Marshalltown to be host community for 2023 WHO Tractor Ride

The WHO Tractor Ride is coming to Marshalltown!

Hundreds of tractors and their riders will make the Central Iowa Fairgrounds their home base and travel to surrounding communities and back to Marshalltown for three days from June 19-21, 2023.

“It’s an opportunity for us to experience a new part of Iowa and some of the most beautiful agricultural landscape,” said Scot Knock, organizer of the event. “We are excited to bring our group to Marshalltown and the surrounding communities as part of our 26th annual event.”

This will be a huge economic impact to Marshall County as many of the riders will stay overnight in our hotels and visit our restaurants and businesses. 

“We are very excited to be the host community for the WHO Tractor Ride,” said Andrew Potter, Tourism Director with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Marshalltown area has a strong agricultural heritage and we have welcoming people who will enjoy hosting this wonderful event.”

Stay tuned for more information on the ride including the announcement of the surrounding communities the riders will visit and more. The event is led by WHO Radio and was announced live on 1040 WHO on Friday, February 10.

New Year brings new ownership for Tannin Wine Bar

Tom and Mary Curley hand the reins of Tannin over to Megan and Gary Lanfier

“Change is inevitable, growth is optional”…a quote by John C. Maxwell..inspires this short story…
A leisurely, relaxing trip led to an inspired idea to bring a business to Marshalltown. Tom and Mary Curley were enjoying time & wine with their kids at Vino 209 in Valley Junction, when Mary commented “This is so enjoyable, why can’t Marshalltown have a place like this?” to which her son-in-law said “why don’t you start one?”…having owned and operated Mary Katherine’s Bridal Shop from 1999 to 2011, Mary said, “no way…not operating another business…I’m retired!”
On the way home, Tom brought the subject up once again by quizzing Mary about where a wine bar in Marshalltown could be located. Mary again reminded him that she was retired…but his comment and inquiry also piqued her interest, which led to more investigation. Over the next few days, their interest grew…a location was found, drawings were created, a “team” of knowledgeable people were put together and a date of July 26, 2018 was set for the opening.
July 19 put a halt to the opening date when Marshalltown experienced an EF-3 tornado. It was a short delay but necessary as the Curley’s had to get repairs done at home. So, a new date of September 12, 2018 was set and Tannin was opened to the public. It immediately became a hot spot in town, as it still is today. Tannin endured the tornado, COVID 19 and the derecho…it was touch and go for a while, but came thru all these ordeals and continues to be a hot spot in town with lots of entertainment.
Sept 12, 2022 started year five of Tannin. In July the word was out that Tannin would be closed or sold by the end of 2022. Mary and Tom are really ready to retire. In August, an employee told us that she and her husband were interested in buying Tannin and, hence, their dream and ours began to meld. As of January 1, 2023, Megan and Gary Lanfier will be the new owners of Tannin! And Mary and Tom couldn’t be more confident that Tannin will live on for many more years under this new ownership. Looking back, we’ve already survived 3 major disasters in 4 short years, so the Lanfier’s should have smooth sailing!
As the first week of January 2023 approaches, Megan and Gary are planning a week of Grand Re–Opening Events! Wednesday January 4 will start with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting at 4:30pm, music by Austin Chadderdon, Give-Always and lots of excitement! The entertainment lineup for the week includes Phil Shipley on Thursday, Chris Ranallo on Friday and Tom Box on Saturday! The rest of the month will feature other entertainers like Dave Thaker Trio, Kevin Boehnke & Kathryn Severing-Fox and Steve Grismore Trio! It’ll be a hoppin’ place!
“Change is inevitable, growth is optional” … and this “growth” is a key example. The community has been so supportive of Tannin, we are confident that this will carry thru and continue to grow as Gary and Megan carry on our legacy. Thank you again Marshalltown, for your support. It’s been our pleasure to create Tannin and we know it’s only going to get better.
Mary and Tom Curley

Opening week live music

Wednesday, January 4-Austin Chadderdon (5-7pm)

Thursday, January 5-Phil Shipley (5:30-7:30pm)

Friday, January 6-Chris Ranallo (6:30-9pm)

Saturday, January 7-Tom Box (6:30-9pm)

