The event was organized by the Human Rights Commission and held in conjunction with National Welcoming Week.

Commission member Sarah Leslie said the event aimed to introduce residents to local organizations and resources.

“We want them to come and meet their neighbors and see many of the organizations and the food options and things that we have in town that maybe people aren’t aware of,” Leslie said.

“There’s something here for everyone,” Benjamin Leslie said. “It’s cool to see all the booths and try different foods.”

New Ulm’s Human Rights Commission hosted a Welcoming Week event Friday in the City Hall parking lot, with informational booths, food trucks and family activities.

Booths were staffed by groups focused on equity and civic engagement, including COPAL, the League of Women Voters, ARC and Pro Kinship for Kids.

Children’s activities included a bounce house set up by volunteer Joe Lux.

“I just wanted to help out and make sure the kids had something fun to do,” Lux said.

Music was provided by commission member Dave Nissen.

“The playlist was designed to appeal to a wide audience,” Nissen said.

Human Rights Commission member Sarah Leslie and her son Benjamin pose Friday at the commission’s booth during New Ulm’s Welcoming Week event.

“Human Rights Commission Chair Kristen Springer suggested the free root beer floats,” said commission member Sarah Leslie.

Commission member Carl Zeidler said the event reflected the community’s values.

“Our community is a place where we can rely on folks, get to know folks and establish relationships that are lifelong and give you some sense that things are really okay,” Zeidler said.

The Human Rights Commission meets monthly at City Hall. More information is available on the city’s website.

Human Rights Commission member Sarah Leslie and her son Benjamin attend New Ulm’s Welcoming Week event Friday in the City Hall parking lot.

Commission members Dave Nissen, left, and Joe Lux manage music and activities during Welcoming Week Friday in New Ulm. The event was held in the City Hall parking lot.

Jinnie Guymong, right, poses with Kip the Bear during Welcoming Week Friday in New Ulm. Guymong is a mentor with Pro Kinship for Kids, which promotes youth support and family equity.