After five months, the Kalona Farmer’s Market is wrapping things up for 2026.
Since May 9th, the market has been a consistent presence in downtown Kalona, with various vendors selling various products including produce, baked and canned goods, crafts, and more. Attendees have also been able to enjoy live entertainment, with local acts from throughout Iowa scheduled to perform throughout the summer.
For the last several years, the farmer’s market has been organized by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Director Tonia Poole explains that the farmer’s market existed in a different form before the chamber officially took over, “Before my time, there were some local business folks that organized it. I think it was a little more unofficial and people just kind of showed up… That would have been 15 years ago. Now, about six years ago, a local gal started working with the Kalona Chamber, then handed it over fully to the chamber to organize. So, we’ve been doing it downtown for about the last six years or so.”
This Saturday, the market will be open during its usual hours, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year’s final market will also feature the return of the yearly pet costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to dress up their pets and stop by the Chamber booth at the market. The Chamber then posts all pet photos to social media, letting the public decide on the winner. The winner of the contest will receive a prize from the Chamber.
