Staff photo by Gage Cureton People line up to receive a hearty serving of ribs during the Fourth Annual Pre-Fasching Rib Feast at Turner Hall Thursday. Andrea Boettger, event organizer, said over 1,000 people are served either in-house or by drive-through take-out. Live music, Mardi Gras-style drinks and Schell’s Bock beer were also featured. The event is sponsored by Christensen Farms, Schwartz Farms and Wakefield Pork.

NEW ULM — The Fasching holiday starts today with a series of celebrations and musical events scheduled throughout New Ulm.

Over the weekend an estimated 5,000 guests and visitors will arrive in New Ulm to enjoy the music, food, drink and excitement.

Most of the guests will arrive in town Friday afternoon, and a series of pre-Bock Fest parties are scheduled.

Friday

The Fasching celebration, sometimes referred to as a German Mardi Gras, begins with the Narren’s capture of Mayor Robert Beussman. As part of the tradition, the Narren will parade the mayor through downtown businesses to symbolize the arrival of carnival season.

The Green Mill will hold a pre-party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The party will include circus-themed games and prizes.

The New Ulm Event Center will host a pre-fest party from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Johnny Holm Band will give a performance. The doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday

The real fun begins Saturday morning. At 11 a.m. the Bock Fest celebration begins at Schell’s Brewery and closes at 4:30 p.m.

From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. the Best Western Plus will host the Fasching Festival, with performances from the Concord Singers and Adam & The Jolly Jammers. The annual Parade of Costumes begins at 7 p.m.

From 5 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. Blue Ringers and IV Play will perform in the heated tent outside the Green Mill/Best Western Plus.

Transportation

In response to the large number of guests moving between venues, the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating complementary shuttle services.

From 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, March 1, vans will be available to shuttle people within city limits. The vans can be hailed like a taxi and will be moving where people gather.

From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 2, buses will run continuously to downtown, Best Western Plus, Microtel and Schell’s Brewery. The buses will also stop at River Bend Education District front parking lot as a park and ride location. Shuttle vans will be available on Saturday within city limits from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.