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July 18, 1999
Misses New Ulm return to Heritagefest34 former title holders reunite at 25th annual HeritagefestBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer New Ulm -- An idea whose birth occurred in the early 1990's finally became a reality Saturday evening as 34 past Miss New Ulm's returned to the Heritagefest grounds in New Ulm in an event to reunite and honor these women. "New Ulm used to be known for its baseball, beer and brats," said Miss New Ulm Reunion Event Coordinator and former Mayor of New Ulm, Red Wyczawski. "Now we can say New Ulm will be known for its baseball, beer, brats and beauty. They are the class of our city." Wyczawski said the ideal time for this event was to plan it for the 25th Anniversary of Heritagefest and everything fell into place for it to occur. Approximately 49 invitations were sent out to past royalty and there were 34 ladies who made it to the Saturday event who live in MInnesota and the other ladies came from Colorado, Iowa, Florida, Ohio, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and Nebraska, according to Wyczawski. "It's been a great success and we'll do it again in 10 years," said Wyczawski, "My thought behind the reunion is that these people are part of our heritage, too." In 1996, planning started for the reunion and by fall of 1998, all 48 of the women's addresses were found and the women were notified of the event. "Trying to find these girls has been most intriguing," said Wyczawski. Of the women located, approximately 42 responded and of those who responded approximately 34 made it to New Ulm for the Miss New Ulm reunion. "I think coming back for a reunion is great," said Jill (Eyrich) Wilfahrt, former Miss New Ulm, who now lives Giessen, Germany with her husband who has been stationed there, "We're having fun talking to everyone here." One former Miss New Ulm said, "I think it's fun to see how everyone has changed," said Liz Wallner, of New Ulm. Another Miss New Ulm said, "I love Heritagefest and I try to come back every year," said Janalyn (Ginn) Phillips, who now resides in West DeMoines, Iowa. A morning brunch has been planned for the returning ladies and their spouses on Sunday morning at Washington School, New Ulm.
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