Beer or Pumpkins or Both?

You've got some tough decisions this weekend.

First, Oktoberfest is happening at the Amana Colonies. The beer barrels start rolling today and continue through Sunday. The parade's at 10 Saturday and they have the good sense to put the Iowa-Michigan State game on in the beer tent at 11:05. A homebrewers contest runs from 9-noon at Millstream Brewery.

But there's also Pumpkinfest in Anamosa, which I've never attended but I'm told is terrific. The Ryan Norlin pumpkin weigh-off runs from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Last year's winner,  a 1,662-pounder, is pictured above.

I figure we can hit Oktoberfest Saturday and Pumpkinfest Sunday. Even though the big pumpkins will be gone,  I can still witness the Pumpkin Trebuchet. Unfamiliar? Here's a video.

Either way, you can't go wrong on a beautiful fall weekend.

Update -- I should have also mentioned the

last Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market is Saturday morning at Greene Square Park from 7:30 to noon.