Everyone’s Welcome in Marshalltown, IA
No matter your background, you can make a home in Marshalltown. In fact, it is residents’ differences that make this midsize Iowa city vibrant and robust, as everyone brings something unique to the table. Marshalltown doesn’t just recognize differences, though; it celebrates them.
One event that exemplifies the power of the city’s diversity is the annual Festival Cultural, a daylong celebration in the fall featuring music, food, dancing, vendors and more at West End Park on 13th Street. The festival will be in its fourth year in 2024.
“It’s been really well-received, and it’s been growing,” says Wendy Soltero, event chair. As the festival continues to grow, organizers have a goal to continue to celebrate the many cultures represented in Marshalltown. Southeast Asian dancers were added in 2023 and more cultural groups continue to be invited to participate.
“We want to make it about all the different cultures in Marshalltown, not just the Latino community, to make it more inclusive,” Soltero says. “Art, food and culture are universal. It brings everyone together.” Soltero says the diversity in Marshalltown enriches all its residents.
“It opens up an opportunity to take a peek at what the real world looks like. We don’t have to leave our town to get to know different cultures. The more we learn about each other — it makes everyone stronger.”
Community Connections: Parks, Trails, and Events
Marshalltown Parks & Recreation also brings people together, providing activities for all ages.
Geoff Hubbard, the department’s director, says he enjoys all the parks and amenities and appreciates the miles of trails in town. The two longest paved ones are the Linn Creek Recreational Trail and the new Al Éxito River’s Edge Trail, which follows an old rail line alongside the Iowa River.
“There isn’t a day that I don’t go for a walk with my wife and dog — or even driving around town — that I don’t see someone on the trails, no matter what time of the day it is,” Hubbard says.
After stints in Arizona and western Iowa, Hubbard moved back to his hometown of Marshalltown five years ago and says the city’s diversity makes it “the melting pot of the Midwest.”
“I think that diversity brings different viewpoints and perspectives to the community and the decisions that we make as a city government,” Hubbard says.
He also loves the festivals and social opportunities that bring the community together. Aside from Festival Cultural, there is the annual 13th Street District Harvest Market, Oktemberfest, Live After 5 and more.
“I love that the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce highlights everything that is happening each week in town, and there is something usually for all ages, genders and ethnicities,” Hubbard says.
Natalie Andrade
Al Éxito
Next Generation
Natalie Andrade from Marshalltown High School’s class of 2024 is ready to make her way into the world.
Andrade says the diversity of Marshalltown makes it a stronger community.
“Marshalltown is a place that honors and celebrates the diverse identities of its residents,” Andrade says. “We are united by a strong sense of community and collaboration, with institutions, businesses and individuals working together to uplift one another.”
Andrade says the Marshalltown Community School District is also on board with supporting the diverse community in many ways. For example, the high school celebrates students who are proficient in more than one language with the Seal of Biliteracy.
“Overall, it’s a great feeling to be part of a community that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms.”
Natalie Andrade, Al Éxito
Andrade is a youth leader in Al Éxito, a group that fosters leadership opportunities for Latinx youth. She credits the group with allowing her voice to be heard as she advocates for herself and her community.
Whether it’s businesses, public art or educational opportunities, Andrade loves how diversity is embraced in Marshalltown.
“Overall, it’s a great feeling to be part of a community that values and celebrates diversity in all its forms,” Andrade says.
Get to Know Marshalltown, IA
Want to learn more about living and working in Marshalltown, IA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Marshalltown, IA.