As staff and volunteers at Schell’s Brewery set up for Saturday’s festivities, a light rain fell to dampen the pre-festive activities, but visitors were able to take refuge inside Schell’s taproom.

Many of the guests were out-of-town visitors. Server Ruth Blashack said the beer of choice was, of course, Oktoberfest. However, the second most popular beer was Cherry-Go-Round.

Outside, staff and volunteers got the brewery ground ready for visitors. The tent is up and the tables have pumpkin centerpieces.

At the entrance to the brewery, artist Shawn McCann worked hard to paint a 3-D perspective mural on the asphalt. The idea of the mural is that visitors can sit on the mural and it appears as if they are riding down a beer waterfall.

Photo by Clay Schult Nancy Engfer visited New Ulm’s Oktoberfest for the first time Friday. Engfer came from Buffalo, MN. She had heard about the New Ulm celebration and this year she finally made a trip after securing a campsite at Flandrau State Park. Engfer was one of the first people in line to secure a free beer from Mayor Terry Sveine.

McCann said it was a struggle to get the project done due to the rain, but the color temperatures also made it difficult for the paint to stay, he was confident it would be done before tomorrow.

The Marti family was working hard to get everything set up. Jodi Marti said it would not be possible to do everything without all the wonderful staff and volunteers.

Jodi said they anticipate a large crowd this weekend. Though the weather was cold and rainy Friday, the forecast for Saturday is 60 degrees.

The brewery will also have a donation barrel out during the celebration. The donations will go to the historic Lind House to help repair the roof.

The gates to Schell’s Brewery open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Photo by Clay Schult The Concord Singers once again kick off the music at the Best Western Friday.

The music entertainment at the Best Western Plus/Green Mill began at 5 p.m. Friday with the Concord Singers. The ceremonial Oktoberfest keg opening began at 6 p.m.

The tradition is everyone present will be served free beer until the keg is empty. The last person served from the keg was awarded the glass boot.

New Ulm Mayor Terry Sveine was serving the beer and advised guests not to wait to get in line in hopes of getting the boot.

“Don’t be tricky, just be happy with the free beer,” he said.

The first man in line was Marvin Huiras who was more than happy with a free beer.

Photo by Clay Schult The Oktoberfest keg at the Best Western was tapped by Mayor Terry Sveine. Dozens of guest waited in line for the free beer and a chance at the boot.

Attendance remained high for the second weekend of Oktoberfest. Green Mill general manager KC Ness said it was a great rollout for the weekend. This year’s Oktoberfest marked a significant increase from 2021.

Ness said last weekend they were not sure what to expect, but this year had twice as many visitors as the previous year.

With guests returning after two COVID years, Best Western/Green Mill will likely increase the number of activities in 2023.

The music at the Best Western will restart at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Concord Singers. Leon Olson and Dain’s Dutchmen will play from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Concord Singers will return at 7 p.m. Sandra Lee Band will close out the evening at 8:30 p.m.