NEW ULM — A big crowd gathered for this week’s Concert in the Park featuring The Mages Family Band and Black Diamond Band. The musical group, led by Larry Mages of Lafayette, Minnesota, included several members of the Mages family and performed a wide-ranging mix of music that spanned country, polka, gospel, and a blend of original and cover songs.

This week’s concert had a new twist with the addition of the Illegal Amigos food truck, based out of Sleepy Eye. The food truck offered a variety of options for attendees to enjoy during the concert, allowing many to have dinner and a drink while listening to live music.

One of the highlights of the evening was the interaction between Larry Mages and the crowd. Known for his energetic performances and friendly personality, Mages asked the audience who had traveled the farthest to attend the show. To everyone’s surprise, there were visitors all the way from Virginia and Oregon in attendance. Larry thanked the crowd during the show, saying, “It was a wonderful crowd tonight,” and expressed his appreciation to everyone who came to support the performance.

Next week’s Concert in the Park will continue the tradition of family-friendly entertainment with a performance by the beloved Schell’s Hobo Band, known for their upbeat and playful style. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., but the fun will start earlier as it coincides with New Ulm’s National Night Out Celebration, taking place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., also at German Park.

The National Night Out event will be a fun and interactive evening for all ages. There will be local food trucks offering food for purchase, live music, children’s games, and a vehicle and safety fair featuring emergency vehicles and community resources. Local nonprofit organizations will be on hand to share information and host activities. The event is sponsored by the New Ulm Police Department, Fire Department, Park and Recreation Department, and United Way, making it a true community collaboration.