Oktoberfest announces new faces for 2022 entertainment lineup

AMANA — The Amana Colonies Oktoberfest entertainment lineup will see some new faces this year. Ken and Mary Turbo Accordions out of Ohio will be making their Amana Colonies debut on Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1.

The headliner spot at 9 p.m. on Saturday will be filled by Eli Alger and the Fast Horses, a Nashville country band with Iowa roots. Eli is a big fan of Amana Colonies Oktoberfest and by request has been learning a few polka favorites to throw in with his own music.

Crowd favorite Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen will add a second Oktoberfest performance on Sunday, Oct. 2.

In March, Oktoberfest icon Johnny Wagner announced his retirement from touring due to personal circumstances. He has been a staple at the annual Amana Colonies Oktoberfest celebration for many years. Amana Colonies Festivals Inc. (ACFI) would like to thank Johnny Wagner for all the music and excitement he's brought to the Amana Colonies over the years. As a show of appreciation and congratulations on his retirement, ACFI will be mailing him an Oktoberfest care package. If any community members would like to include a personal thank-you message, they may drop it off at the Amana Visitor's Center by Sept. 1.

Parade

The annual Oktoberfest parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. This year’s theme is “A Little German in All of Us.” Entry information may be found at amanacolonies.com under Oktoberfest.

Parade lineup will start at 9 a.m. near the Amana Farms on 220th trail toward East Amana. This is change from previous years; a map will be sent out closer to the parade date.

Judges will award prizes for best use of theme, most humorous and judges’ choice. The winners will be announced on Facebook and in the Amana Colonies Bulletin, and will be contacted after the event.