The former Lost Dog and Fox Hunters Park is now Shirley’s Park and Country Retreat. The location is popular for picnics and kayaking and will host live music on Saturday, Sept. 26.

NEW ULM — A new fall festival is coming to Clear Lake this Saturday at Shirley’s Park.

The Shirley’s Park Fall Festival is 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and will feature live lakeside music by Dain’s Dutchmen and Andrea Lyn.

Shirley’s Park is on the south shore of Clear Lake, 5 miles south of New Ulm. It is the site of the old Lost Dog and Fox Hunters Park. The address is 17434 Lakeside Rd., New Ulm.

Owner Brian Domeier has been working to fix up and restore the park for the last year and a half. Domeier bought the property because he had fond memories of the area as a child and wanted to reopen it to the community. He renamed the park “Shirley’s Park” after his mother Shirley Huebert Domeier who is another inspiration for holding this event.

“I wanted to carry on her legacy,” Brian Domeier said. “She was a humble woman who sacrificed a lot for her community.”

Many people have been coming to Shirley’s Park for kayaking or picnics. It even has been a wedding venue. Domeier said he believes the park is actually in better shape now than it was 30 years ago.

The festival is a way of thanking the community for their support fixing up the park. It is also a way to celebrate during COVID-19. People can keep a distance at the park, and the festival is entirely outdoors.

This is the first festival at Shirley’s Park and it is free to the public, though a $5 donation would be appreciated. Food, water and pop will be sold on-site but individuals are free to bring their beverages. Visitors are also advised to bring their chairs.