AMANA, Iowa- The second annual Wurst Festival will be held in the historical Amana Colonies on June 18, 2016. Named the Best New Event by the Iowa Tourism Commission in 2015, Wurst Festival is a one day event with the gates opening at 11am at the ...

The Amana Arts Guild, 1210 G Street, High Amana, located in one of the seven Amana historic villages of the Amana Colony, will sponsor a Fall Fiber Art Show and Sale on Saturday November 7 and Sunday November 8.  The show and sale is a special Holiday shopping event for those unique one of a kind items. Admission is free.  Hot cider and treats will be available.

This intimate event celebrates rug-making, spinning, weaving, and needlework.  Several of the artisans will be demonstrating their craft.   Along with individual artisans the Guild's "Handmade in Amana" shop will be open to the public. The shop features quilts, baskets, rag rugs, all types of needlework as well as a variety of other arts and crafts.

Saturday hours are 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday hours are 10 AM to 4 PM.

For more information contact the Amana Arts Guild:

Telephone: 319 622-3678

E mail - amanarts@southslope.net

For the first time ever, there will be Oktoberfest events in the village of Homestead in the Amana Colonies. Oktoberfest is celebrating 50 years in the colonies and it is fitting that it is expanding beyond the village of Amana, the largest of the colonies.

Marc and June Hershberger, owners of Die Heimat Country Inn, recently acquired access to the old Homestead General Store right next to their B&B on V Street in Homestead. They needed more common space for their guests and would also like to bring more events, retreats, reunions and celebrations to Homestead. They named the building "Next Door: Die Heimat Event Center".

When one of their guests from Oktoberfest last year approached them about hosting a musical duo straight from Germany at their new event center, they were very interested.  Andy Glandt and Heike Besen will perform 3 shows at Next Door on Saturday, October 3.

"Lady Sou and Mister Banjo combine a little flirting between a Sousaphone and a Banjo and provide entertainment, humor and fun for all ages. These two entertainers mix Dixieland, Bluegrass, Country, German and original songs with humor and create a sound that induces joy."

Join us Next Door for the following shows, Sat. Oct. 3: $8 wristband at the door (cash only), includes all 3 shows if you wish. Children under 5 are free.

11:00-12:00- Children's show and activities - food available

2:00-4:00 - Hear Lady Sou and Mister Banjo as you enjoy a German bakery setting with coffee cakes, apple strudel, hot cider, and coffee.

6:00-8:00 - Evening show includes food and drink (BYOB); informal dancing and music jammin' by musicians and friends.

The Amana Arts Guild will sponsor its Festival of the Arts on Saturday August 8, 10 AM - 5 PM at the Middle Amana Park in Middle Amana, Iowa.

This special event will feature sales of fine arts, crafts and traditional Colony folk arts by local and guest artists. A unique part of the festival will be demonstrations as visitors will enjoy observing: woodturning, quilting, tinsmithing, basket-making, spinning and painting.

Guests will also enjoy local foods such as Amana bratwurst, kraut, homemade apple fritters and baked goods along with a special homemade rhubarb drink.

Entertainment throughout the day: Sweet Cacophony, Dustin Busch and Blame Not The Bard

Also a children's art corner and an Amana Colony Quilt raffle.

Amana Arts Guild: 319 622-3678

E-mail:  amanarts@southslope.net