Winterfest

embrace winter, come to amana

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Winterfest is the perfect way to get out of the house in late January and embrace the season with a variety of both outdoor and indoor activities, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday in the Winter.

Closer to the event, a brochure will be posted with more events and specials happening during Winterfest, but a few key events and activities are as follows:

Winterfest at the Market Barn: 11AM – 2PM

Join us for the Winterfest Games at the Market Barn, located behind the Woolen Mill Sales Room on the intersection of 220th Trail and 47th Ave. This year will feature two Winterfest classics: The Great Amana Ham Put and the Wreath Toss, sponsored by the Amana Meat Shop. Along with a few other games, we will host the annual Best Beard Competition at 2pm! At the Market Barn we will also have an ice sculptor sponsored by the Ox Yoke Inn, and our local chainsaw artist from Colony Carvers carving live during the games and events.

Open Fire Chili from the Amana Volunteer Fire Department will also be available at 11AM at the Market Barn while supplies last.

Market Barn events are subject to both weather conditions and other emergency events. Please keep an eye out for updates and call the Visitors Center at 319.622.7622 with any questions. In most cases, Winterfest will not be cancelled but will be adjusted to combat any unpleasant or dangerous weather. Updates are made on Facebook and will be added to the website here.

Wine Walk

From 11am-4pm one of the mainstays of Winterfest takes place. It’s the annual Winterfest Wine Walk. Purchase a punch card for $5 then travel to each location for a sample. Once you’ve completed the walk turn your punch card in for a great Winterfest Logo Wine Glass.

Wine and Dine

That evening enjoy a fantastic 5 course food and wine pairing meal at “Wine and Dine” at the Ox Yoke Inn. You’ll have appetizers and wine followed by 4 more courses paired with wine for each course along with an introduction and stories about each course and the Amana Colonies. It’s a great event with plenty of award winning wine from White Cross Cellars. We suggest you make lodging reservations in the Colonies.

Of course, all of the shops are open for you to browse and many have special events, demonstrations, or product specials so you’ll want to check that out.

5K Run / Walk

The day begins with the Amana Freezer 5k Run/Walk from Amana to East Amana. This race takes off no matter what the weather beginning in front of the Carding Studio at Hotel Millwright. Both expert runners and those of us who move a little slower take part. This fun run is organized by the Amana Colonies Trails.

Registration for the 2024 Freezer 5K will be available closer to the event and will be linked here!

If you are competitive, but running isn’t your thing we have a few contests that might invoke thoughts of the Olympics scheduled at the Market Barn area of town. You’ll find the Market Barn’s in the center of town or just follow your nose, it’s where our fire department is cooking up some delicious Open Fire Chili. Grab a souvenir mug and settle in for some athletic competition.

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Planning ahead? In early 2025, Winterfest will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025!