NEW ULM — Gemütlichkeit in Goosetown is coming to Riverside Park this Saturday.

This will be the fourth Gemütlichkeit in Goosetown in Riverside Park.

The annual celebration was started by the Friends of Goosetown as a replacement for Riverblast, but also as a way to celebrate one of New Ulm’s unique neighborhoods.

Ron Bolduan, one of the event organizers, described Gemütlichkeit is Goosetown as one large picnic or block party.

Starting noon Saturday, Riverside Park will be filled with a variety of activities, games, food, music and educational events.

Organizer Tony Miller said there will be carnival-style games for children, crafts and fun creatures.

Bolduan said the old Franklin School will be open for visitors to tour. Bolduan has recently added new animal displays to the building.

Musical entertainment will include performances by local musicians Adam Munstermann and “Smiley” Wiltscheck. Former New Ulm native Richard Schwartz will also return to perform. Schwartz lives in Michigan but his mother still lives in Goosetown. This is the second year in a row he will return for the Gemutlichkeit celebration.

Schwartz is not the only former resident returning for the event. Jack Stone of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply is returning. Stone graduated from Cathedral High School in 1966 and runs a wilderness supply store in Grand Marais. He has promised to bring kayaks to the event for activities on the Minnesota River.

Organizer Dr. Ann Vogel said there will be a raffle. The raffle is free to enter after filling out a short survey. Those who enter have a chance to win a variety of German foods including sauer kraut and morel mushrooms. Gift certificates from Domeier’s are also part of the drawing.

Vogel said the purpose of the Gemütlichkeit celebration is to educate the public about the environment and meet with Riverside friends and family.

She came up with the name “Gemütlichkeit” four years ago. It roughly translates to friendliness or welcoming. This is the atmosphere the organizers wish to cultivate.

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. in Riverside Park. The event is free to the public and is organized by local volunteers.