Dunlap’s Putt-the-Putt set for June 26
Putt the Putt event brings mini-golf, community spirit to Dunlap
Jill Schaben, Dunlap’s DCDC
For the Harrison County Times-Reporter
A new community-focused event is set to bring residents and visitors together in a unique way as teams take to Main Street for a round of mini golf during the upcoming “Putt the Putt” fundraiser.
The June 26 event will feature teams of four putting their way through a series of custom-built greens hosted by local businesses and nonprofit organizations along Main Street before heading to the Dunlap Golf Course for a final hole and post-event festivities.
Organized as a partnership between the Dunlap Community Development Corporation (DCDC), local businesses and the Dunlap Golf Course, the event aims to combine entertainment, fundraising and local engagement.
“We wanted to create a community event that showcases our local businesses and brings people together,” said Jill Schaben, one of the event organizers. “This is a fun way to highlight what makes Dunlap special while also supporting a good cause.”
Businesses will construct their own putting greens and provide scorekeepers as teams make their way up and down Main Street. Participants are encouraged to bring their own putters and enjoy a mix of creativity and competition at each stop.
While the majority of the event takes place downtown, organizers intentionally included businesses located outside the Main Street corridor.
“It was important to us to include businesses beyond Main Street,” Schaben said. “Logistically, hosting the course on Main Street makes sense, but we also wanted to bring people to places like the Dunlap Golf Course for the final hole and celebration.”
Several local businesses, including Twin Valley Veterinary Clinic, Dunlap Livestock Auction and United Bank of Iowa, plan to build greens and transport them downtown for the event, further expanding participation across the community.
Following the final hole, participants and spectators can head to the golf course for live music and continued festivities.
Organizers say participation and early registration are key to ensuring a smooth experience. Teams are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as entry fees will continue to increase leading up to the event. The final day to register is June 18, allowing organizers time to determine shotgun start locations and coordinate with participating businesses.
“The earlier we know the teams, the better we can plan,” Schaben said. “It helps us organize the flow of the event and make sure every team has a great experience.”
In the event of inclement weather, organizers plan to move the putting greens indoors to ensure the event continues as scheduled.
Complete rules and registration information are available at DunlapIA.com under the events tab by selecting “Putt the Putt 2026.”
With its mix of friendly competition, local collaboration and community spirit, organizers hope the event becomes a signature summer tradition in Dunlap.
