Children danced around the Narrenbaum, played carnival-style games, crafted masks and joined lively parades led by costumed Narren characters from the fictional village of Gansstadt, or “Goosetown,” a playful nod to New Ulm’s German roots.

“We always try to have Kinderfasching so the kids know what it’s about,” said Otto, one of the bachelor brothers portrayed by a longtime Narren member who asked to remain anonymous, in keeping with tradition. 

“Once they’re familiar with the masks, the music and the fun, it’s not scary anymore, it’s exciting.”

Members of the Narren maintain strict anonymity, always appearing in costume and mask while portraying their characters.

The three Katzen, or cats, of the New Ulm Narren kiss the Narrenbaum during Kinderfasching, a tradition said to bring good luck. Photo by Amy Zents

The New Ulm Narren began in 1989 when co-founders Rita Waibel and the late Avonna Domeier appeared at Heritagefest wearing German wooden masks and costumes. Inspired by the masking traditions of Germany, the pair joined the celebration and gradually added more characters over the years.

“We started out with two people in 1989, and each year we added a few more,” Waibel said. “Now we’re up to about 40 characters.”

Leo Berg also played a role in helping the group get started during its early years.

Unlike traditional German Narren groups that draw from centuries-old folklore, the New Ulm Narren created their own village-style cast of characters to reflect community life.

These include Juergen the Pickleman, Rosa the Baker, Hap the Mayor, Fernelda the Aunt, Gusty the Festival Wind and the three Katzen, or cats.

Emilia Paa, 7, and Owen Paa, 3, pose with the Katzen characters of the New Ulm Narren during Kinderfasching at the New Ulm Public Library. Photo by Amy Zents

“Our legends here are still living,” Waibel said with a laugh. “So we decided to create a village instead.”

Kinderfasching was created to balance the adult-centered aspects of Fasching with activities designed especially for children and families.

At the library, children rotated through interactive stations including bean bag tosses, ring toss games, and a “flat as a pancake” rolling game. Mask decorating was among the most popular activities.

The celebration also featured traditional dances and chants. 

Children learned to dance around the Narrenbaum, participated in a “shunkle” walk swaying side to side, and followed a lively snake dance led by New Ulm Princesses Naomi Friese and KayLee Evans.

Otto, one of the bachelor brothers portrayed by a member of the New Ulm Narren, holds up his traditional mask during Kinderfasching at the New Ulm Public Library on Saturday. Photo by Amy Zents

The dance included the “Humba Humba” chant and playful trumpet motions.

Children were also told that kissing the Narrenbaum brings good luck, a tradition still practiced in parts of Germany.

Julia Paa attended the event with her children, Emilia, 7, and Owen, 3, both wearing handmade masks.

“My kids are obsessed with the Narren,” Paa said. “This is their favorite part of Fasching every year. We come every year, and they talk about it long after it’s over.”

Other families shared similar sentiments, noting how the welcoming environment allows children to interact comfortably with the masked characters.

Hap the Mayor, a character portrayed by a member of the New Ulm Narren, holds a beanbag with Rosa the Cook during Kinderfasching at the New Ulm Public Library on Saturday. Photo by Amy Zents

The three Katzen, in particular, encouraged children to count “Eins, zwei, drei” in German.

Kinderfasching also serves as an introduction to the larger Fasching season in New Ulm. In the days ahead, colorful cloth banners will appear downtown, signaling the approach of Fasching.

As part of the tradition, the Narren will playfully “kidnap” the mayor on Friday, temporarily taking over the city in a tongue-in-cheek reminder that Fasching is a time for turning the world upside down before Lent. 

Over the years, different New Ulm mayors have taken part in the tradition, starting with Joel Albrecht, followed by Robert Beussman, Terry Sveine, and most recently Kathleen Backer.

Festivities continue 1 p.m. – 4p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, with music and dancing at the Best Western, featuring the Nate Fredrickson Band. Admission is $10 for adults, with free entry for children.

New Ulm Princesses Naomi Friese and KayLee Evans attend Kinderfasching at the New Ulm Public Library. Photo by Amy Zents

New Ulm Princesses Naomi Friese and KayLee Evans join children in a traditional dance during Kinderfasching at the New Ulm Public Library. Photo by Amy Zents

From silly smiles to centuries-old traditions, Fasching fun on display, featuring hand-carved Narren masks. Photo by Amy Zents