NEW ULM–The New Ulm City Council authorized a series of requests from the Hermann Monument Society (HMS) related to the Hermannfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The first request was to close Center Street between Garden Street and Highland Avenue between 8:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. to accommodate the fireworks display during Hermannfest. The other requests were to allow the discharge of cannons and fireworks in Herman and Harman parks and to have the New Ulm Fire Department on standby at the fireworks display. These requests were previously approved by the Park and Recreation Commission.

Tom Furth with HMS, thanked the council for supporting the festival. In addition to approving the requests, each year the city budgets $15,000 to cover the costs of the fireworks.

“Every so often I am reminded how great it is that the city funds the fireworks,” Furth said. He believed the Hermannfest fireworks were one of the more popular displays in the area. Hermannfest happens in September, sunset is earlier in the evening compared to the July 4 fireworks display.

“The fireworks are a big deal for the community,” Furth said. “We try to make it as good or better every year.”

Furth said this year’s Hermannfest could see other enhancements, including inflatables for kids. There is also a possibility of resurrecting the Hermann 5K run that was previously held during Oktoberfest.

HMS is looking to the future and the city’s task of deconstructing and reconstructing the Hermann Monument. The project is expected to cost between $10 million and $14 million. There have been discussions between the city and HMS on helping raise funds. Furth said HMS does not have $1 million to donate, but is looking into fundraising options.

Councilor Andrea Boettger asked how much HMS has been raised through the Hermannfest celebration.

Furth said they raise a few thousand every year.

“[Hermannfest] is a one-day event,” Furth said. “It is a free event. There is just not a lot of ways to make money on this.”

Boettger asked if charging admission to Hermannfest could help generate funding.

Furth said they are trying to tie fundraising in with Hermannfest, but said charging admission is difficult because there is no place to put a gate. Hermann and Harman Park where the festival is held are not fenced off.

“You never be able to catch enough people,” he said. “Whatever you get will have to be voluntary.”

Councilor Eric Warmka made the motion to approve the HMS fireworks request. He said the Hermannfest was a great festival and a fantastic way to end the summer. The motion was unanimously approved by the council.

Mayor Kathleen Backer thanked Furth for his continued leadership and tenacity in organizing the festival.