The Amana Colonies will have a farmers market for the first time in decades.
“TGIF: Thank Goodness It’s FRESH” is the theme for the markets, which begin May 23 and run 4-8 p.m. every Friday through Labor Day weekend.
The market, in midtown Amana, will feature fresh produce, Millstream beer and root beer, free entertainment, educational programming and a weekly “Grill Master.”
The grill master — a restaurant or meat market — will offer food for sale, “so you can pick up a meal while you’re there,” said Kristie Wetjen, executive director of the Amana Colonies Convention & Visitors Bureau.
About 20 vendors will sell fruit and vegetables, organic meat and eggs, honey, baked goods, jams, flowers and other products.
Wetjen said Amana last had a farmers market about 20 years ago.
Wetjen said the market is not intended to compete with Friday markets in Cedar Rapids and Williamsburg, but to offer “something different.”
“Especially in a smaller town, there’s not always a lot to do on a Friday night,” she said.
Topics for the educational sessions will include uses for rhubarb, Iowa wines, beer brewing, gardening, salsa-making and apple recipes.
A local group of bluegrass musicians will be among the live music scheduled at the market.
