Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The New Ulm Battery was joined by several other batteries during the Thunder in the Valley performance at Hermannfest. The boys in blue fired off dozens of cannon volleys, synchronized with a musical performance by the New Ulm Municipal Band.

NEW ULM — Hermannfest made a thunderous return to Hermann Heights and Harman Park on Saturday.

The annual festival returned for its seventh official year after missing 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

The festival is a celebration that marks the anniversary of the real Hermann’s victory against the Romans in the Teutoburg Forest.

Hermannfest began in the morning in Hermann Heights Park with music from Dain’s Dutchmen, The Wendinger Band and The Concord Singers. This was the first performance in Hermann Heights Park since the parking lot was reconstructed. Visitors were able to access Hermann Heights with greater ease.

Hermann Monument Society member Joe Meyer said the group is glad to have everyone back for the celebration after a difficult year.

“Music is a good balm for the cares of everyday life,” he said.

Below Hermann Heights in Harman Park, the New Ulm Battery, alongside battery units from Wisconsin, South Dakota and Iowa, lined up to take part in Thunder in the Valley. A total of 10 Civil-War era cannons participated in the performance. As the New Ulm Municipal Band directed by Don Jirak played a series of marches and waltzes, the battery provided the percussion. Tom Bierer served as the conductor or signalman for the cannon, telling each when to fire to match the crescendo.

Bierer said he only conducts cannons once a year, but said the timing is everything.

Before the Thunder in the Valley performance, Hermann Monument President Tom Furth thanked everyone for attending. He also wished to acknowledge that this was the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. After a moment of silence, Furth said it was important to appreciate the ability of the community to come together as friends and neighbors at an event like this because tomorrow is not guaranteed.

“It is a gift we are here and we are pleased you could join us,” Furth said.

Following the Thunder in the Valley performance, the live music continued with a performance from Jonah & The Whales. The musical group last performed at Hermannfest in 2013. The band played covered songs from all areas of music and incorporated quick costume changes into the performance. The concert was paused briefly at 8:30 p.m. for a fireworks display over the Hermann Monument.

No formal attendance was taken at the festival, but volunteers working the food and beverage stands said the turnout was high. New Ulm citizens were eager to return.