Ribs and dodgeball unite at Turner Hall
3rd annual Rib\\\'n & Dodgeball Fundraiser, Sept. 12
Teams compete during a past Turner Hall Dodgeball Tournament in Turner Park. The co-ed tournament requires at least three female players on the court, with games lasting three to seven minutes. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall)
Players settle the start of a match with rock-paper-scissors during a past Turner Hall Dodgeball Tournament. The tournament runs throughout the morning in Turner Park, with player registration opening at 8 a.m. and games starting around 9:15 a.m. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall)
Members of the Brown County Yellow Ribbon team pose with their trophy after winning the 2025 Turner Hall Dodgeball Tournament in Turner Park. The team, which won in 2024 and 2025 and is the two-time defending champion, is part of the Brown County Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall) Team members pictured include Skylar Pierce, Glenn Howell, Rachel Youngbloom, Shane Guy, Ashley Howell, Dan Sowers, Miranda Mathiowetz and Scott Konz. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall)
Teams compete during a past Turner Hall Dodgeball Tournament in Turner Park. The co-ed tournament requires at least three female players on the court, with games lasting three to seven minutes. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall)
Players settle the start of a match with rock-paper-scissors during a past Turner Hall Dodgeball Tournament. The tournament runs throughout the morning in Turner Park, with player registration opening at 8 a.m. and games starting around 9:15 a.m. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall)
Members of the Brown County Yellow Ribbon team pose with their trophy after winning the 2025 Turner Hall Dodgeball Tournament in Turner Park. The team, which won in 2024 and 2025 and is the two-time defending champion, is part of the Brown County Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall) Team members pictured include Skylar Pierce, Glenn Howell, Rachel Youngbloom, Shane Guy, Ashley Howell, Dan Sowers, Miranda Mathiowetz and Scott Konz. (Photo courtesy of Turner Hall)
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NEW ULM – Turner Hall of New Ulm will combine two fall fundraisers into one event Saturday, Sept. 12.
The Third Annual Dodgeball Tournament x Rib’n will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Turner Park at 102 South State Street.
Turner Hall Executive Director Andrea Boettger said the combined event will support building and grounds improvements and enhancements to Turner Park. Last year’s fundraiser funded replacement of the Hall’s water tank.
“This event is new in that it is combining our two fall fundraising events into one,” Boettger said. “Both events, in their third year, have supported building and grounds improvements and maintenance for New Ulm Turner Hall.”
Christensen Farms and Schwartz Farms are flagship sponsors. Boettger said they have supported the Rib Feast and Rib’n fundraisers for over a decade. Kelly Dalton H&R Block, McDonalds and Ed’s Chop Shop are additional sponsors for the dodgeball tournament.
The dodgeball tournament requires players to be 16 or older. Teams must have six to 10 players, with at least three female players on the court during play. Flyer guidelines list teams as co-ed with three men, three women and up to four optional players. Matches last three to seven minutes and run throughout the morning and early afternoon.
The defending champions are the Brown County Yellow Ribbon team. The team won in 2024 and 2025 and will return Sept. 12 attempting to win a third consecutive title.
“The event is not super competitive, although the Brown County Yellow Ribbon team is the two-time defending champs,” Boettger said.
Admission to the park is free and open to the public. Additional parking is accessible from the rear entrance.
Player registration opens at 8 a.m. Games start at 9:15 a.m. Event grounds open to the public at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. The Rathskeller restaurant will remain closed until 5 p.m. Sept. 12.
The beer garden opens at 10 a.m. and will serve soda and beer. The food tent opens at 11 a.m. Menu items include smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, bacon mac-n-cheese, smokehouse beans and sour cream and chive mashed potatoes. Christensen Farms’ Prairie Fresh ribs will be the centerpiece of the buffet.
“The event and festivities are free and open to the public and spectators are welcome,” Boettger said. “Bring a chair and enjoy some dodgeball, great weather, beer garden, kids activities, and a gourmet food buffet in Turner Park featuring Christensen Farm’s Prairie Fresh ribs.”
“We encourage folks to come out to enjoy the day, which we expect will wrap up around 5 p.m.,” she said.
Meal tickets are $25. Advance tickets are available at Turner Hall, the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce and on Eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/1994995455110. Tickets will also be sold at the event and take-out meals will be available.
The tournament includes $100 cash prizes for Best Team Name and Best Uniforms. Team registration costs $100. Teams can register on Eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/1991780659570 or via the New Ulm Turner Hall Facebook page.
Banner sponsorship opportunities remain available for the dodgeball field. Potential sponsors can contact Boettger at director@newulmturnerhall.com. Local businesses can arrange ticket delivery by calling 507-354-2022 or emailing events@newulmturnerhall.com.