Amish in the News: Change in Kalona; Plain and Fancy Opens In Indiana

CAPTION:  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:  A produce auction is starting up in this large, old Iowa settlement.  Frankly, I'm surprised this didn't start sooner with all the small-scale farmers in that community.  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:  This is something I don't want to like.  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.  I think the article does a great job of explaining how.  Organized tourism in Amish country is a good thing because it "channels" the crowds into pre-set directions.  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).  So attractions like Amish Acres herd the tourists into pens of sorts.  Anyway, read this article explaining this long-running play.  I think it sounds kind of fun.