Community Viewpoints: Amana Colonies combine unique culture with small town hospitality

The scenic villages of Amana are ready for the summer with a world of authentic German ambience and festivals for all. Visitors enjoy traditional cuisine and drinks, shops offering handcrafted products, or take an informative tour offered by the Visitor’s Center. But what draws most travelers to the Amanas is one of their numerous festivals taking place throughout the year.

The 2023 calendar includes the following:

May 6, 7: Maifest, the German tradition of celebrating spring. Enjoy a parade, Maipole Dancers, the 'Take a Bite Food Fair’ and a wine and chocolate walk.

May 20: Rhubarb Day, a day dedicated to the Amana Colonies’ favorite pie plant. Businesses offer plenty of great rhubarb-based foods and wine to sample.

June 3 and July 22: Colonies in Bloom, a self-guided botanical tour of the gardens of the Amana Colonies and celebration of the blooming of lotus lilies on Lily Lake. The fourth annual Garden Party on July 22 takes place on the grounds of the Amana Heritage Museum at 5 p.m.

June 17: Amana Colonies Wurst Festival, Try all things sausage, sip wine and beer, enjoy live music, take part in Wurst University, and enjoy the Dachshund Derby.

July 8- Kinderfest, a weekend full of fun activities dedicated to kids and families.

July 28: RAGBRAI, Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Enjoy music, food, beer and wine, all while supporting the riders.

Aug. 12: Bike Ride of Iowa County (BRIC), a fun 28-mile bike ride for all ages traveling through the Amana Colonies and northern portion of Iowa County.

Aug. 19: Paddle the Iowa, a four-hour self-guided paddle trip on the Iowa River. Participants can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the many sandbars along the way.

Sept. 16: Apfelfest, a festival dedicated to America’s favorite fruit. Businesses offer plenty of great apple-based foods and wine to sample.

Sept. 29 to Oct. 1: Oktoberfest, Iowa's oldest Oktoberfest. Festival goers are encouraged to break out the lederhosen for this three-day polka prominent party.

Oct. 14: Arts and Antiques, a weekend dedicated to the artisans and antique-ers in the Colonies.

Oct. 21: Pumpkinfest, a day of pumpkin themed fun, including a scavenger hunt, pumpkin based foods, and wine to sample on the sampling stroll.

Nov. 4: Girls Getaway, a weekend to relax and rejuvenate with friends before the holiday rush.

Weekends from Nov. 24 to Dec. 17: Tannenbaum Forest, over 60 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, organizations and residents encircling a 17’ tall German Christmas Pyramid. Free will donation admission supports, in part, the Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City and other local charities.

Dec. 1 to 3: Prelude to Christmas, held during Tannenbaum Forest this special weekend ramps up the holiday theme with carolers in the streets and the town decked out in Christmas finery.

For additional details and a complete list of special events taking place in the Amana Colonies throughout 2023, please visit the Amana Colonies Visitors Center, www.amanacolonies.com, or call (319) 622-7622.

(Leaders through Iowa County have been asked to share updates and outlooks for their organizations as they relate to the communities they serve in this weekly column. Our hope is to provide a forum for towns to share progress and success from different viewpoints. We are still in the process of scheduling columnists and will continue reaching out to connect with school, municipal, economic, tourism, youth and other community leaders. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Melinda Wichmann, editor, Hometown Current, at (319) 654-4740 or email Melinda.Wichmann@Southeastiowaunion.com.)