After having to cancel some of the biggest area events in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indianola residents welcomed back bigger crowds with the Warren County Fair and National Balloon Classic in 2021. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brenda Easter tells KNIA News not only were the big crowds back for the big summer events, but our local businesses had a great recovery year with residents staying home to shop.

“A lot of businesses best year for the holiday season was in 2019. Everything was down in 2020, but when compared to this year they exceeded those 2019 sales goals by at least 40% for many businesses. So that tells you something. That tells you that our community rallied and made sure they looked local before they looked anywhere else, and many found unique gifts right here in Indianola.’

For more information, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.