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Hermannfest: New Ulm’s most unique festival is back

This Saturday New Ulm celebrates Hermannfest, which is possibly the most unique of all New Ulm festivals. The annual festival commemorates Arminius’ (Hermann’s) victory against three Roman legions at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. The battle took place Sept. 8-11 in CE 9. The festival takes place in the shadow of Hermann Monument, honoring the man who united the Germanic people against the Romans.

Each year, New Ulm celebrates the occasion with food, music, cannon fire and fireworks. The celebration runs from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Hermann and Harmon Park with most events free to the public.

Hermannfest is a wonderful tradition that serves to bring the community together. It also serves as an unofficial homecoming for past New Ulm residents. Each year, multiple class reunions are scheduled to coincide with Hermannfest.

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NU Airport gets

spotlight at Lion’s Fly-in Breakfast

Sunday morning, attention shifts from Hermann Heights Park to the New Ulm Municipal Airport for the Lion’s Club Fly-in Breakfast. The fly-in breakfast is a 50 year tradition in New Ulm. It is almost as old as the airport itself.

The event is used as a fundraiser to support sight, hearing and diabetes impairment as well as other humanitarian needs. Free KidSight eye testing will be available during the breakfast from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The fly-in breakfast is also a chance to spotlight the New Ulm Municipal Airport. The breakfast is the one time each year the public can see the airport in action. Dozens of planes and helicopters from across south central Minnesota are expected visit the airport for breakfast. Car shows are common in the area, an event centered around aircrafts is a welcome change of pace. The New Ulm Fire Department and Police Department are expected to have vehicles on display as well.

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Surgical expansion begins at NUMC

Construction has begun on an expansion to the New Ulm Medical Center’s (NUMC) surgical unit. The expansion will add 2,000 square feet to NUMC’s footprint. Allina Health is funding the project in the amount of $10 million. The local impact of the expansion will be decrease wait time for patients seeking surgery. The expansion will add a fourth operating room to NUMC as well as four surgery patient rooms for prep and recovery and expansion to the sterile processing area. The expansion will create greater efficiency in the surgery department and alleviate pressure in the emergency room by moving the procedure room out of the ER and into the new surgical wing. The expansion will greatly increase the capabilities of NUMC center and benefit those seeking medical care in the region.