Fun at Flandrau

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Despite threatening weather earlier in the day, several hundred people took part in Flandrau Fest Saturday at Flandrau State Park.

Friends of Flandrau member Floyd Alwin said attendance was down from previous years due to the weather, but that didn't stop events from going on.

Proceeds from the fest will go towards tree planting and getting new recycling containers near the swimming beach. A large hybrid ash tree was recently planted near the beach. A nearby tree was hit by lightning and heavily damaged this spring.

Flandrau Fest, formerly known as Beach Party, began in 1988 to celebrate the fact the park got a new sand-bottom pool.

Kids' games -- including a dunk tank, sling-shot water ballon delivery device and medallion hunt kept -- participants busy when they weren't enjoying the beach.

Other games included a beach ball hunt, The Whopper Hopper, hula hoop, sand sculptures, frisbee throwing, limbo, tug-of-war, hoop toss, basketball shoot, rubber duck race and river tubing and canoeing.

Pool races were also expanded this year with an obstacle course.

"The pool is what made the park really popular," Alwin said. "Believe it or not, the park is the tenth busiest state park in the state among almost 70 parks. That speaks well of this gem we have right here in New Ulm."