50th Kalona Fall Fest this weekend

KALONA — Kalona’s annual fall festival will celebrate its 50th year at the end of this week, with an array of programming planned Friday and Saturday.

Kalona Historical Society Managing Director Nancy Roth said the historical village was bringing back programming not seen in recent years for the occasion, including a dog treadmill and wagon rides. The village also will set off fireworks Friday night shortly after the festival’s close.

“We’ve got new things we’re bringing in, and our traditional things,” she said.

Organizers have coordinated more ag activities at this year’s event in coordination with the county’s ISU Extension, adding goats and sheep to its list of 4-H animals on the grounds.

“I lot of these people in town, they’re not farm kids, and I know that’s kind of a big deal when you’ve got animals that they can be around,” she said. “That was kind of a starter last year and we ended up with only chickens, but the chickens were a big hit. And the fact that we were able to get a hold of some more animals, I think, will be fun.”

Roth said this year’s autumnal celebration would be closer to the event’s pre-pandemic normal as well, with brick oven bread baking, and more vendors on site.

“Last year I struggled on getting a few vendors because of COVID and all of that, and I had some things scheduled that fell through,” she said. “This year I’ve pretty much got everything full. I’ve got some new things, new displays, new demonstrations that I think will be fun.”

One thing missing from this year will be the souvenir buttons for guests. Roth said the historical village had to transition away from the former proof of admission in favor of wrist bands after the button-maker retired.

The wrist bands will cost $6 for ages 13 and up, $3 for ages 5-12, and nothing for children 4 years old and younger. Roth said a wrist band would get guests into both days, they need not pay to enter after leaving the grounds.

Overall, Roth said she was excited.

“I’m feeling great,” she said. “I spend this whole week setting up, there’s something going on every day … it takes all this time and effort to set it up and then it’s over before you can blink your eyes, so it’s kind of a rush.”

The Kalona Fall Fest runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, followed by fireworks at 9:15. On Saturday, Sept. 24, the festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com