The Crazy Day celebration officially started at 3 p.m. Friday with the placement of the artificial turf on Minnesota Street between Center and 1st North. The turf will remain in place through Saturday for the Polka Palooza celebration. The first band to take the stage was The Misfits followed by the Tanner Stark Band.

In between the musical, the U.S. Steinholding Association held a qualifying event. The Minnesota State Championship for steinholding will be held Oct. 3 during New Ulm’s Oktoberfest celebration.

Crazy Days is however about more than Polka Palooza and steinholding contests. The main purpose of the celebration is a retail celebration. Downtown businesses were encouraged to hold sidewalk sales during the event.

Several downtown shops hosted Crazy Days deals starting in the morning.

The Misfits perform during the opening of the Crazy Days Polka Palooza on Friday. Their performance was followed by the U.S. Steinholding Association qualifying event. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Kelly Munce, owner of Mabel’s Merkantil at 204 N. Minnesota Street said her shop was way busier than on a normal Friday. The store had a large share of customer in it throughout the day.

Munce said business was much better than last year’s Crazy Days. One year ago, Mabel’s Merkantil was still a new business and customers were still trying to find them. This year was significantly better.

“I surpassed last year’s sales within the first two hours,” Munce said.

The staff at Wunderberg Collective, 21 N. Minnesota Street, directly across the street from the Polka Palooza stage, said Crazy Days was living up to its reputation. Co-owner Jackie Berg said it was a “crazy day at Wunderberg,” with significantly more customers than the average Friday.

“We haven’t even put clothes out on the sidewalk yet,” said co-owner Jen Berg.

Crazy Day shoppers review the discount books on sale outside of Lykke Books. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Wunderberg traditionally takes part in Crazy Days sidewalk sales. The staff planned to place several racks on the sidewalk Saturday, but were impressed with how many customers came without the extra enticement.

Jen Berg said the top selling items were summer clothes.

Employee Brighton Muklebust said they were also selling some rare one off items, such as jewelry and small accessories. One customer even bought a dining room table.

Lykke Books owner Brie Taralson also had to admit it was a crazy Friday, way busier than last year’s Crazy Days.

Taralson said she noticed many of the customers today were first-time shoppers who had come from out of town with the majority from Mankato.

Brighton Muklebust (left) and Jen Berg (right) at Wunderberg Collective discuss the busy sales day. On Friday, the shop sold a lot of summer clothes, but also some unusual items; such as a dining room table. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Retails business is expected to increase Saturday starting with the 9 a.m. Crazy Day’s Ping Pong Drop. Several buckets full of ping pong balls, each featuring a store discount, will be dropped from the roof of Gallery 512 onto Minnesota Street. The balls can be turned in for a discount later.

The Mini-Marktstrasse hand-crafted artisan vendor show will also begin at 9 a.m. This year, the vendor show will be held indoors at NU Franklin, 126 N. Minnesota Street.

Another second craft and vendor show will be held in the city hall parking lot between 9 am and 2 pm.

Polka Palooza performances continue Saturday, starting with the Bockfest Boys at noon; Dain’s Dutchman at 4 p.m. and Zero-Below at 8 p.m.

Crazy Days is organized by the New Ulm Business & Retail Association (NUBRA), a committee of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce.

Recently, New Ulm was selected as Minnesota’s 2026 Retail Community of the Year by the Minnesota Retailers Association. The recognition celebrates communities that demonstrate exceptional support for local retailers and foster vibrant shopping districts through collaboration, community events, and economic development. 

“Crazy Days showcases everything that makes New Ulm’s retail community special,” said Sarah Warmka, President and CEO of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. “From locally owned shops and unique boutiques to restaurants, attractions, and community events, it’s a weekend that celebrates the businesses that make New Ulm such a vibrant place to shop. Receiving statewide recognition as Minnesota’s Retail Community of the Year makes this year’s Crazy Days even more meaningful.”