Strong turnout for area celebrations
The annual 4th of July fireworks show over Sleepy Eye Lake started after dusk. Thousands gathered around the lake shore to see the pyrotechnics in the sky and reflected on the water.
The Jolly Jammers were the first band to play The 4th of July show in Turner Hall Park. Threats of rain kept some audience members away, but by the close of The Jolly Jammers performance the crowds had returned.
The Wendinger Band performs on stage in Turner Hall Park for a the 4th of July crowd.
Independence Day, hundreds enjoyed the outdoor concert in Turner Hall Park
Behind the stage as The Wendinger Band plays, Marvin Huiras and Shirly Brocik dance the polka.
The annual 4th of July fireworks show over Sleepy Eye Lake started after dusk. Thousands gathered around the lake shore to see the pyrotechnics in the sky and reflected on the water.
The Jolly Jammers were the first band to play The 4th of July show in Turner Hall Park. Threats of rain kept some audience members away, but by the close of The Jolly Jammers performance the crowds had returned.
The Wendinger Band performs on stage in Turner Hall Park for a the 4th of July crowd.
Independence Day, hundreds enjoyed the outdoor concert in Turner Hall Park
Behind the stage as The Wendinger Band plays, Marvin Huiras and Shirly Brocik dance the polka.
Trending
BROWN COUNTY -- Several July 4th celebrations were held throughout the region despite rain forecasts.
New Ulm and Sleepy Eye did see a light rainfall Tuesday morning, but the weather had no negative impact on afternoon and evening activities.
Turner Hall was able to hold its annual 4th of July in the Park. A stage was setup in Turner Park. Visitors were free to watch performances from Adam & The Jammers, Wendinger Band, Alpensterne and Concord Singers.
Outside visitors were served brats and burgers. Customers could also get a root beer float.
Inside Turner Hall, the Turner Ladies were holding a pie social. Turner Lady Monica Mueller said the pie social was extremely popular. Asked which pie was selling best, Mueller said everyone had their favorite pie but apple, rhubarb and key lime were going fast.
Turner Park was full of spectators throughout the afternoon. Turner Lady Jeannie Kretsch said there was a brief moment where it looked like the event would be rained out. There were a few drops of rain early on and some people began to leave, but returned once the rain stopped.
"I think they all came back and brought new people with them," Kretsch said.
The brief shower might have actually improved conditions. The heat and humidity from Monday were washed away by the rain. A slight breeze kept everyone in the park cool and comfortable. The entire New Ulm community was able to enjoy the music in the park together.
"I think this is kind of unique," Denny Warta said of the Turner Park festivities. "To have this community gather and to hear great music in the park is unique. We bring people in from all over."
Later in the evening, activities shifted to Sleepy Eye as people prepared for the annual fireworks over Sleepy Eye Lake. Thousands gathered along the lake shore and in Sportsmen Park to see the fireworks.
Some were concerned rain would cancel the fireworks. Dark clouds hung over Sleepy Eye all evening, but the rains never came and the show went off without a hitch. The fireworks began a little before 10 p.m. A cool breeze off Sleepy Eye Lake made it the perfect summer night for spectators.