Participants received free admission with a donation to the local food shelf.

“It’s been a longstanding tradition for New Ulm Parks and Recreation to partner with The New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf for this season,” said Ben Doeden of New Ulm Parks and Recreation.

The New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf is a volunteer-run organization that provides food, as needed, to families and individuals monthly. And is proud to Serve residents of School District 88, to include the cities of New Ulm, Searles, Hanska, Essig, Courtland, and Lafayette. 

Kelly Frederickson, Miss Brown County Global United, volunteered for the event by taking food and helping with admission.

Hundreds of New Ulm residents attended Santa Skate this Sunday afternoon at the Civic Center. The event raised over 200 cans and boxes of non-perishable food items for the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf.

“This is so families don’t have to go hungry, and they can know there’s a place they can go if they need some help,” said Frederickson.

The Civic Center ice rink was full of ice skaters both old and young, from couples to teens to families with their small children. After having a chance to meet Santa and maybe take a photo, children received candy and darted back to the ice.

“We came to the event because we play hockey,” Melissa Schultz said. “My husband skates in an old man league two to three times a week. The prices of groceries are so high right now, and something like this is also good for the little ones to figure out.”

Geoff Torzewski attended with his two-year-old son, Ivan, who had been on the ice a few times before and very excited to see Santa.

“The partnership with the food shelf is good because it makes sure people have enough,” said Geoff Torzewski.

Izzie Crispin, Santa Claus, and Maddix Lane posing for a picture during Santa Skate last Sunday afternoon.

“We’re having a lot of fun,” said Dustin Sauder who was there with wife and three children.

Not only was the event enjoyable–it was also successful.

“About 170 to 180 people attended and just under 200 cans and boxes of non-perishable food items were donated,” said Doeden.

To donate to the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf please visit their website at newulmfoodshelf.com or call (507) 354-7668.

Santa was glad to see the spirit of Christmas in the hearts of so many in New Ulm.

Nora, Dustin, and Wesley Sauder ice skating at Stanta Skate last Sunday afternoon. Photo by Charlie M. Hartman

“I don’t stop in New Ulm often because I live in the North Pole, but this was a nice event,” said Santa Claus.