On Friday, Feb. 12, 1875, shortly before 10:30 p.m., “one of the most brilliant meteors of modern times illuminated the entire State of Iowa, and adjacent parts of the States of Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.” “The meteor, in rapidly moving through the atmosphere, produced a great variety of sounds — rolling, rumbling, and detonations […]
Amana Colonies
Posted inBook Reviews
‘The Worldly Game: The Story of Baseball in the Amana Colonies’ by Monys A. Hagen
In “The Obvious Child” — the lead single from Paul Simon’s 1990 Rhythm of the Saints album — the iconic songwriter sings “The cross is in the ballpark.” It’s a striking and unexpected image in the flow of the song, and it has always seemed to me a sharp encapsulation of several intertwined threads of […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Christmas in the Amana Colonies
A thick sheet of slush lines 220th Trail, the road that runs through the Amana Colonies. It’s Dec. 13th, 2017, close enough to Christmas that I’m excited, but not too excited, for the seven inches of snow now filling my boots. Naturally, I’ve lost my parents on our annual Prelude to Christmas trip; luckily, I […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Holiday craft fairs are like real life Etsy — and benefit local artists
When we choose to shop small and local, we keep more of our money in the community, which encourages more business, more artists and more jobs. Small businesses and local artists depend on the holiday season, just like the big boxes do.
Posted inFood & Drink
Best of the wurst this weekend in the Amanas
Go walking in a wiener wonderland this weekend (both sausage and canine) at the third annual Amana Colonies Wurst Festival, which introduces a new attraction this year: the Dachshund Derby. The festival was named “Best New Event of 2015” by the Iowa Tourism Commission.
Posted inCommunity/News, Food & Drink
All things apple takeover Amana
Apfelfest Amana Colonies — Saturday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. This Saturday, the Amana Colonies will host Apfelfest, an aptly named harvest festival that celebrates all things apple. The family friendly celebration begins at 10 a.m. and spans the entirety of the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies. There will be apple-themed activities […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘American Pickers’ hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are heading to the Amana Colonies
Antique collectors Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz will visit the Amana Colonies next month to film an upcoming episode of their television show American Pickers…
Posted inFood & Drink
Amana Colonies to celebrate Oktoberfest with weekend of events
The Amana Colonies’ Oktoberfest kicks off this Friday, Oct. 3, with singing, dancing, eating and drinking that will continue throughout the weekend.
Posted inFood & Drink
Take a ride on Millstream’s 13th Annual Tour de Brew
The Millstream Brewing Company is inviting cyclists to warm up their legs and palates for RAGBRAI on the 13th annual Tour de Brew this Saturday, July 12. Registration for the 38-mile tour costs $25 and will take place at the brewery (835 48th Ave., Amana) from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The tour will take riders through Norway, Blairstown and West Amana before returning to Millstream. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Amana Colonies Recreational Trail.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
The Stage: A father’s death stirs up old hostilities in Arthur Miller’s The Price
In the aftermath of a parent’s death, one of the most daunting tasks for surviving children is dealing with the deceased’s earthly possessions…
