Stroll Belle Plaine for shopping, cider

BELLE PLAINE — After 10 years of hosting vendors for a fall shed sale at her Iowa County acreage, Sarah Smith, of Nettiannes Floral and Gift, brings autumn ambience to downtown Belle Plaine.

“We have a pole shed, and we would have vendors out there,” said Smith, “A lot of people were used to coming there.”

But this year, Nettiannes is partnering with Belle Plaine Community Development for the first Cider Stroll in downtown Belle Plaine.

“We’re actually bringing it to Mainstreet Belle Plaine, so it will be even bigger than it was,” said Smith. “I think we have around 30 vendors [lined up] so far.”

On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., families can shop and eat and enjoy music, face painting and a petting zoo.

Grace Atkinson will provide music from 9/11 a.m. and Jim Magdefrau will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Both blocks of 12th Street, Belle Plaine’s Mainstreet, will be closed for the festival.

Vendors will sell handmade and holiday items, baked goods, upcycled and vintage items, jewelry and soaps. Belle Plaine PTO will be there with the new Plainsmen gear.

Belle Plaine Community Development will have Cider Stroll maps and free tote bags — donated by Thys Motor — while supplies last.

Local businesses have donated door prizes.

South Benton County Food Pantry will be set up to take donations. The food bank needs non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items, especially flour, sugar, oil, rice and pasta side dishes, canned pasta and disposable razors.

Belle Plaine FFA will have children’s activities, and the Belle Plaine Athletic Boosters, Fire Box on Main and Catering Shop will sell food.

Businesses in downtown Belle Plaine will be open and offering specials.

Jen Lewis Photography is offering fall photo specials all day. Kronneman Family Farms will have pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, and Neuhaus Family will sell mums.

Regal Fritillary will have specialty fall drinks to sip while families shop.

A block away, Lincoln Cafe will be serve food all day, and Grieder Beverage Depot will have specials on ciders.

Cider will be offered at various locations, said Smith. “[It’s] just kind of a fun, family fall day.”