The annual fall celebration started up at the Best Western with Mayor Robert Beussman instructing the crowd to line up like, mostly, sober adults.

Eager guests got in line in a hurry while Beussman pointed out that, while there was not enough in the keg for everyone, the last person to get beer would get a prize.

“Sometimes August Schell runs out of beer and then the keg goes dry but, there is a benefit to being the last one to get the last drop out of the keg, because you get a boot,” Beussman said.

Carolyn Kersten-Larson of St. Paul won the boot, after another guest cut in front of her.

Staff photo by Connor Cummiskey The Narren of New Ulm introduced their newest member Friday night at the Best Western Plus during Oktoberfest. Elda the wine lady has joined their ranks.

Oktoberfest continues today, starting with the Germanic-American Day Parade at 11 a.m. The parade begins at the Glockenspiel (4th St. N. and Minnesota St.) and runs down Minnesota Street to Center Street. All are invited to march in the parade.

Following the parade, the downtown will offer many events and specials at the local tourist stops such as the Brown County Museum, Wanda Gag House, Music Hall of Fame and more.

Starting at 11 a.m. the Schell’s Hobo Band will be performing downtown until 2 p.m. when the Church of Cash picks up.

Festival-goers can hop on a free shuttle service to get around town from 10 a.m. to midnight. It stops at 3rd N. St. and Minnesota Street, Center Street and Minnesota Street, Schell’s Brewery, the Best Western Plus and Microtel.

At 11 a.m. the Grape Stomp Express will shuttle people to and from the Best Western Plus and Morgan Creek Vineyards until 5 p.m.

Staff photo by Connor Cummiskey Green Mill General Manager Joe Romasiewicz pours out the beer for a long line of eager festival-goers Friday night as Oktoberfest kicks off in the ball room of the Best Western Plus.

At Morgan Creek there is a grape stomp hourly from 1-3 p.m., multiple dance groups including the New Ulm Narren from noon to 3 p.m. and the Lost Walleye Orchestra at 5 p.m.

The Best Western Plus has music both outside and in the ballroom. Music starts with the Concord Singers in the ballroom at 2 p.m. followed by Bockfest Boys, Concord Singers, Kris & the Riverbend Dutchmen and the Wendinger Band. Powerhouse plays outside starting at 7:30 p.m.

More information can be found at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce’s website newulm.com. Just scroll down to Oktoberfest weekend and follow the links.

ccummiskey@nujournal.com