Friday night’s heavy rain didn’t stop the energy. Crowds gathered under the big tent and enjoyed live performances from Hailey James and Hitchville. While the music played on, Hitchville did have to take a brief pause during their set to ensure all the equipment stayed safe and dry as the rain came down. Despite the weather, the audience stuck around and stayed upbeat, setting the tone for a weekend filled with entertainment and tradition.

Saturday morning began with cloudy skies but a hopeful outlook as runners took off in the Bavarian Blast 5K Fun Run. This marked the first return of the race since 2017, with all proceeds benefiting the New Ulm WELLness Collective, a nonprofit committed to supporting health and wellness initiatives in the community. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the positive energy surrounding the event.

As the morning clouds lifted, the fairgrounds came alive with music echoing from multiple stages. Festival goers walked the grounds enjoying food, drinks, and activities.

One of the highlights of the day was the “Baggin’ at the Blast” bean bag tournament, which attracted players of all ages and skill levels. Whether tossing for fun or competing to win, participants added to the lighthearted and festive atmosphere.

The Narren known as “Bertram” always has his mug handy during the Bavarian Blast celebration Saturday.

Among the many attendees were Ron and Sharon Pizel from New Ulm.

“We love polka dancing. We come every year, New Ulm is the polka capital of the nation,” Sharon said. “There aren’t too many ballrooms around anymore, but if there’s polka music playing, we’ll be there.”

Calem Forst of St. George, was home on leave from the U.S. Marine Corps.

“The last time I was home was in January, it’s been seven months,” Forst said. “It’s good to be home for a bit to spend time with my fiancée, family, and friends before I head back to North Carolina.”

Dan Oelfke from Hamburg was enjoying his second year at the event. “I heard about it last year from people at Martin Luther College,” he said. “I came for the music, but I came back for the people.”

Runners take off from the starting line during the Bavarian Blast 5K Fun Run on Saturday morning. Photo by Jared Winter

Saturday night saw the biggest turnout of the weekend. Even with a quick rain shower, the crowd packed into the tent for the popular beer stein holding contest.

This year’s champions were Paul Rahmann and Michelle Braulick, winning the men’s and women’s divisions respectively.

The night closed out with back-to-back performances from Free Fallin: The Tom Petty Concert Experience and Big Top Radio. Fans stood shoulder to shoulder, some in lawn chairs, others dancing and singing along under the lights.

Sunday offered a picture-perfect summer day for the 18th annual Bavarian Blast Parade. The parade began in 2008 and has been an annual celebration of New Ulm’s German heritage ever since. Kids lined the streets with bags ready for candy, while families cheered from the sidewalks and waved to the floats.

The weekend wrapped up with Big Top Radio performing their “Revenge of the ’80s” set, bringing an energetic end to a weekend filled with music, memories, and community pride.

Michelle Braulick was able to keep her arm straight the longest during the Women’s division of the Bavarian Blast Stein Holding contest. Braulick said the secret to wining the contest was determination.

Over a dozen men lined up for the Stein Holding Contest. Each contestant had to hold a full stein straight out by the hand.

Bryce Boelter, dressed as Hermann the German, leads the Bavarian Blast parade down State Street Sunday afternoon.

Big Top Radio closes out Bavarian Blast on Sunday evening with their “Revenge of the ’80s” set. Photo by Jared Winter

Photo by Clay Schuldt Tom Petty Tribute band Free Fallin’ return to Bavarian Blast to open Saturday evening’s performance.

Just For Kix – New Ulm dancers march in the Bavarian Blast Parade, showing off their spirit and synchronized moves to the cheering crowd. Photo by Jared Winter

The winners of the men’s and women’s stein holding contest, Paul Rahmann and Michelle Braulick celebrate their strong armed victory. Photo by Clay Schuldt