Volunteers make it all possible

The Journal gives a big thumbs up to the volunteers who make the Community Friends Thanksgiving possible. This year approximately 125 volunteers help prepare, serve, and clean up after the community dinner. This is an amazing feat or organizing made possible by support from the community. This year broke dining records with 1,520 meals served. Around 900 meals were served in the dining hall and 620 were takeouts and deliveries.

The upside-down tree is a big hit

This year New Ulm decided to get experimental with its Christmas decorations and it has paid off in a big way. Earlier this week, Kraus Tree Service cut down a 40-foot Christmas tree. The tree was hung upside down in Hermann Heights Park from a crane provided by Schaefer Crane. Linemen from the New Ulm PUC decorated the tree with lights on Wednesday. The idea to hang the tree upside-down came from the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce. The upside-down tree is a German tradition that dates back to St. Boniface in the seventh century. Placing the tree next to Hermann the German was a wise decision. The tree has attracted a lot of attention from its location at the top of Center Street Hill with many visiting the park at night to admire the lights. The upside-down tree is one example of how a city is able to maintain traditions, but also flip the script and try something new.

Parade of Lights and Turkey drop

The 36th Parade of Lights was held in New Ulm’s downtown Friday evening and this year featured 76 units, about ten more than last year. Despite the cold weather, the Parade of Lights always brings a sizable crowd to downtown New Ulm but this year was extra special with the addition of The Great Turkey Drop. Before the parade, KNUJ dropped stuffed toy turkeys off a building at 126 N. Minnesota Street. Anyone who caught a turkey won a prize. New Ulm is often cited as the City of Charm and Tradition. The Parade of Lights is an example of that tradition, but the community does keep things fresh with new ideas.