Event volunteers Mike Finstad of New Ulm and David Weidner of Hector tended hot irons in a fire-pit with wood logs on Minnesota Street. Finstad says he’s just warming up for beer poking duties at Bockfest the first Saturday in March.

“It isn’t that cold,” said Finstad. “A few years ago, it was below zero at Bockfest. We had to use heaters to keep the beer flowing. Bockfest is always a blast. I’ve been going there for decades. This event is just starting.”

Portable heaters kept people warm on the sidewalk.

Corbin Bell of Anoka said her friend Samantha Miller of New Ulm invited her to New Ulm for the event.

Seth Visser of New Ulm takes part in activities.

“It’s kinda fun hanging out with friends by the fire. I like the way this community does things together like Spiking in the Street (a downtown sand volleyball tournament last August) and Bockfest, which I’ve enjoyed for a few years now,” Bell said.

Mariah Koester of New Ulm said she enjoyed Spiking in the Street last August and came out for the bean bag tournament.

“It’s fun seeing people and having a good time,” Koester said.

Others at the tournament said their favorite winter activity was snowmobiling but they were disappointed because they couldn’t do that yet this winter.

Fifty-five teams competed for most of the daylight hours Saturday.

Ryan Kuck of New Ulm and the Tree Studs team said the cold weather was a factor, making it much different than throwing indoors or in warmer weather.

Jim Sorenson of Mankato said it was his first outdoor bean bag tournament.

“It’s fun to do for a change. I’d do it again. A buddy of mine from New Ulm, Scott Conrad, talked me into it. My partner Hunter Landsteiner is on the Hunter’s Den team,” said Sorenson who works at the Mankato clinic.

He usually competes in bean bag tournaments held at Mankato bars.

“I’ve never been to Bockfest but I may come this year,” Sorenson said.

Seth Visser of New Ulm said he’s competed at bean bag tournaments before but not in the winter time.

“This gives us something to do in the winter. This is a great event outside. Very enjoyable. I’m glad it was put on. We’re just enjoying outselves on this cold, winter day. It gets us out of the house,” he added.

Visser said he watched Spiking in the Street last August downtown.

“I’m glad they’re doing events like this,” he added.

Sarah and Eric Warmka of New Ulm competed in the tournament.

“It’s fun making friends with complete strangers,” said Eric Warmka.

“It was fun talking to new people and getting to know them,” Sarah Warmka added.