Christmas comes early for hundreds in Kalona

KALONA - 'Christmas in Kalona” comes early every year thanks to the city's aptly named annual fundraiser.

Downtown was greeted by hundreds of guests of all ages kicking off the event, Saturday, Dec. 7, this time indoors at the community center to keep the elements at bay. The city's Chamber of Commerce, the Kalona Historical Village museum and the Kalona Community Center work together with sponsors to offer local vendors and shoppers a chance to come together.

'We thought that it would be a really great opportunity to get the word out,” said Jennifer Brown, self titled Kalona 'mom-preneur” selling graphic apparel and essential oils. Brown and her family have been to the event several times before, but this was her first year as a vendor. 'They have something for every age group,” she said, describing the event. 'It's so fun!”

Children took part in the Christmas cheer with face painting, a holiday costume contest, cookie and ornament decorating as well as a meet-and-greet with Santa.

Line end-to-end and Christmas music blaring, everyone had smiles on their faces anticipating the arrival of the guest of honor.

'The kids are always excited for Santa,” said Nick Kemp, who was first in line with his wife Angie and three kids - Kort, Mckenna and Caden.

On their list this year were Humphrey books for Kort, a gymnastics bar for Mckenna, and a (toy) tractor for Caden.

Their fourth year at the event, the Kemps were eager to get their day started.

'We just like the small town feel being able to walk around town with plenty of activities going on and a lot of things for the kids to do,” Nick Kemp said.

Adults had options like wine tasting and craft markets to look forward to. And outside, carriage rides were offered down the street as a nod to the city's Amish heritage.

Across the street from the community center, the library was also offering their annual cookie walk where cookies baked by volunteers were sold by weight.

'We don't have to bake,” Laura Mallory said, describing why she loved coming to the cookie walk. 'And, we get to try a variety!”