foods and baked goods, crafts, art, decorations, and plants.
For the latest information on all Produce in the Park markets, follow Produce in the Park on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/produceintheparkatlanticia/). To sign up to Produce in the Park’s newsletter, visit https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d5290b0b52af1fa68e64cc480&id=51502aed40.
