|
|
|
Saturday, July 17, 1999
By SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Heritagefest is moving into its second and final weekend with string of days that have proved to be above average weather for fest-goers. Heritagefest continues at the Brown County Fairgrounds with gates opening 11 a.m. each day; closing at midnight tonight and concluding Sunday at 10:30 p.m. "The weather has been almost too perfect -- we've been blessed, I don't think we've ever had this many nice days in a row," said Heritagefest Executive Director Leo Berg, "We're used to rain, storms, and the heat, the weather the last five years has been tough. I think people have to understand that the good Lord gives us weather and we have to deal with it." Berg said he has noticed people enjoy the fest by smiling more when the weather is nice. "The music is unusually good this year," Berg said, "We have three European groups which are exceptional and we also have the Mollys from Tucson, Ariz. I think people will agree -- yes it's (Mollys) different music, but it's upbeat and positive music." Berg said that while the Bayrischer Revival Band was traveling here from Austria to perform this weekend, one of the band member's accordion was accidentally left behind in Chicago. The Heritagefest staff had to Federal Express the instrument so it will reach the fest grounds by mid-afternoon Saturday. A couple different individuals have loaned their accordions to the band until the other instrument arrives today. The other European bands performing this weekend are Slowenische Sterne from Slovenia, and Hotz N' Plotz from Germany. A special upcoming event at Heritagefest this year is a 50-year reunion of Miss New Ulm Queens on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Introductions of the queens will be made in the Bayerwald Open Air Stage. "There were 50 invitations sent out to the Miss New Ulm Queens, and we had 36 who responded," said Berg, "We're really happy about that." A 115 unit parade is planned for Sunday beginning at 12:30 p.m. inside the Heritagefest grounds. The parade will move down North State Street to 6th Street North and then over to Franklin Street and returns back to the fest grounds. "People really like the parade," said Berg, "We usually get about 25,000 to 30,000 people in attendance for the parade. We've stuck to about 100 units in the parade for 25 years and it's been a good, proven way to do it." According to Berg, another highlight for the weekend is a presentation of a $50,000 check in a donation by Target store to help restore the 1897 Hermann Monument in New Ulm. The presentation will occur at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Bayerwald Stage. Target will open in New Ulm on Sunday, July 25. Berg said one of the highlights of Friday was a presentation made by German Camp students, which was held at Martin Luther College. Approximately 36 children age 8-10 years old recited numbers, sang German songs and shared what their names are in German. If there are fest-goers who are looking for something a little different besides the music, beer and food, they can go check out the arts and crafts building, Berg said. "It's a good way to spend some time," said Berg, "The photo exhibit in the arts and crafts building is just excellent this year -- it has to be one of the best ones we've had so far. A lot of people don't go down to those buildings and if they don't then they're missing out."
|