Members of the Downtown Action Team, including Rick Kamm and Deb Loverude, arrived early to begin stringing colorful lights on the park’s signature upside�’down Christmas tree. The soggy conditions did not make the job easy, but the group pressed on, determined to have the display ready in time.

Before long, Tony Guggisberg pulled in with a crew of about 10 helpers and a giant truck stacked high with fresh evergreens from his tree farm. Many of the trees were sponsored by local businesses and organizations, including Becky Bakes, United Way, Gallery 512 Boutique, Woodstone Senior Living, Alliance Bank, Citizens Bank MN, and others. Each tree was carefully lifted, set into place, and weighted down with sandbags contributed by M&R Paving to keep them steady in the wet November weather.

Among the decorators was the New Ulm Garden Club, whose members — Marilyn Hesse, Connie Grams, Julie Klover, Deb Steinberg, and Jerine Hoffmann — braved the rain to adorn their tree with floral and garden�’themed ornaments, each brought from home. Once finished, they covered the tree with plastic to protect their handiwork.

Despite the drizzle and cooler temps, spirits stayed light.

Lee and Yvonne Weber stand beside their decorated evergreen, sponsored under the name Mecklenburg Weber Ganser Clemente Family, during holiday preparations in German Park. Photo by Amy Zents

“It all needed to get done,” said Julie Klover as she set a garden gnome under the tree.

“It’s November — we’ll take rain over snow any day,” Steinberg, the club’s president.

Yvonne and Lee Weber decorated their own family tree, sponsored under the name Mecklenburg Weber Ganser Clemente Family, adding a personal touch to the lineup.

Yvonne Weber, who serves on both the Downtown Action Team and the Weihnachts Markt Committee, said that the only prize for the best�’decorated tree will be a certificate of appreciation, presented during Friday’s Christmas festivities.

The Weihnachts Markt celebration will culminate in the ceremony lighting of the upside�’down Christmas tree at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 before the start of the Parade of Lights.

Members of the New Ulm Garden Club, including Jerine Hoffmann, decorate their tree with floral and garden-themed ornaments brought from home, braving the rain to complete the display and covering it with plastic to protect their work. Photo by Amy Zents

Two potted evergreens at the entrance to German Park, contributed by Herbie Hedgehog & Gertie Goose, greet visitors with festive flair. Photo by Amy Zents