The ping pong ball drop mark the start of the second day in the New Ulm Crazy Days events.

Gallery 512 co-owner Danielle Fischer Marti said there were 1,000 ping pong ball thrown off the roof of Penazz by Kyle Marti. Each ball had a sticker on it with a special discount for one of 30 participating local business.

Those in attendance could collect as many of the discount balls as possible. Each discount was only good through Saturday; meaning those with multiple ping pong balls needed to move fast to take advantage of the deals.

The ping pong drop was a return to form for the annual shopping event. It was once an established tradition for Crazy Days, but like many aspects of the discount theme holiday it fell out fashion. This year The Small Business Owners Group of New Ulm decided to resurrect some of the old traditions

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Britton and Luther Beran were among several kids scattering to collect ping pong balls. Britton got his hands a ball good for one free root beer. Luther got a discount photo session.

With the dozens of people who came out for the ping pong drop this year, the Owners Group said they would likely do it again next year.

Kyle Marti said he was willing to throw the balls off the roof again next year, but promised to find a more elaborate way to do. This year Marti threw the balls by hand, but in 2019 he envisions some kind of launching gun.

Local businesses owners were pleased with the results. With only a day to use the discount, the stores filled up quickly.

Before noon, around 20 ping pong balls were returned to “Inspired” for a special in store discount.

Bailey Creek Boutique owner, Sandy Reinke said 12 discounts balls were used in her shop.

“The resurgence of Crazy Days is a huge success,” Reinke said. Her boutique had strong numbers on Friday which carried over onto Saturday. Reinke praised the Small Businesses Owners group for their work in bringing back the fun of Crazy Days.

The New Ulm Chamber of Commerce office also reported success with their lemonade stand. They had managed to sell-out of reusable cups by 10 a.m Saturday morning. They still offered free lemonade to anyone who needed a drink. Tickets to the Mary Poppins performances at the State Street Theater were also going fast.

Crazy Days 2018 was planned by the Small Business Owners Group of New Ulm with support from the New Ulm Chamber.

The feedback the group received for this year’s Crazy Days will help insure a bigger and better event next year.