Shunkle Fest took place as part of activities tied to the Bavarian Blast festival weekend.

Adam Munsterman, dressed in German lederhosen, played a 100-year-old concertina with the band. 

The word lederhosen comes directly from German, with “leder” meaning leather and “hosen” meaning trousers.

The shunkeling set list included the New Ulm Polka, Cuckoo Waltz, Essig Polka, Kinder Polka and Westphalia Waltz. 

Shunkle Fest attendees form an archway for others to pass through during the KNUJ Shunkle Fest in New Ulm. (Photo by Amy Zents)

The band also performed “In Heaven There Is No Beer.”

Dain Moldan, the band leader of Dain”s Dutchman, added additional comments throughout the songs to liven them up.

Attendees took part in a Hokey Pokey session and shunkle swaying. 

A one-block parade followed. The band stopped for a performance inside Alliance Bank, across the street from the KNUJ Media Center.

Jeff and Bernice Kral from rural New Ulm said, “We always like to attend Shunkle Fest.” 

Kaylee Evans, a New Ulm royalty member attending for the first time, said, “I love the donuts before and the community and seeing people bright and early in the morning. The dancing is so much fun.”

Irish Queen Kathy Jo Lux and New Ulm Princesses attended. 

People of all ages participated in dancing along with the Narren, and New Ulm royalty.

The Narren performed rehearsed steps similar to line dancing. Members of the public followed along.

Jim Bartels of KNUJ said the event has been held annually since 2014. The term “shunkle” refers to the swaying dance common at polka gatherings.

The parade of shunklers follow the band leader and the keyboard player, Lorretta Gerasch as she held the amplifier for Moldan, while he played his concertina.

The group went up a block and crossed over the street. They entered Alliance Bank for an indoor performance.

Bank employees stood in the stairwell, and others came out of their offices to join in the fun.

The event concluded it’s back at Schonlau Park in front of the Glockenspiel.