Events

Thursday, Jan. 22

The Williamsburg Public Library will host local author Melinda Wichmann for a meet-and-greet and book signing at 5:30 p.m. in the library’s main-level fireplace area. Wichmann will discuss her writing process and debut novel, “How to Live with a Ghost.” Copies will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sandy Jones at 319-668-2295.

Saturday, Jan. 24

Winter in Iowa will come alive as the Amana Colonies host the 22nd Annual Amana Colonies Winterfest. The day begins with the Amana Freezer 5K Run/Walk, starting at 10 a.m. from Hotel Millwright’s Carding Studio. Adults 21 and older can participate in the popular Amana Colonies Winterfest Wine & Beer Walk from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., sampling beverages at Ackerman Winery, Fireside in the Village, Millstream Brewing Co., Village Winery and White Cross Cellars. Beginning at 11 a.m., the Market Barn becomes the heart of Winterfest activity. The Amana Fire Department will serve open-fire chili, hot chocolate and cider while supplies last, with proceeds benefiting the department. From 11 a.m. — 2 p.m., guests can take part in classic Winterfest favorites, including the Great Amana Ham-Put, sponsored by the Amana Meat Shop, and the Wreath Toss, with winners announced following the Beard Contest. From 12—2 p.m., teams of two can compete in the Log Sawing Competition hosted by Amana Forestry, using an old-fashioned crosscut saw. The Beard Contest, concludes the Market Barn festivities at 2 p.m. Kid-focused activities at the Ox Yoke Inn begin at 11 a.m.

Millstream Brewing Co. will host Amana Colonies Winterfest activities throughout the day and into the evening. From 10 a.m. — 10 p.m., guests can warm up in Iowa’s Original Craft Brewery while savoring a specially handcrafted Winterfest brew. From 12—4 p.m., visitors are invited to gather around a warm fire in the Millstream Brewing Co. Biergarten, enjoying marshmallow roasting and “poking” their Winterfest brew for a delicious caramel flavor. From 6—9 p.m., guests can wrap up their Winterfest celebration with live music by Joel Berger, whose classic acoustic sound and soulful vocals will fill the taproom.

Ox Yoke Inn Bierstube Cellar Bar will host live music from 5—8 p.m. with the Jeff Weimer and David Arnold Duo.

The Amana Heritage Museum at 705 44th Avenue, Amana, will be open to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of Winterfest celebrations in the Amana Colonies. The day will feature a book signing and author program with two local authors, R. C. Eichacker and Melinda Wichman. The program is included with free admission and is open to the public.

Ackerman Winery, at 4406 220th Trail in Amana, will host a Snowflake Scavenger Hunt from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Find all the snowflakes hidden around the store to be entered into a drawing for a prize. Family friendly movies in our back room all day long as part of Amana’s Winterfest.

Tuesday, Jan. 27

A 50/50 raffle fundraiser for HOPE, an organization that helps families affected by cancer, will be held during the HLV-BGM boys basketball game. The drawing will be held during halftime. The raffle is sponsored by the seniors of the HLV varsity boys basketball team.