CAPTION: Â A scene from Plain and Fancy unfolds on the stage at Amish Acres.
A couple of quick weekend items in the news that might be of interest:
KALONA, IOWA: Â A produce auction is starting up in this large, old Iowa settlement. Â Frankly, I'm surprised this didn't start sooner with all the small-scale farmers in that community. Â Anyway, sounds like a great thing but also illustrates some of the changing economics of being Amish. Click here to read.
PLAIN & FANCY - AMISH ACRES: Â This is something I don't want to like. Â But A) I haven't seen it before so I try to withhold judgment, B) it probably is a fun, cute play premise....and C) there IS some redeeming value to this play for the area Amish. Â I think the article does a great job of explaining how. Â Organized tourism in Amish country is a good thing because it "channels" the crowds into pre-set directions. Â If there weren't attractions like Amish Acres, tourists would be traipsing through flower beds, peeking in windows, etc (yes, they would...this sort of thing DOES happen in the non-touristy areas). Â So attractions like Amish Acres herd the tourists into pens of sorts. Â Anyway, read this article explaining this long-running play. Â I think it sounds kind of fun.
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