Apple fritters, pretzels, historical demonstrations, and live music all make up an annual Kalona tradition.

The Kalona Fall Festival takes place this Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Kalona Historical Village. One tradition of the festival is the admission button, which this year displays one of Kalona’s earliest settlers, John G. Myer. Kalona Historical Village Managing Director Nancy Roth shares how Myer moved to Iowa for a better life, “He basically traveled on foot from Illinois carrying literally his possessions in his pocket. He actually had a handkerchief and he carried what was most valuable to him in that handkerchief.”

Myer went on to own 700 acres of land and raise cattle according to Roth, and the City of Kalona got its name from his prize-winning bull. A purchase of this button can get you unlimited admission to both days of the Kalona Fall Festival and can be bought at a $1 discount from participating businesses for $5 through Thursday. Children’s buttons must be purchased at the gate. The fall festival includes homemade food from local organizations, kids activities, music from local groups and schools, a talent contest, and more. Admission is $6 at the gate for adults 13 and older, and $2 for kids 7-12.