Celebrate 150 years of Ankeny at Ankeny Chamber SummerFest July 11th-13th!
Written by Cody Gebauer, 2025 SummerFest Co-Chair and Owner of Gebauer Enterprises
I was born and raised in Ankeny, and for as long as I can remember SummerFest has been a cornerstone of my summer. It wasn’t just an event—it was THE event. As a kid, I’d hop on my bike, gather with friends, and ride straight to SummerFest. On the days I wasn’t biking, I’d beg my grandma to drop me off.
SummerFest was where all the best memories happened. $1 corndogs from the fire department were non-negotiable, paired with the amazing, ice-cold, fresh lemonade. The smell of kettle corn and funnel cakes filled the air, and the carnival rides called our names. I remember hanging out with friends until curfew, chasing laughter and fireworks under the summer sky. I also remember riding the Ferris wheel with my girlfriend, who, years later, became my wife.
Today, my wife Laura and I are proud to call ourselves business owners in this incredible community. Ankeny has given us so much—lifelong friendships, meaningful opportunities, and a place to build both our family and our future. Being part of this city, personally and professionally, means everything to us. Now raising our two children here, we get to relive the magic of SummerFest through their eyes. Watching them light up over the same rides, food, and fun I once cherished is a full-circle joy I’ll never take for granted.
Ankeny SummerFest is more than food and fun. It’s community. It’s tradition. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Ankeny feel like home. It brings people together from all walks of life, generations apart, all sharing in a weekend of connection and memories.
In 2025, I’m humbled to serve as Co-Chair of SummerFest. And in 2026, I’ll be stepping into the role of Chair. It’s a surreal honor—one I never imagined as that 13-year-old kid riding his bike to the fairgrounds. But I couldn’t be more excited to give back to the event that gave so much to me.
SummerFest helped shape my childhood, brought me closer to lifelong friends, and now gives my kids something magical to look forward to every year. Being part of its future is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold close to my heart.
The Ankeny Chamber is excited to be able to showcase local Ankeny area chamber businesses as sponsors, vendors, and generous contributors to this ever-growing community. With this 150 year celebration, attendees will enjoy 12 amazing bands on stage including Jordan Beem, Dick Danger Band, kids from The School of Rock Ankeny, and everyone’s favorite, The Pork Tornadoes.
As Diane Weber, Director of Events and Communications at the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, says, “Ankeny Chamber SummerFest is a terrific opportunity for local businesses to connect with the community through sponsorships and vendor booths, showcasing their commitment to Ankeny’s continued growth and vibrancy. This year’s three-day festival celebrates our history and the support of our dedicated chamber members while providing a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for people of all ages!”