Day Trip Destinations: New Ulm Oktoberfest
By Leticia Gonzales
The 32nd edition of New Ulm’s Oktoberfest will be held Oct. 4-5 and 11-12. | Submitted photos
‘A very merry celebration’
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hat began as a celebration of matrimony between Bavarian Crown Prince Louis and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810 has turned into an annual celebration around the world. New Ulm is gearing up for the 32nd edition of its own festival that celebrates the city’s deep German heritage and culture over two weekends of hearty fare, polka music and, of course, beer. “New Ulm is a really German town; we like to celebrate that,” said Audra Shaneman, president of the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce. Whether you are there for the rich, buttery kringles, German potato salad or old-time bands, Shaneman said Oktoberfest is a “very merry celebration.” This year, the celebration will be held Oct. 4-5 and 11-12. “People are here to have fun,” she said. “They want to dance, they want to hear music.” Oktoberfest organizers have planned festivities at four locations across New Ulm during the first and second weekends in October, including: Shells Brewery, Morgan Creek Vineyards, Holiday Inn New Ulm, and downtown New Ulm. Mary Neumann, a food and beverage manager who is in her first year as an event organizer, is no stranger to what goes on behind the scenes of the festival. Having lived in New Ulm for 13 years and worked in the restaurant business during past festivals, Neumann said she has always enjoyed the music that comes with the celebration. Often the most memorable are the Narren, who feature handcarved wooden masks and unique costumes derived from German folklore characters. “The Narren do a snake dance,” Neumann said. “They get
32 • october 2013 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
the crowd involved. It’s sort of along the lines of the chicken dance.” With the Holiday Inn and the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce as festival sponsors, most of the music offered at the festival is at the Holiday Inn or in the downtown district. Even the pool area at the Holiday Inn is converted into a seating area with a band stage and dancing floor. “It’s very unique,” Neumann said. “It’s really fun to watch the transformation.” While visitors can expect the usual events such as the Cambria Crush Annual Great Grape Stomp and the August Schell Brewing Company tours, new this year at the downtown location is the Beer Olympics on Oct. 5, as well as a roadshow antique appraisal Oct. 12. The Beer Olympics will include regional radio DJ “Stunt Monkey,” who will be the event’s emcee and lead teams of people through various non-drinking games and events to bring out the spirit of competition. “We try and support our chamber members and other retailers too,” Shaneman said. Domeier’s German Store and Gutentaghaus are a few of the many German retailers that participate in the event, selling souvenirs and gifts. Part of Oktoberfest is exploring New Ulm. Shaneman said the horse-drawn trolley rides are a popular attraction among couples and families because “you get to drive by all of the great architecture.” Other family-friendly activities are the kiddie parade and petting zoo, which take place Oct. 12. M