The Bockfest Boys closed out the 2021 Oktoberfest celebration at the Best Western Plus, Saturday night. The band managed to fill the dance floor.

At the NUACS Pumpkinfest, families were able to pick out their pumpkins. Lori Mathiowetz and her daughters Eve and Penny pick out a wagon full of gourds.

The 2021 Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby opened with a special trunk or treat. Children attending the derby were able to visit the demo car drivers and received some candy before the show.

Andy Miller and Jen Hanevik enjoy the Oktoberfest fun. Miller said the Concord Singers had one of the best audiences Saturday afternoon that they had in 20 years. This was Hanevik’s second Oktoberfest in New Ulm. She is from Mendota, Minnesota but and was excited to return to New Ulm for the festivities.

Alan “Smiley” Wiltscheck caught up with Hank Stehle (right) and John Stehle (left) before going on stage with Bockfest Boys. Wiltscheck has been friends with the Stehle brothers after meeting Hank several years ago during a previous Oktoberfest. The Stehle brothers live in Colorado and drive up to New Ulm for the Oktoberfest every year. Hank said days after first meeting Wiltscheck in New Ulm, he ran into him again at a gas station in Colorado by random chance. It was almost as if they were destined to meet.

Kollin Kerr of Minneapolis became the man to beat during the Stein Holding contestant the August School Brewery Saturday. He was the first winner of the day with a time of three minutes and 51 seconds. It was Kerr’s first stein holding contest. He said the secret was to have a strong back.

Dustin Shank of Mankato successfully places the Jenga block atop of the tower. The oversize Jenga tower is a popular feature at the Schell’s Oktoberfest event.

The Concord Singers led a full room of Oktoberfest goers in learning the German language through song.

The crowd in the Best Western Plus waves their cell phones along with music as the Concord Singers play the main stage.