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Rolling out the green carpet for Oktoberfest

Opening weekend of Oktoberfest underway

By Dylan Jackson 3 min read

NEW ULM – Minnesota street began its transformation Friday morning with Oktoberfest upon the town.

Artificial turf and the corn pit, donated by sponsor Central United Cooperative, were both ready to go before noon.

New Ulm Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Sarah Warmka said that preparation for Oktoberfest is truly a collective community effort. Volunteers and sponsors alike come together in order to prepare the town for all of the visitors.

"At 1 p.m. we have a bunch of volunteers to do the rest of the setup," Warmka said.

Warmka said that one of the biggest struggles is finding volunteers.

"Trying to find all that manpower, it takes a lot," she said.

Over 100 volunteers assisted with everything that makes Oktoberfest in New Ulm what it is.

Bounce houses and inflatables were prepared, while blue and white checkered pennants were hung from the light poles, adding to the German feel.

"Zinniel Utility let us borrow these big spools people can stand around," Warmka said, "RVS graciously lets us borrow a bunch of garbage cans, they're a sponsor as well.

Festivities kicked off at 3 p.m. with food trucks and Concord Singers opening Minnesota Street's music acts.

Concord Singers Professor Tom Paluch led attendees in a singalong after teaching the pronunciation of German lyrics.

Member Henry Bode got the crowd moving by leading a dance.

"Everyone get up and dance to make room for more beer and brats," Bode said.

And dance they did. The crowd also got involved with singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

"Seeing all these people coming to our town and also seeing the locals coming out, it's a fun time," Warmka said. "Germans have more fun."

One of these visitors was Jeff Formo of Rollag, Minnesota. He's been close to attending before but decided this was the year. His family pushed him to make the trip.

"They told me it's something you have to see," Formo said.

The Misfits followed them up, playing until the U.S. Steinholding Association State Championship Qualifying event took place at 7 p.m.

Results were not available at the time of printing. Results of Friday's qualifier and Saturday's State Finals Tournament will be in Tuesday's paper.

Official keg tapping will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday on Center Street to begin celebrations for the day.

At 11 a.m. the Germanic-American Day Parade begins.

The Steinholding State Finals Tournament is at 5 p.m.

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