2002 Heritagefest lost $62,000

New Fest Halle,

mariachi band

planned for '03

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Despite the fact that Heritagefest lost money for the second straight year, festival officials voiced enthusiasm for the 29th annual event set for July 11-13 and 18-20 at the Brown County Fairgrounds.

Operating expenses for 2002 were listed at $406,108 while operating revenue was $343,956 according to data shared at the Heritagefest Annual Meeting Wednesday at the Kaiserhoff. Heat and high humidity and resulting lower food and beverage revenue were listed as the main reasons for the loss of more than $62,000.

Heritagefest will have several new aspects this year. The new, air-conditioned, multi-purpose room on the fairgrounds will be replace the Edelweiss tent. A mariachi band, which features traditional Mexican music usually played by strolling musicians, will perform.

A more aggressive marketing, advertising and media campaign is on tap with two new festival staffers. Sara Thompson will be a full-time festival assistant. Kathy Austinson will be a part-time sales and marketing associate.

Seven festival sponsors are The Journal of New Ulm; KNUJ AM 860, Brat 107.3 and 94.7 The Country Hog; August Schell Brewing Co.; Pepsi; New Ulm Telecom Inc.; Tim Warner Cable; and KEYC Channel 12 of Mankato.

Repeat features of the festival will be:

* Continuous family entertainment with activities for youth in the Kinderfest area and European performers.

* Ethnic food and beverage specialties.

* A parade on Sunday, July 20.

* Two-mile and 10K (6.2 mile) foot races and the Kinderlauf children's race at Saturday, July 12.

* Arts and crafts exhibits.

* A nightly cannon performance by the New Ulm Battery.

* A Bavarian-style gift shop.

* Tuba Mania on Sunday, July 13.

* Daily 20-minute beer tasting sessions and brewing process explanations.

Heritagefest President Hugh Nierengarten was re-elected.

"It's not fun to hear about our finances, but it is fun to be involved in this festival," Nierengarten said. "We want it to continue to be fun. I believe we're on the upswing towards positive cash flow. I look forward to a bright future. Thank you to all individuals and groups that support us."

Nierengarten pointed out that the festival still has stable funding.

The top, legitimate complaint of the festival -- lack of rest rooms -- will be further addressed this year with the addition of the new facility at the fairgrounds, Nierengarten said.

Other Heritagefest officers were re-elected, They are Vice President Dick Seeboth, Treasurer Bruce Fenske and Secretary Shirley Meidl.

Heritagefest directors elected to three-year terms were Shirley Meidl, Bob Ranweiler, Kathleen Backer and Dick Wilbrecht.