Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm native Chris Bertrand performs on the Party By The Pond stage at Zinniel Utility Contracting Saturday.

NEW ULM — The Party by the Pond outdoor concert that raises money for community non-profit organizations continues to grow.

Hundreds of people were at the event with live music, food, beverages and merchandise hosted by Zinniel Utility Contracting, 4 Somsen Street in the northwest corner of New Ulm.

Event organizers Amy and Terry Zinniel said more than 900 people attended the event last year and more are expected this year.

“I just want to thank everyone that volunteered, plus local businesses and the City of New Ulm for their support. We couldn’t do this without you,” Terry Zinniel said as the country music band Mason Dixon Line warmed up on stage.

Terry Zinniel formerly performed with the bands Schell’s Angels, Lavender Town and Cold-Blooded Whiskey.

For several years, the Zinniels said they thought about creating a non-profit organization to benefit needy people.

“We like music and want to give back to the community so we created this event. We created a non-profit organization, Music for a Mission. We donate profits back to community non-profit organizations,” he said.

Amy Zinniel said grant applications for public charities are available online. Eligibility criteria for the project includes private school education, children, families and community needs.

“We wanted to so something to get everyone involved and give everything back. The focus of it is family, children, private education and community. We’re excited,” said Amy Zinniel.

New Ulm native Chris Bertrand sang folk-rock covers and his own music for more than three hours at the Party by the Pond outdoor concert at Zinniel Utility Contracting Saturday.

Bertrand’s mellow music included Arlo Guthrie, The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Jim Croce and his own folk-rock tunes including a little blues music.

A 2010 New Ulm High School graduate who lives near Lafayette, Bertrand said music performances in and around New Ulm and Mankato is his full-time gig. During the summer, he’s on stage four or five nights a week.

Just recently, he was the master of ceremonies at the Minnesota Original Music Festival in St. Peter.

“I’m happy to be doing this kind of thing. Winter slows things way down. I’ll work part-time at Patrick’s on Third bar and restaurant in St. Peter if they need help,” Bertrand said.

He can be heard co-hosting a weekly radio show, “Keepin It Local” which highlights Mankato area music from the past and present on KMSU FM 89.7.

Mason Dixon Line followed Bertrand with country/rock music.

IV Play, a Mankato band that includes Lantz Dale of New Ulm, concluded the event Saturday night with rock music.

For more information, visit partybythepond.com.