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July 12, 1999
Heritagefest concludes its first weekendFestgoers praiseatmosphere ofcelebrationBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- The mild weather on Sunday drew approximately 4,000 people to the Brown County Fairgrounds as the 25th Annual Heritagefest ended its first weekend. Whether they were gathered to hear a variety of music, from blue grass to gospel, or there to sample one of Schell's specialty beers, the crowds were festive and happy. The highlight of the day was the fifth annual Tuba Mania that began with a parade of tuba players around the festgrounds ending at the Edelweiss tent, where the ensemble performed a concert of popular tunes. Featured solo artist was 17-year-old Jeff Specht from Arden Hills, a senior in high school who has played tuba since he was eight. "I play by ear," he said. "I have used music and always use music when I play in the band at school, but I can hear a song once and am usually able to play it right away." Although his musical talents are wide-ranging, he enjoys playing the tuba the most. He hopes to be able to perform professionally after he graduates from college. "I really enjoy being here at Heritagefest," he said. "This is my first visit to New Ulm, but I am impressed with the heritage and the culture here. As a descendant of Germans, it is great to see such a stronghold of culture right here in the state." One of the more popular bands, judging from the size of the crowd at the Rosen North Tent, was New Oddyssey, a group whose musical style is designed to appeal to all ages and interests. "We chose the name of the band with an odd in it, because it describes what we do, in a way," drummer Gary Todd said. "We play a variety of instruments and a variety of music, because we have a goal of pleasing as many people as we can when we attend these types of festivals." The group hails from Chicago and has been a perennial favorite at Heritagefest. Although there are only three men in the band, they play 30 instruments and entertain with comedy, as well as music. "I am really impressed with the tremendous variety of entertainment that is available here," Albert Thompson of Belle Plaine said. "I came expecting to hear mainly folk music, which is okay, because I enjoy live German music. But, there is so much to offer guests here. I'm surprised at the level of entertainment." Throughout the day Thompson saw he Golden Knights parachute into the grandstand area, listened to several bands and enjoyed plenty of food and beer. Another highlight of this year's Heritagefest is the "Party Time" photographic exhibition in the arts and crafts building. The exhibit features 100 of the best photos from a recent competition sponsored by Parade magazine. "It is remarkable to see how many good photographers there are out there," Melissa Richards of Davenport, Iowa said. "And to be able to get an exhibit of this type at an event like this makes it even more memorable." Richards visited Heritagefest 20 years ago, while she was living near Gaylord. "The event this year is much more impressive than it was then," she said. "The bands are bigger and better. I think I'll come more often, instead of waiting 20 years to come back." Heritagefest opens again on Friday and continues through Sunday, July 18.
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