NEW ULM — More than 6,000 people attended Oktoberfest at Schell’s Brewery Saturday.

That figure and favorable weather compares closely to last year’s event that drew 5,600 people with temperatures in the 70s under sunny skies.

Last year, DJ music was moved back into an area of the brewery previously reserved for the Schell’s deer pen, to accommodate more of a brewery crowd.

“We counted 6,094 people entering the brewery this year. The weather and music were great and the beer kept flowing,” said Schell’s Visitor Center General Manager Curt Van Asten. “We’re always excited to be here. It’s sad to see it go, but we continue to plan how to quickly get as many people as we can into the brewery. We’ll meet in the coming weeks to see what improvements we can make for next year.”

Best Western Plus General Manager Bobbi Fuhr said Oktoberfest was a great two weekends there.

“Our rooms were almost totally full both weekends,” she said. “I think everybody really had a good time. Lots of people told us they really liked the polka music. I think the nice weather really helped. People said they really liked the shuttle vans that took them to the brewery and downtown too.”

Fuhr said the Concord Singers are always a huge hit.

“We may bring them back for both weekends next year,” she said. “The restaurant and bar outside the ballroom were pretty busy both weekends. We opened the restaurant an hour earlier, at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, which guests really appreciated.”

New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Warmka said Oktoberfest turnouts were great both weekends.

“There were a lot of people in town, which was great. Our restaurants and retailers saw an uptick. The motels in and around New Ulm were full. It’s great for the community and area. We love it,” she said.