Berlin journalists report on the most German town in America — New Ulm
Marley Lackermann stands outside the American Legion Post 132 in New Ulm, holding the Frühstücksfernsehen microphone. (Photo by Marvin McWhorter)
Marvin McWhorter photographs German treats at Domeier’s German Store in New Ulm. (Photo by Marley Lackermann)
Marvin McWhorter, Marley Lackermann and Ruth Schaefer inside the Bierhalle at Schell’s Brewery. Ron and Ruth Schaefer hosted the visiting journalists during the second weekend of Oktoberfest. Photo by Ron Schaefer. Submitted photo
Marvin McWhorter, Ron Schaefer, Ruth Schaefer, Marley Lackermann, Bella Miller and Jimmy Allis gather during the second weekend of Oktoberfest at Schell’s Brewery. Photo by Jim Erdman. Submitted photo
Marvin McWhorter wears a Schell’s Bockfest sweatshirt in Times Square, New York, between Oktoberfest weekends. Photo by Marley Lackermann Submitted photo
Marley Lackermann stands outside the American Legion Post 132 in New Ulm, holding the Frühstücksfernsehen microphone. (Photo by Marvin McWhorter)
Marvin McWhorter photographs German treats at Domeier’s German Store in New Ulm. (Photo by Marley Lackermann)
Marvin McWhorter, Marley Lackermann and Ruth Schaefer inside the Bierhalle at Schell’s Brewery. Ron and Ruth Schaefer hosted the visiting journalists during the second weekend of Oktoberfest. Photo by Ron Schaefer. Submitted photo
Marvin McWhorter, Ron Schaefer, Ruth Schaefer, Marley Lackermann, Bella Miller and Jimmy Allis gather during the second weekend of Oktoberfest at Schell’s Brewery. Photo by Jim Erdman. Submitted photo
Marvin McWhorter wears a Schell’s Bockfest sweatshirt in Times Square, New York, between Oktoberfest weekends. Photo by Marley Lackermann Submitted photo
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NEW ULM -- Millions of viewers across Europe got a glimpse of New Ulm this fall when a feature about the city's Oktoberfest aired on Frühstücksfernsehen, one of Germany's most-watched morning shows.
The segment, which first aired Nov. 11, highlighted New Ulm's parade, Schell's Brewery, downtown festivities and the community's strong German heritage.
Berlin-based reporter Marley Lackermann and her partner, cameraman Marvin McWhorter, traveled from Germany to film New Ulm's Oktoberfest for the program. They initially reached out about producing a segment on "Oktoberfests in other countries." But after digging deeper into New Ulm's history, they shifted focus to what makes New Ulm the most German town in America.
The couple spent the first weekend of Oktoberfest, Oct. 3-4, filming at Schell's Bierhalle, downtown celebrations, the parade and many of New Ulm's German landmarks. Because their trip came together quickly -- planning began in September, just a few weeks before Oktoberfest -- most hotels were already booked. Sarah Sveine at the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce worked directly with the Best Western to secure them a room despite the shortage. She has continued to stay in touch with the couple since their visit.
During that weekend, they met Ron and Ruth Schaefer at Schell's Bierhalle. Ron works as a brewery tour guide and bartender, while Ruth had studied German in school and was delighted to practice with native speakers. Before the couple left for New York City, the Schaefers invited them to return for the second weekend of Oktoberfest -- and to stay at their home.
Despite Lackermann having a friend's wedding in the Twin Cities, the couple accepted the offer and returned the following Saturday. They arrived at Schell's Brewery just as Ron and Ruth finished their Oktoberfest shifts, eager to spend time with their new friends.
With hotels again full, Lackermann and McWhorter stayed at the Schaefers' home. Ron and Ruth introduced them to numerous friends at the brewery and at after-parties. Over breakfast the next morning, they discussed cultural differences between New Ulm and Germany.
"In Germany, it's so expensive to get a driver's license," McWhorter explained. "Here, everyone drives, but back home more people rely on public transportation."
Millions of viewers across Europe saw their impressions of New Ulm when the segment aired. The report highlighted Oktoberfest traditions, the parade, local landmarks and the hospitality that made the German visitors feel at home.
For Lackermann and McWhorter, the trip became more than an assignment -- it was the beginning of a lasting friendship. They've stayed in touch with the Schaefers and with Sveine, and have expressed eagerness to return to New Ulm, whether for next year's Oktoberfest or sooner.
"We told them they're welcome to stay with us whenever they return," Ron Schaefer said. "We feel we've made wonderful long-term friends."
The segment can be viewed on the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.