He was one of a few people sitting on top of ladders during the street sales at Crazy Days; in case you weren’t sure, yes, he was spotting for shop lifters.

Shay, 16, was sitting atop the ladder for Herberger’s,making sure no one forgot to pay for merchandise they picked up.

Every year, he says, two or three people are caught trying to make a good thing out of Crazy Days that way.

But in general, his 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift in the catbird seat is rather uneventful.

CRAZY DAY CROWDS early today search the outdoor displays of New Ulm’s businessmen. The annual event took place in a barricaded area of main street to provide pleasant shopping surroundings. (Photo by Steve Kohls)

Is it boring?

“Yeah, quite, not much excitement.”

How does he keep from falling asleep?

“I don’t know. I just watch.”

What does he watch for?

“There’re quite a few people that stare at you two or three times. Then you start watching them.”

Does he watch for anything else while he’s up there – like girls dressed in halter tops, for instance?

“It’s one of the fringe benefits of the job.”

New Ulm Daily Journal

July 24, 1975