With their iconic wooden masks, manufactured in Germany, Milwaukee, and by some local carvers, the Narren are remembering years past while looking ahead to plans in the future.

The Narren have been busy in the last 35 years, growing their member count from two in 1989 to 40 today. This year, the Narren have been busy as well, hosting its first Fasching event at Best Western Plus, along with Bavarian Blast and Oktoberfest later this year. The group has participated in nine parades with the New Ulm Chamber float, spanning from Nicollet to Windom, and has been invited to perform at numerous other events, including the German American Institute’s Oktoberfest in St. Paul and German Heritage Day for the Twins.

“The number of events is pretty normal,” Narren member Denise Drill said. “Prior to COVID, the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce would also use us to welcome guest to New Ulm, dance, do a short playlet or presentation.”

For their 35th anniversary, the Narren held a kickoff event at Sweet Haven Tonic on July 12th, where they presented the newest Narren, “Oskar,” and gathered to dance and party to polka music, played by Dain Moldan and Adam Munsterman.

Oskar, the newest of the Narren of New Ulm, waves at those looking on during the Narren’s performance at Sweet Haven Tonics on July 12.

Oskar is an ice cream maker, one of many backstories of the Narren that range from Wine Maker to spreading rumors around hotels, and even an animal or two. The Narren introduce a new character each year as their numbers grow.

To conclude the celebrations, the Narren are planning a trip to Ulm, Germany from Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, where the group will go sightseeing in Freiburg, the Black Forest, Elzach Tower, a glass-blowing factory and the open air museum of farming. The group will end the tour in Munich with the Nymphenburg Palace, Dachau, Marienplatz and dinner at the famous Hafbrauhaus.

“I am truly excited to visit our sister city of New Ulm,” Drill said. “Albert Einstein, the Munster, the Narren Ringtreffen. I am excited to celebrate Fasching in Ulm and look forward to learning more about the history, the clubs and the people.”

Ulm will be hosting the Narren Ringtreffen in 2025. The Ringtreffen is an event that is hosted in various villages and cities every four years. The event begins with skits by various Narren clubs, followed by a dance and children’s parade, with various carnival games included.

The final event of the Ringtreffen is the umzug [parade] that lasts around four or five hours. The parade includes around 200 Narren clubs, matching bands, costumed police and fire folks. For more information about the Narren and their upcoming trip, please contact Joseph Meyer at Germania Tours at 507-779-2862.

Jason Jaspersen of New Ulm holds up a pin gifted to him by one of the Narren Friday, July 12 at Sweet Haven Tonics.

Dain Moldan and Adam Munsterman play polka music during the opening celebration of the Narren of New Ulm’s 35th anniversary at Sweet Haven Tonics on July 12.