Spring Activities in Amana
It’s time to celebrate spring
Springtime in the Amana Colonies is a time of year where color peaks its head out from the white and grays of winter. It’s special here in the Colonies due in part to the many fruit trees planted during the communal era. The different varieties take turns blossoming in pinks, whites, and lavenders. Tulips and daffodils begin to pop up from their winter’s sleep. Here are a few things you don’t want to miss this spring.
- Named the most Outstanding New Event by the Iowa Travel Office “Take a Bite: a 3- day food festival” is a foodies dream come true. Centering on Special Dinners, Hands on Seminars, and Sampling it is one of the most delicious festivals anywhere. The food-related businesses offer themed dinners including both a Vintners Dinner and Brewers Meal where the courses are paired with the proper beverage. Each evening it’s a different dinner but always something interesting. The Amana Heritage Society gets into the act with a Friday night meal that is taken from the communal era and served in the only surviving communal kitchen. Talk about authentic; you won’t find this anywhere else. The days are spent either on the sampling stroll where you’ll nibble on Amana Colonies specialties or in seminars where you’ll learn to make something new. This is a festival that you can really sink your teeth into.
- This two-day event is a celebration of spring. Starting with a small town parade led by our famous Maipole Dancers we kick off spring with flower, music, and food. Since spring is celebrated around the world we’ve invited the world to Amana with the “World on Wheels Food Truck Fare”. Immediately following the parade, you’ll find ethnic food trucks at the Festhalle Barn offering a variety of food from around the globe. Don’t panic, if you came to the Colonies for German food, you’ll find that too. Entertainment during the day on Saturday features music and dancers from different cultures in the Festhalle Barn but the stars of the show are always our own Amana Colonies Maipole Dancers, who perform all weekend. Sunday’s highlight is the annual Wine, Beer, and Chocolate Walk that takes you to a handful of businesses to enjoy sampling and when you finish the walk you‘re rewarded with a souvenir glass.
- Are you looking to escape the 21st century? Here is your chance as a village of entertainment, jousting, music, and much more pops up at the community park in Middle Amana. Set amongst the old oak trees, vendors and artisans recreate medieval times. This is a great event for both kids and adults as you’ll watch knights fight in combat and jugglers toss flaming batons. Musicians sing their ballads and everyone is in costume. It’s two weekends of a different time and place.
