Flandrau festers enjoy water in the warm weather

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- FlandrauFest 2002 played out in near-perfect weather as hundreds of visitors enjoyed dips in the pool, tubing on the Minnesota River and all the competitive events offered at Flandrau State Park Saturday.

Started in 1988 by Friends of Flandrau, the 14th annual event opened in late morning under a sunny sky, with a mild wind cooling the competitors and spectators and keeping the bugs at bay.

One of the early events was the Medallion Hunt, open to all ages, for a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. The prize went to 6-year-old Emily Earhart of West St. Paul.

She spotted the white poker chip-like "medallion" in an open area of grass near three metal covers. The chip had the words "FlandrauFest 2002" marked in ink, but while Emily was certain it was real, her dad was skeptical.

"Is this for real, or is this a joke?" he asked registration officials.

"It's for real; your daughter is the winner," they told him. Officials had posted seven clues to help people in their search for the medallion.

In addition to the hunt for the medallion and the river tubing, there were competitions for various age groups in sand sculpturing, the ring toss, the water balloon cage, the soccer goal kick, pool races in an obstacle course, croquet hoop shoot, freestyle Hula Hoop and the Limbo.

And for kids 4 years of age and younger, there was the "duck grab" in the pool where beach balls replaced ducks. The Hula Hoop competition was the most challenging as competitors were encouraged to add creative elements to the standard keeping-the-hoop-in-motion routine.

All this activity was supported by music provided by Mega Matt Sound & Light Show, operated by Matt Wiechmann of Mankato. He was assisted by Jason Schapekahm of New Ulm, a student at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

And no event would be complete without concessions, one of which was operated by the New Ulm Figure Skating Club.

All in all, it's a case of a lot of people kicking back, enjoying the park facilities and having a good time, said Assistant Park Manager Tom Schmitz.

"We put this on so people can have a fun time, a great time," said Floyd Alwin of New Ulm, president of the fest sponsors, Friends of Flandrau, "with the registration fees for events producing some profit that is turned back into the park."

As a result of its fundraising efforts, Alwin said the group has donated 20 trees for planting in the park this year.