Support local at Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, Marshalltown Iowa
The Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Marshalltown Central Business District are promoting Small Business Saturday to be held November 26, 2022. This national event was created by American Express in 2010, designed to encourage patrons to shop in their local communities to help boost the economy. Studies have shown that for every $100 dollars spent, $68 goes back into the community. Shopping local also creates jobs. 
The Chamber and Central Business District partnered with American Express as a ‘Neighborhood Champion’ for the Shop Small Campaign. With this campaign both organizations encourage the public to do holiday shopping at Marshall County businesses on Saturday, November 26. Many local retailers and restaurants will offer specials or promotions.
Participating businesses in Marshalltown include, BeMobile Verizon, Brit Marie’s Country Boutique, Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, Hellberg’s Jewelers, Oliver Beene Designs, Oliver Beene The Other Side, Pentz Appliance & TV, Smokin G’s BBQ Restaurant & Catering Service, Strand’s Flooring & Paint, T2K Nutrition, Taylor’s Maid-Rite, Tremont Grille, along with My Dinosaur Dreams in State Center.
The Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce and the Marshalltown Central Business District encourage you to shop sooner and shop local this holiday season!

Plenty of fun outdoors in the winter

Judge Park in Marshalltown
Judge Park in Marshalltown

December might be a time when people start to hunker down indoors for the winter, but we don’t have to. Bears are meant to hibernate, not humans. There is still plenty of fun to be had outdoors in the winter in Marshalltown.

Go for a brisk walk on the Linn Creek Recreational Trail – yes, it is still there in the winter. One of the more beautiful places along the Linn Creek Recreational trail is Judge Park. When a light snow hits the gazebo there, it can really be a special location.

Sledding is a favorite seasonal activity that can bring young and old together- sometimes on the same sled. Two of the more popular spots in Marshalltown are the Iowa Veterans Home (east side of the campus) and the hill at St. Henry’ Church. Please sled safely!

The trails at Grimes Farm can also be refreshing in the winter. Things just look a little more serene and calm with a light coat of snow on them. Be on the lookout for snowshoeing opportunities offered by the Marshall County Conservation Board.

So, bundle up, head outside and make your own footprints in the snow. You’ll have so much fun you will wonder what took you so long to enjoy this season.

13th Street District to host Harvest Market, live music by The Pork Tornadoes

The fall-time favorite event, Harvest Market, returns to the Marshalltown 13th Street District! Mark
your calendars for this family friendly event, on Friday, September 9, 2022, from 5:00pm to
9:15pm.
The Harvest Market will have over 30 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan fares.
A “kids’ corner” featuring a STEM learning activity will be available for kids as well as several kid
favorite vendors, including face-painting and cotton candy. Enjoy food trucks from across central
Iowa as well as beer and wine tents while taking in market vendors and entertainment throughout
the evening.
Live music will be performed on two stages at the event—an acoustic stage featuring the likes of
Brian Herrin, Bon Jecci, Buz Owen, and The Basement Band. Headlining the event on the West End
Park pavilion stage, The Pork Tornadoes. Often referred to as Iowa’s most popular party band, The
Pork Tornadoes, play pop/rock hits from the 1980s-today, and specializing in girl pop songs. No
schtick, no gimmick, just party. Their debut EP peaked on the Apple iTunes Pop charts at #20 and
was streamed over half a million times in 2020. They recently achieved viral success with the
5th-most viewed cover of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ on YouTube and an impromptu performance of ‘In
The Air Tonight’ with a drum line that was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine. With over 14 million
views on YouTube/Facebook and more than 90,000 social media fans worldwide, you won’t want to
miss this show.
This event is brought to you by our Diamond Sponsors: Emerson and Novaspect; Silver Sponsors:
Lennox, First Rate Real Estate, and Marshalltown Company; along with Bronze Sponsor: State Farm
Insurance-Phyllis Mazour. In addition to support from the Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce,
organizational partner.
In 2021, the Harvest Market attracted an estimated over 2000 residents from across central Iowa
and has continued to grow throughout the 6-year history of the event with residents clamoring for
more events like this. Look for more information about this event check out our Facebook event
page .

10 ways to enjoy summer in Marshalltown

Riverview Park in Marshalltown, Iowa
Riverview Park in Marshalltown

Summer is here and if you’re looking for something to do in Marshalltown here is a quick list of ways to enjoy the season. 

Take a day on the Linn Creek Recreational Trail

You can’t beat some time on the trail, head through the wooded area by Grimes Farm, meander through town, hear the rolling creek water underneath the train bridge by Lennox or ride by the Iowa River at Riverview Park. 

Take in live music at Grimes Farm amphitheater

The Live and Local monthly concert series is back starting June 23. It’s a perfect setting for live music and they plan on shows monthly through October.

Fair time

The Central Iowa Fair is a must-visit for my family every summer. Take a tour of the livestock areas, check out the live music, games, food and more. There’s even a mud volleyball tournament if that’s your thing. There’s always something to do for everyone. This year’s fair is July 13-16. 

