It’s a challenge to bring back a beloved event year after year while both respecting its traditions and keeping it exciting and new.  That challenge is taken on again this year by Tonia Poole, Director of the Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Kalona Days committee, and all indications are that they are rising to it.

Friday night fun begins with wagon rides, food vendors, a night farmers’ market, and music by Aces & Eights.  While kids get hearts, rainbows, and mustaches painted on their faces, adults might try a henna tattoo, a natural and temporary body decoration that is being offered for the first time this year.

Local businesses and families have gotten everyone signed up for the Run/Walk that kicks off events on Saturday morning.  The 1 mile and 5K races have several new components this year: walkers are encouraged in addition to runners; proceeds will be donated to Invasive Lobular Carcinoma research; and finishers will have their choice of $1 Yotty’s token or beer at Kalona Brewing Company.  

“We had the pie baking contest last year.  Lots of fun.  Our judges were all super excited to come back this year,” Poole says.  

In certain circles people are still talking about Olivia Kahler’s Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie, last year’s grand champion.  This year kids 17 and younger can participate in the baking contest too, in the new cookie category.  

“Even if you’re not baking things for the pie and cookie competitions, everybody likes to eat them.  So come at noon and buy all the pies and cookies that have been submitted to the contest,” Poole encourages.  “The proceeds from the auction go to Kalona Days and Chamber events to support these things and help keep everything free.”

The YMCA Pickleball Tournament on Saturday morning is also a new event.  

“I know it’s really strong in our community,” Poole says.  “Wellman, Kalona, and Washington all have very active pickleball players.”

The Saturday afternoon parade will follow the same route as previous years, although in direction opposite of last year.  Float staging takes place at the back of Kalona Sales Barn, and then participants travel west down A Avenue, turn north on Hwy 1, and then finish heading east down C Avenue.  

“Be creative.  We want to send that trophy home with somebody,” Poole encourages float designers.  

Shaded seating will be provided for veterans again this year across from the memorial, as that was well received last year.  

Live music provided by Old Man Band will conclude Kalona Days on Saturday night at Kalona City Park.

“As far as I know, Kalona Days has never been at City Park,” Poole notes, thus creating another first for the summer festival.  She recommends bringing blankets and lawn chairs for a more comfortable viewing experience, as there is no seating in the park.

A full range of activities not mentioned here fills out the weekend of fun.  For the complete schedule of Kalona Days activities, see page 12.