Celebrate! 170 Years of the Amana Colonies

AMANA — The Amana Colonies will host Celebrate! 170 Years of the Amana Colonies, an all-community event, Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the Festhalle Barn, 4707 220th Trail.

Commemorating Amana’s rich heritage and vibrant future, the celebration will feature Grammy-nominated Alex Meixner Band.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Cedar Rapid’s famous County Line BBQ will serve dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. A cash bar will be available.

Children’s activites are scheduled for 5-7 p.m., and the Alex Meixner Band will perform from 6-9 p.m.

Meixner is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic accordionists performing today. His global performances include prestigious events like The National Folk Festival and Central Park SummerStage, as well as countless community celebrations.

Meixner's virtuosic yet quirky style has led to collaborations with diverse artists, including Jack Black in the film "The Polka King“ and renowned avant-garde accordionist/composer Guy Klucevsek.

His recording "Polka FreakOut" with Brave Combo’s Bubba Hernandez earned him a Grammy nomination.

A ticket for the dinner and performance is $40 for people 14 and older and $20 for children younger than 14.

Performance only tickets are $15 per person. Children younger than 14 will be admitted free.

Purchase tickets at amanaheritage.org or call 319.622.3567.

The Amana Colonies are a group of seven villages that were founded by German Pietists in 1855. Known for their communal lifestyle until 1932, the Colonies today preserve their unique heritage through historical sites and traditional crafts and offer visitors a glimpse into their one-of-a-kind past.

This event is a collaborative effort between the Amana Heritage Society, Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Amana Arts Guild and the Amana Society, Inc.

For more information contact the Amana Colonies at 319.622.3567 or amanaheritage@southslope.net. For more information about the Amana Colonies, visit amanacolonies.com.