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The 56th Turner Fest off to running start

New Ulm mayor welcomes Turner Hall competitors from across the nation

By Clay Schuldt, Dan Olson and Fritz Busch 5 min read

NEW ULM -- The 56th Turner Fest is officially off and running with members Turner Societies across the nation competing in events through the rest of the week.

Activities began early Wednesday morning at the New Ulm Middle School. Women's 30 and up Track and Field events were held on the school's track. Track and Field events included 50 meter dash, standing jump, softball toss, 4×100 meter relay, shot put and distance runs.

The events were open to Turner women 30 and older. Competitions were further broken down by age division.

In an early race, Michelle Lesperance of the Sheboygan Turners finished first in a 60-64 year category for the 50 meter dash.

Lesperance said it was the only event she was competing as she is also helping organize the events. Lesperance is the Turner's National Health and Physical Education Chairperson.

The 50-meter dash included an 80 and over division.

Later in the morning Men's Volleyball 55 and older was held in the middle school gym.

Events were also held across the street at the Recreation Center. Men and Women's pickleball 50-69 began in the afternoon.

The pickleball tournament saw duos split into four competition groups. These groups then competed amongst each other, while others took byes while waiting for their next match. Matches were won when one side had 11 points and were more than 2 points ahead. If they were not ahead by 2 points by the time they reached 11, they continued to play until one side was 2 points ahead.

Linda Paxton and Bill Severns from Akron, Ohio were one of the first duos to begin competition. Severns has been a Turner Hall member for 51 years and Paxton for 43 years. Severns is a third-generation Turner, but when it comes to pickleball, they have less history.

"We heard the national festival was introducing pickleball this year, so we decided to take it up," Severns said. "It’s our first time. [We've been playing for] about a month."

Paxton and Severns believe the game has provided them positive benefits physical and social benefits. "Good cardio [and] social opportunities to meet other people. We’ve got our family playing as well," Severns said. "Sweats the alcohol out," Paxton said.

Their favorite part of pickleball? "Winning, but we haven't experienced it yet," Paxton said.

Competing alongside Paxton and Severns on a separate court was Steve Rose from Concordia Turner Hall in St. Louis. He has been a Turner member for 16 years, introduced to the group by some neighbors.

"We had lived across the street from some Turners, and they invited us to the hall," Rose said. "At the time we had young kids and it was a great thing for young kids. We decided to get involved."

Rose started to play pickleball around four years ago when his Turner Hall began playing, right before COVID hit. He has fond memories from his playing experiences.

"Playing Wednesday nights and the camaraderie," Rose said. "Some weeks we don’t have a lot of people and some weeks we have a lot of people. It’ a lot of fun, we drink a little bit of beer occasionally."

Rose was excited to begin playing, as he enjoys several of the finer points of playing pickleball. "The finesse play. The distinct shots or hitting it just lightly over the net trying to control the ball," he said. Different age brackets will continue to play pickleball throughout the week at the New Ulm Recreation Center

Jr. Girl's Volleyball (ages 11-17) was the last athletic event of the day, but activities continued at Turner Hall. The Beer Garden opened at 4:30 p.m. and Turner Hall Park hosted a cookout at 5 p.m.

Several members of the Concordia Turners gather in Turner Park at the start of the cookout. Carolyn Scherting and LaVerne Rodgers of the Concordia Turners were happy to attend the Turn Fest in New Ulm.

Scherting described New Ulm as quaint town that was very welcoming. Scherting and Rodgers took part in the track & field events early in the day and praised the volunteers helping at the middle school.

Scherting said they like attending Turner Fest because everyone is so friendly. During the competition, everyone roots for everyone else.

A special welcoming ceremony was held in German Park following a commencement parade on German Street, from underneath the Marktplatz Mall to the German Park Amphitheater.

"Welcome to New Ulm and New Ulm's Turner Hall, the only Turner Hall in Minnesota," said New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer.

"It has the oldest gym program in Minnesota and is the only Turner Hall building in America still operating for its original purpose," Backer said. "And it has the oldest bar in Minnesota."

Backer said New Ulm Turnverein Boardmember Dan Hoisington is the first New Ulm board member to serve on the national board as the corporate secretary and historian.

Backer said the New Ulm's vintage popcorn wagon will sell popcorn Friday and Saturday at Center and Broadway, in front of the Brown County Historical Society building.

New Ulm Turnverein President Matt Berger thanked everyone for coming from around the country.

"I wish we had a little cooler weather for you, but I'm sure we can make up for it with good cameraderie, good food, good beer and good times had by all," said Berger.

"I just want to thank a lot of local people for making this happen today," he added. "Obviously Andrea Boettger, our executive director; local committee chair Tom Romaine and vice chair Tom Edwards; and other committee members."

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