Brats, music, cannon fire: Heritagefest opens

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Heritagefest officials proclaimed an excellent opening day Friday, and anticipate good weather for the rest of the weekend.

"It's a very nice Friday for us. It's probably one of the best starts we've had, " said Heritagefest Executive Director Leo Berg. "It was warmer than last year. It was nice business all day, we were very encouraged."

Heritagefest runs this and next weekend at the Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm.

With a great deal of preparation done in the week prior to the opening, Berg said good weather helped out.

The success of Heritagefest depends on business done on Saturdays, with approximately 60 percent done then.

"The weather reports look good," said Berg, "We're looking forward to the road race (today). We've had a good number of people sign up."

The German Vice-Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs Torsten Schoell, who is stationed in Chicago, was invited to the opening.

"Knowing New Ulm and knowing Germany and the special relationship between them, I felt it was indispensable to be present here," said Schoell, "It's a nice way to show the heritage of the city and acquaint people with the past and the heritage ... and people also enjoy the good food, arts and crafts."

Schoell said his wife, whom he met while living in Africa, is from St. Cloud and her grandmother lives in Morgan.

"It's always nice to come here and visit with friends and to enjoy the nice atmosphere," he said.

As part of the celebration, Marktstrasse will be held in downtown New Ulm from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be approximately 100 vendors inside and outside the Marktplatz Mall, selling a items like clothing, wood crafts, painted items, and floral arrangements. Various musical entertainment will be showcased all day in front of the C.A.N.U. Kiesling House gallery beginning at 9 a.m.