Staff photo by Fritz Busch During the 2024 Turner Dodge Ball tournament, Chris Dalton, left, of the Misfits dodgeball team defended against Brown County Yellow Ribbon Ulmers from left, Shane Guy, Rachel Youngblom, Dan Sowers and Miranda Mathiowetz. The Ulmers ultimately won the eight-team tournament last year.

NEW ULM — New Ulm’s Turner Park will be buzzing with energy on Saturday as Turner Hall hosts its Second Annual Dodgeball Tournament — a spirited fundraiser to help replace the Hall’s aging water tank.

Jeanne Kretsch, longtime Turner Hall volunteer and event organizer, shared details about the day-long event, encouraging teams and spectators alike to “get ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive — and dodge again.”

Kretsch emphasized the welcoming nature of the tournament.

“It’s all in good fun, and we want everyone to come out and cheer,” she said.

The tournament begins at 9 a.m. and features co-ed teams, a Best Uniform Contest, and cash payouts for top finishers. Teams typically consist of six to 10 players, and participants must be age 18 or older to compete. Spectators are encouraged to bring their cheer squads and enjoy the action from the sidelines.

Beyond the dodgeball matches, the event offers a full day of entertainment, including an outdoor cookout, live music in the park, and a beer garden with a variety of beverages — from soda to craft brews. While the food lineup is still being finalized, Kretsch hinted at family-friendly favorites like hot dogs and root beer.

The fundraiser supports a critical infrastructure need: replacing Turner Hall’s water tank, which has served the facility for nearly a century.

“We’ve been told it can’t be welded again,” Kretsch said. “This tournament helps us move closer to a permanent solution.”

Turner Park is located at 102 South State St., with additional parking at back entrance. Registration and details can be found on Turner Hall’s event page at turnerhallevents.com/dodgeball-2025.