The capture of New Ulm Mayor is the symbolic start of the holiday. In taking captive the head of city government, the Narren of New Ulm declared the start of Fasching season and the end of work. The Narren then parade the Mayor through the downtown businesses as part of the celebration.

“I am still working on my plan,” Backer said Thursday when asked if she was prepared to taken captive. Two years ago in 2023, the Narren were able to easily able to capture Backer. This year she hinted she might put up a fight.

“The Narren could meet with some resistance,” she said. “I have some people who are going to defend me. I might have a few constituents try to free me.”

This is only the second time the Narren have tried to take Backer captive. In 2024, Backer was out of town and the Narren were force to capture City Council President Andrea Boettger instead.

Since Sunday, downtown has been decorated with colorful fabric to celebrate the Fasching season. The fabric was placed by member of the New Ulm Narren. Friday, the Narren will take part in symbolic capture of the New Ulm Mayor.

“I might face retribution for that,” Backer said. “I’ve been working out so I can run pretty fast, but there are not many places to run.”

Backer admitted she was not too worried about being capture by the Narren.

“They were respectful two years ago,” she said. “It was joy getting to know them. At first, it was difficult to get to know with them because of the mask, they are a joyful group.”

The Narren are roughly scheduled to kidnap Mayor Backer from City Hall around 12: 15 p.m. From there, the Narren will take to 11 businesses in the downtown area; including United Prairie Bank, Alliance Bank, K-Bar, Pub 209, Lola’s, B&L Bar, Mowan’s, Frandsen Bank, Citizen’s Bank and Rodney’s.

Backer said two years ago she was surprised how many stops the Narren made, but said it was great getting other people to join in the nonsense.

New Ulm City Hall is adorn with colorful scarfs signifying the start of the Fasching celebration. Friday afternoon, the Narren of New Ulm will enter City Hall for the seasonal tradition of capturing New Ulm’s Mayor. Photo by Clay Schuldt

“I really appreciate what the Narren do and how they promote the community,” she said. “I have a lot of respect for what they do. I would like to know how many cities in the United States let their mayors be kidnap every year.”