The event, organized by the New Ulm Farmers Market Steering Committee, offered free family activities from 9 a.m. to noon alongside regular vendor sales.

Musician Chris Bertrand performed acoustic sets. A guitar string broke during his performance. Bertrand replaced it with a spare. 

He said the market had no power hookups for an amplifier. Bertrand said he has considered buying a portable power station for future events.

“They can get pretty spendy, but I think they would definitely be worth it,” he said.

Children and families participate in styrofoam plate printmaking with The Grand Center for Arts & Culture during the Farm to Fun Days event at the New Ulm Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20. High school volunteer Skylar Lyimo (center, in white t-shirt) helps guide the activity. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Caricaturist Michael Kamish of Minneapolis drew portraits, including one of Crystal Johnson, office manager at the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, and her husband Dylan.

Kamish said he was drawing caricatures since roughly 1991. His brothers Paul Kamish, a sculptor, and David Kamish, also a caricaturist, are part of the family’s artistic network. Opportunities often come through artist connections, he said.

At The Grand Center for Arts & Culture station, high school volunteer Skylar Lyimo led styrofoam plate printmaking. Participants scratched designs into foam plates with pencils, applied ink and pressed them onto paper. 

Olivia Norquist, marketing and programming coordinator at The Grand, said Lyimo planned and led the activity as part of an outreach program.

“She’s been doing a great job with it,” Norquist said.

Chris Bertrand sings during his performance at the New Ulm Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20. (Photo by Amy Zents)

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce covered the fee for a bounce house. New Ulm Park and Recreation staffed the bounce house along with games. 

Ben Doeden, recreation program supervisor for the City of New Ulm, said the Rec on the Go program offers recreation for all ages including arts and crafts, bounce houses, 9-square, gaga ball, bucket golf, corn hole and more. The goal is to bring recreation to community spaces throughout the city.

Balloon artist Michelle Berberich of Springfield, who performs as Totally Twisted Balloon Art, created balloon sculptures for children waiting in line.

Berberich worked with Fynn Vavra of New Ulm, known as Fynnicle the Clown.

When asked about making large bubbles with a giant bubble wand, Fynnicle said, “It depends on the weather sometimes.” 

Fynnicle the Clown also drew faces with a marker on some of the balloons Michelle made

Kids’ games with the Wanda Gág House kept younger attendees entertained throughout the morning. 

Vendors sold fresh produce and other goods throughout the morning. Shoppers moved between stands and activity areas until the event ended at noon.

The Farmers Market operates Thursdays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through the season. Additional Farm to Fun Days are scheduled for July 11, Aug. 22 and Sept. 12.