Bockfest, Fasching today

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Two great parties -- the 14th Annual Bockfest and Fasching, the German Mardi Gras, will go on Saturday at Schell's Brewery and Turner Hall.

The Great Bock Hunt begins at 11 a.m. in and around Flandrau State Park. Hunters will use clues to help find the seven Bocks of Winter.

Prizes will be awarded for each Bock including $100 for the capture of King Bock.

Bonfires will help warm fest-goers, caramelize their hearty, original and designer Schell's beer into a warm, frothy head, and make them merry. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.

Revelers can also feast on bratwurst, kraut, soups, cheese, bread sticks, sausages, and more. Don't forget the foot-stomping music of the Bock Fest Boys, beer tasting, old photos, Bock Fest shirts, glassware and gift items in the museum and gift shop. The Warren "Schmaltz" Marti Parade will wind through the brewery grounds.

The Bock Fest Boys will feature some new musical wrinkles. A celebrity stage will be used for new musical attractions. Musicians will be protected from the elements with plastic sheets. Fest-goers are encouraged to dress for the weather.

The band will be larger with five more musicians joining the six-piece band. Strategically-placed horns will create quadra-sonic sound.

"We've got some new things that people will be amazed with," band member and New Ulm native Scott Sparlin said.

Admission is $5. Valid IDs are required for all beer purchases.

Fasching, the German Mardi Gras, will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Turner Hall. The Bruce Bradley Band will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4:30 p.m.; the Concord Singers will perform from 1 to 2 p.m., 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Peter and Paul Wendinger 5:30 to 8 p.m. and 9:30 to 11 p.m.

Anybody showing up in a full-body costume is eligible for a door prize. The Parade of Costumes will be held from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Food and drink will be available. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Heritagefest Office, 118 1/2 N. Minnesota and the lower level of Turner Hall, 102 S. State.