Take up tennis or pickleball 

The Marshalltown Court Complex is more than a year old and it’s a popular place for tennis with plenty of room for all with the 12 tennis courts. If tennis is too fast for you, take up pickleball, a favorite of all ages. The three new pickleball courts there are a blast.

Don’t miss downtown

Stroll along Main Street, enjoy the Gallery Garden mixed in with downtown shopping and food. 

Hiking at Grimes Farm

My family likes to take a hike to the observation tower at Grimes Farm and have a picnic at the top of the tower. There are also other trails along Linn Creek to enjoy nature at its best.

Try out your golf game 

Oftentimes when I do community tours for people thinking of moving to Marshalltown they are amazed that we have three nice golf courses right in town here. So dust off the clubs and try your hand at the American Legion, Elmwood Country Club or Wandering Creek courses in town.

Explore the vast Riverview Park

Many people don’t realize the sheer size of Riverview Park until they get out there. And there’s plenty of things to do at the north side park. You can walk, ride bikes, fish, take in the dog park, play tennis, basketball or disc golf. Or take your camper or tent for your own little staycation along the Iowa River.

13th Street revival

Take in the Marshalltown Municipal Band at West End Park and stroll through the shops. 

Aquatic Center

The perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. Take your sunglasses and sunscreen and make a day of it.

Still need more ideas? Visit our Community Calendar at www.marshalltown.org/events.

Chamber announces redesigned Leadership Marshalltown program

Monthly program plans to relaunch this fall
The Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a new name and logo for the area’s Leadership course group. Continuing on the 30-year history of the Iowa Valley Leadership program, the new effort will now be known as Leadership Marshalltown.
Leadership Marshalltown and its new logo are designed to be an all-encompassing name for the program which looks to add more leadership qualities to the program, while also continuing the community aspect of it as participants learn all about the great things throughout the community. With the new name, the Leadership Marshalltown course will combine learning how to be a better leader within your organization as well as a better leader within the community.
“Being a former participant of the class in its earlier form, I knew of all the good the course brings to the community. I wanted to continue that aspect and let future participants see some of the different and unique businesses and places that Marshalltown has to offer.” shared Kyle Hall, Workforce Development Coordinator with The Chamber. “I also wanted to add a true leadership curriculum to enhance the program while letting the employers who send participants to know they are getting better and more educated employees as well.”
“Keeping the framework and general traditions of the former Iowa Valley Leadership was an integral part of the redesign Kyle proposed and I think he has a great plan in place,” said Chamber President and CEO John Hall. “Leadership Marshalltown is poised to be a premier leadership group and will only continue to showcase all the great things that are happening in Marshalltown and the surrounding communities.”
The Leadership Marshalltown course will be limited to 25 area individuals. The course is open to businesses sponsoring an employee or anyone living or working in the Marshall County area. Individuals selected after the application process will participate in a 9-month course from September to May each year, with meeting an average of once per month.   Those interested can check out the Chamber’s website for more information or reach out to Kyle Hall via email at khall@marshalltown.org.
For more information and the application materials visit

Momentum for Marshalltown events growing

By Andrew Potter

As someone who is in charge of helping promote local events in Marshalltown, the momentum we have here lately is encouraging.

That momentum is evident as our Community Calendar continues to populate with an array of events, from live music, to festivals and community events.

There’s also been growth in our sports tournaments in Marshalltown and our central location in Iowa helps us attract athletes from all corners of the state. So you can expect to see competitors from across the state in tennis, disc golf, youth track, adult softball and more in town this summer. Many of these tournaments are hosted by local volunteers who give of their time to host events that happen to provide a big boost to Marshalltown’s economy.

Visitors to these tournaments help support our town’s amenities – those same amenities which are enjoyed by our residents year-round.

The 13th Street District announced recently its Harvest Market headlining act will be the fun-loving, party band The Pork Tornadoes on September 9. This band has a huge following and brings its “A” game to every show.

There’s also quite a bit of buzz around the lineup for the Live and Local concert series this year at the Grimes Farm Amphitheater.  All of these events are in addition to the yearly staples in town such as the Central Iowa Fair, Fourth of July, Oktemberfest, Holiday Stroll and more.

There’s some great post-pandemic momentum for meetings, tournaments, music and more. It’s going to be an exciting year in Marshalltown.

Want to stay on top of upcoming events?

Check out our Community Calendar at www.marshalltown.org/events and be sure to subscribe to our weekly events email newsletter “This Week in Marshalltown” by emailing me at apotter@marshalltown.org.