NEW ULM — A couple formerly of New Ulm were among the early Crazy Days weekend shoppers in downtown New Ulm Friday.

Mark and Brenda Wiger of Minneapolis and a friend, Michelle Blaeser of St. Paul shopped at New Ulm’s Own fair trade store, 212 Minnesota St. N. Blaeser bought a hand-made kitchen lamp.

The volunteer-based non-profit supports marginalized women, locally and globally and shares profits with charity.

“It’s great to see how this shop is thriving. It’s a win-win,” said Mark Wiger.

“Downtown New Ulm is coming back. It’s great to see,” said Wiger, looking at the Rush Rooftop Restaurant and the corner of Minnesota Street and Second Street North.

The Wigers founded MBW Company of New Ulm in 1978. The company provided community-based support services including 24-hour emergency and mental health care services for individuals with disabilities plus independent assisted living services.

Early Friday afternoon, artificial turf was unrolled on Minnesota Street, from First Street North to Center Street, thanks to the forklift operation by Kyle Marti of Schell’s Brewery and the efforts of Clint Kiecker and Travis Loverude both of Fairfax and Kevin Loverude and Rollie Tauer both of New Ulm, among others.

Marti said the artificial turf was formerly used on a football field in Indiana before it was purchased with local donations last year by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce.

The turf will be used for a kid’s electronic dance party with Marti as the DJ 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Scoops and snuggles with baby goats and Mn EIS ice cream set set for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

A street dance featuring old and new country music by the Tanner Stark Band hosted by the B and L Bar, is set for 8-11 p.m. Saturday on turf.

For more information, visit https://business.newulm/com