Maqtoberfest was born in 2018, originally envisioned as "A Taste of Jackson County", showcasing the individuals, families, and businesses producing fresh foods in our local area.
The first expansion happened that same year when the Maquoketa Farmers Market made arrangements for the Maqtoberfest event to be designated a farmers market. This important step allowed local bakers and others to sell their wares under Iowa Farmers Market rules.
It was in 2021 when the original concept of music, food, and fun exploded into a downtown-encompassing event. Activities moved to the downtown green space. Local performers moved to the stage we set up at the north end of Main Street. The main event concert was moved to the evening. Maquoketa Brewing, our local brewery, created a commemorative Maqtoberfest brew. And everything got bigger!
Our dreams came true in 2023 when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile answered our invitation and joined us for Maqtoberfest. To say that was exciting is an understatement!
And ... the best is yet to come!
Maqtoberfest is organized by a committee of Maquoketa Hometown Pride, which has become Maquoketa Betterment Corp./Hometown Pride.
Want to help? We need you!
Join us as a volunteer! Examples of things you or your group could do are: distribute flyers, help set up on event day, help with social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.), design flyers or ads -- or other options based on your interests. Contact us for more information.
Sponsors
Presented by Maquoketa Betterment Corp./Hometown Pride
Made possible through the generosity of:
A Walmart Spark Good Local Facility grant
Supported by grants from the Jackson County Area Tourism Association jacksoncountyiowa.com and a 2023 Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
And grants from Black Hills Energy, Maquoketa Community Services, and Casey's.
Sponsorships from American Family Insurance-Sandy Kloos Agent, Blue-9 Pet Products, DuTrac Community Credit Union, Innovate 120, Insurance Planning Services Corp.-Paul Miller Owner, Maquoketa Brewing, Maquoketa Kiwanis Club, Maquoketa Rotary Club, Maquoketa Sentinel-Press, Maquoketa State Bank, Optimist Club of Maquoketa. Maquoketa Feeds.
With assistance from Jackson County Fairgrounds, the City of Maquoketa, the Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce, and other generous organizations, businesses, and individuals.
