Life-size Kaleidoscopes Installed In Rolfe and Fonda

Thanks to the Rural Enrichment grant from Iowa Economic Development Authority and the governor’s office, Pocahontas County is able to facilitate a visioning project to install life-size kaleidoscopes across the county.

In 2023, the Inspire PoCo Leadership Group concocted the idea to have giant, interactive kaleidoscopes placed in the communities throughout Pocahontas County. The County Visioning Committee, which was looking to take up a project and was composed of some members who were part of Inspire PoCo, adopted the idea. They used funds to provide a half match in applying for the Rural Enrichment grant in Summer 2023, which they were awarded in October 2023. Since that time, two kaleidoscopes have been installed in the county. Another four scopes furnished by the grant funding and Visioning Committee budget are halfway completed and will be installed yet this year. Two more scopes, courtesy of the Pocahontas Area Rotary Club securing a Rotary District Grant, will be installed before Summer 2024.

“This has been such a unique and fun project for us,” stated Parker Aden, Pocahontas Chamber Executive Director and member of the PoCo Visioning Committee. “We have begun sharing this project on a wider scale, and the reception has been phenomenal. People are really excited about this project! Those who have interacted with the scopes so far have been blown away at the magnificence of looking through them.”

The first of many life-sized kaleidoscopes was installed at Streit Park in Rolfe at the end of June. The whole idea was inspired by the Kaleidoscope Factory, founded by the late Leonard Olson. The business has been operating since 2014 on Main Street in Pocahontas, and although Leonard has since passed away, his family has carried on his legacy and are the driving force to get these scopes made and installed in their destinations across the county.

“Leonard’s friends and family are an absolute treasure for our community,” stated Aden. “This project could not be done without Rich Hessenius and his abilities to make kaleidoscopes, as well as the great leadership of MaryJo Litwiller at Pocahontas County Economic Development.”

The primary colors of the colorful scopes reflect past and present Pocahontas County school colors. The most recent scope was installed at North Park in Fonda in mid August 2024. Four more scopes will soon be placed in Laurens, Pocahontas, Cooper’s Cove, and Little Clear Lake by the end of Fall 2024, with the Rotary’s scopes going to Gilmore City and Palmer communities estimated in Spring 2025. The goal eventually being for Havelock, Plover, and Varina to have their own scopes too.

A new page will soon be set up on this website designated for finding and experiencing each of these unique life-size kaleidoscopes throughout Pocahontas County. For more information, keep an eye on our blog and Facebook page!