Thursday’s pre-Blast celebration saw roughly 1,000 people in attendance. Friday saw a little higher attendance and on Saturday at least 3,500 people purchased day passes. Bavarian Blast treasurer Dodie Wendinger said the day passes did not include people who had weekend passes.

Volunteers noted that daytime crowds were smaller, but attendance picked up for the evening entertainment.

There were a lot more children attending the festivities than in previous years. The inflatables and Narren program kept several kids entertained on Saturday.

The weather cooperated to help the festival go without a hitch. Thursday and Saturday both had rain forecasted, but only a light shower fell on Thursday. Heat and humidity were a concern this year, but for the third week in July most found it bearable.

Saturday saw a return of the Stein Holding Contest. Two divisions of women and men were offered, with 24 competing in each one.

Liz Sandberg of Almelund, Minnesota won in a dominant performance in the women’s division. Her arm remained stable throughout the contest, even after being announced the winner. Sandberg was new to Bavarian Blast. She was brought to the festival by a friend.

Kevin Stelter of Owattana won the men’s division. He said the secret to winning was to “be steady.”

Saturday evening’s entertainment began with a performance from Starlette’s Web, a tribute band to iconic female artists of pop, rock, country and groove. The band performs the hits of famous singers from Shania Twain and Katy Pery to Alanis Morrisette and Lizzo.

This was Starlette’s Web’s Bavarian Blast debut, but they were able to get the crowd up and dancing.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Several horses participated in the Bavarian Blast parade. The Sleepy Eye Auction Market were especially well behaved; holding steady as water balloons were hurled across the street.

Big Top Radio returned to Bavarian Blast to close out Saturday’s entertainment. The band played Area Rock favorites, bringing back the big hair bands from the 80s.

Sunday morning, the fest grounds opened early for the Polka Church Service with Mollie B. This was her fourth time conducting the polka service at the Blast. A full congregation gathered under the Schell’s Tent.

This year her sermon stressed the purpose of focusing on what is important. Often people become distracted by the small concerns of the day instead of listening to what matters most.

The service concluded with the congregation shouting out things to pray for. This year the congregation prayed for peace in Ukraine, forgiveness, the sick, favorable weather and for the nation as a whole.

An offering was passed around and would assist the A21 organization that fights to stop human trafficking.

The service ended with a request that Mollie B sings Ave Maria. She sang the classic song was done in Latin and she received a standing ovation for the performance.

The Bavarian Blast Parade began at 12: 30 p.m. starting from the fest grounds. The parade featured dozens of floats and concluded at 2 p.m.

After the parade, the Schell’s Hobo Band played the Nuvera Staged followed by a final performance from Dan Witucki, Alpensterne and the Concord Singers. Xpedition Band closed out the final musical act of the 2022 Bavarian Blast.

Wendinger acknowledged that the Bavarian Blast celebration could not be possible without the volunteers. The festival does not take in enough money to pay a crew to manage all the activities that occur during the Blast.

Wendinger estimated at least 200 volunteers were helping between the bartenders, ticket takers, food servers and technicians making everything run smoothly.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A float celebrating the La Crosse, Wisconsin Oktoberfest participated in the Bavarian Blast parade. One German-American community celebrating with another.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Marvin Huiran and Shirley Brozik dance in the Polka Tent at Bavarian Blast.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Cat Ann Boettger and Ashlee Haugan get into the spirit of Bavarian Blast.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Jeff and Becky Braegelmann wore their German best to Bavarian Blast. The couple acquired the outfits while on vacation in Ulm, Germany.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Jay Gieseke began stacking a cup pyramid or beer-amid in the Schell’s tent. With some assistance, the pyramid would double in size requiring a bench on top of a bench to reach the peak.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Starlette’s Web were the opening act for Saturday’s evening entertainment. The group was new to Bavarian Blast, but they brought the crowd to its feet.

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The Stein Holding contest at Bavarian Blast began with the women’s division. Liz Sandberg of Almelund, MN (blue shirt) would win the contest easily. Her arm remained steady after all other dropped.