Schell’s Brewery CEO Ted Marti risks a singed mustache as he blows out the candles on his 70th birthday cake during the Schell’s Oktoberfest celebration Saturday.

NEW ULM–The second weekend of Oktoberfest was held in New Ulm despite COVID restriction.

Oktoberfest themed events continued to happen throughout New Ulm, but on a smaller scale than past celebration.

The Fifth Annual Oktoberfest Craft & Vendor Show continued for the second weekend in a row. First North between Broadway and Minnesota Street was lined with vendor booths. The number of overall vendors was fewer than last week, but some returned for the second weekend and the customers returned as well.

Carlsonville Garden & Woodcraft sold a combination of vegetables and wood utensils. Karin Carlson said the red beets and pickled beans were selling well. Jams were also popular this time of year, but customers did not have a favorite flavor.

Andrea Schlei was also selling jams, but there was a clear favorite at her table.

“We sold out of Raspberry Jalapeno jam within an hour,” she said.

Katie Hopp of Joy & Grace returned to the craft fair. She had been part of the MakersFest the first weekend but joined the Oktoberfest Show for the second weekend. Hopp has been created wooded crafts since February. Her wood earrings were the top seller on Saturday.

Heather Ellanson was one of the organizers for the craft show. She said it was as busy as the previous week, but the crowds were still strong. Once again, face masks sales high, but she was able to sell several baked goods.

There was no live music on Center Street this year, but many visitors came downtown anyway out of tradition.

Roger and Loretta Zimmer came drove down from Stearns County. Roger said they had not missed a New Ulm Oktoberfest in 30 years and we’re not going to miss this one.

Many Oktoberfest traditionalists made their way to Schell’s Brewery. Schell’s traditional hosts an Oktoberfest celebration at the Brewery during the second week of Oktoberfest and the tradition lived on this year, but with strict COVID precautions.

A maximum of 250 guests was allowed at the festival and all tickets were pre-sale. Everyone was required to wear a mask except when seated at the table.

Jodi Marti said the reason they went forward with the celebration was to create a sense of normalcy for people. Typically, the brewery brings in thousands during Oktoberfest but they were willing to keep things small to maintain the tradition.

“Everyone is wonderful,” Jodi said. “They are wearing masks and following the rules.”

Everyone attending the event remained at their designated table and was waited on by a server. Each table had a hand sign to alert servers if they needed a brat or a beer refill.

The event was also a chance to celebrate Schell’s CEO Ted Marti’s birthday. He turned 70 years old Saturday. The cake was distributed among those attending.

The Oktoberfest celebration concluded at the Best Western Plus. The Wendinger Band played the New Ulm Conference room to close out the celebration. As with Schell’s, Best Western provided table service to better physically distance patrons. Over 30 guests came to the Best Western for the final show.

From an attendee point of view, the greatest loss was no one could dance. Typically, guests are able to dance to polkas in the Conference Room, but COVID restrictions kept everyone off their feet.

Best Western General Manager Erin Lafferty said it was a quiet event for Oktoberfest but it was good to see the celebration continuing in spite of the pandemic.

“You can’t stop it,” she said.