The Narren brought a catapult to their storytime event Saturday. The catapult was designed by area college students. Children took turns throwing bean bags at the trigger device to launch from overhead.

NEW ULM — The Fasching celebration continued across New Ulm on Saturday.

The Narren started the fun at the New Ulm library with a special storytime. Children were invited to meet the Narren and play games. A special stuffed animal launching catapult was brought in to entertain the children. At a crafts table kids were able to tie Fasching ribbons for decorations.

During storytime, the youth were introduced to the Narren characters through a story called “What Time Is It?” The story was about Hansel the Narren’s time keeper.

Mayor Robert Beussman was still being held as a hostage of the Narren during storytime. It is a tradition for the Narren to capture the mayor to start the Fasching celebration. He would be let go after the Narren took a bribe of pretzels and cookies from the Beussman family.

Festivities continued at the Best Western Plus. Heide & Good Olde Boys and The Concord Singers performed through the evening.

Joe Meyer with The Concord Singers said they sing to keep the tradition alive.

“Music is universal,” he said. “We promote the German language and New Ulm through song.”

The Concord Singers have evolved performances to blend traditional German songs with more modern popular music.

The annual Fasching Parade of Costumes had eight entries. First place went to Dean Kluge for his Austrian Dancer costume. Kluge admitted did not know much about Austrian dancing, but he knew enough to get first place.

The Narren figure known as “Bertrum” said this year he saw a younger crowd. In addition, to the storytime with children, there was a group of students visiting from La Crosse, Wisconsin. The group comes every other year and the Narren speak to them about the German festival traditions.

Bertrum said the Narren had a lovely time Saturday and it was great getting people up and dancing. They even got a splash at the Arctic Plunge in Minnesota Street.

The Narren will next be seen during the Bockfest celebration on Saturday, March 7.