KALONA

Kalona Days returns this Friday and Saturday, June 21-22, for the summer fun we look forward to all year. Headlining what’s new: indoor mini golf at the Kalona Public Library and performances by the Ark School of Dance on Saturday afternoon.

The library debuted mini golf at Love Kalona, and it was such a hit, they’re bringing it back for Kalona Days. Those interesting in perfecting their putting game are welcomed to the library on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s a nice indoor activity if it’s hot,” Kalona Chamber Director Tonia Poole said. “[You can] get into the air conditioning and support the library.”

Poole and her team have been working hard to bring another Kalona Days weekend to the community. The event begins Friday night with wagon rides, food vendors, live music, and a farmers market downtown from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Everything is all together, kind of an easy flow, all right by each other,” Poole remarked, which makes enjoying all the evening events convenient for friends and families with a range of interests.

Saturday morning starts early with the Fun Run/Walk, registration for which begins at 7 a.m. and races beginning at 7:40 a.m. This year’s Run/Walk will be a fundraiser for the Parkinson’s Foundation; 50% of the $35 registration fee goes to the organization, which aims to improve care and advance research toward a cure. Many in our communities live with the disease (see story in our June 13 issue), making this an especially meaningful fundraising event. When we talked with Poole, about 100 folks had already signed up, so you’ll have some competition for those age group awards.

For adults who make a mean pie and kids 17 and under who bake a sweet cookie, the Pie & Cookie Baking Contests begin at 9 a.m. Entry forms and contest rules are available at the Chamber office and online; winners will be announced at 1 p.m. at the KCTC lot. For those who don’t bake but appreciate the work of those who do, the tasty entries will be auctioned at 6:30 p.m. at Kalona City Park.

The farmers market and sidewalk sales also begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday downtown. Enjoy music by Pennies on the Rail while you support local businesses and make your purchases.

The pickleball tournament returns to the YMCA for its second year starting at 10 a.m.

Once you’ve built up an appetite from the morning’s activities, head over to the KCTC lot for food vendors. Kid’s activities will also be there, and be sure to register for the Optimist Club’s Bike Giveaway and vote for your favorite pics in the photo contest before winners of those events are announced at 1 p.m.

In the past, Mid-Prairie’s Alumni Award winners have been honored at Kalona Days, but that will not occur this year. The school is looking at a different date and venue for their presentation.

A highlight of Kalona Days is the parade, which will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday on C Avenue. For businesses interested in participating, there is no cost to enter; all floats are judged, and the winner this year will not only be rewarded with their name engraved on the Traveling Trophy, but also with one full week of free social media advertising by the Chamber. For spectators, remember hats, sunscreen, and buckets to collect that candy!

The day winds down at Kalona City Park. Starting at 5:30 p.m., food trucks will be onsite providing supper food, and Old Man Band will provide entertainment.

So much work by the Kalona Chamber committee and volunteers goes into Kalona Days each year, and this year is no different. Now your only job is to enjoy a beautiful weekend in Kalona, thanks to their efforts.