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July 19, 1999
Heritagefest enjoys banner yearOfficials pleasedwith attendanceBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- The 25th year of Heritagefest closed Sunday with nearly record breaking crowd attendance Saturday. "I think this was the best Heritagefest we have put on," said Heritagefest President Hugh Nierengarten, "We had ideal weather, performers and audiences. We've never seen a better Heritagefest." Leo Berg, Heritagefest Executive Director, said all of the bands did very well at Heritagefest this year. "This will be a banner year for us," said Berg, "The bands did very well. They were very easy going and cooperative. They really worked hard and did a good job." Berg said the crowd Saturday evening "seemed to be huge" with many younger and older people alike who came to hear the Tex-Mex, Irish-American-and Mexican folk band called the Mollys. "Everyone was happy. I've had a lot of comments on how much people liked them (Mollys)," said Berg. The parade went off with a bang because the rain ended just in time for people to line the parade route. There were approximately 120 units in the parade, according to Berg. "It's always a good parade," said Lorraine Kral of New Ulm. Not only were fest officials pleased with Heritagefest, but so were the people who attended the festival. "I think it's a fun deal," said Elsie Roemhildt, of Waseca, "You've got good music, food, arts and crafts, and you can move around. Overall, it's a good setup. You're sure to like something." The only complaint Roemhildt had was that there should be more coupon booths on the grounds. Roemhildt took a tour bus here and it was her first visit to Heritagefest. A Storden man, who has been attending Heritagefest for the past 10 years said, "It's a real interesting thing. I think it's great; there's variety here. I enjoy music," said Fred Teufer, "It would have been better without the rain, though." Teufer said he will be back next year. An Iowa couple, Hermann and Margit Schäfer, who are originally from Germany, came to Heritagefest because Hermann's friend Dan Nelson back home encouraged them to go. They traveled 460 miles from Burlington, Iowa, to the festival. "Everyone's easy going here," said Hermann, "It's unique music. The food is excellent. I've enjoyed it, and I'm glad I came here." The only complaint the Schäfers had was that there should be more signs throughout the City of New Ulm during Heritagefest to help people find the festgrounds more easily. Berg said that the only criticism he has heard during Heritagefest has been concerning the bathroom facilities at the festgrounds and also the condition of the dirt road that passes through the fest grounds after it rains. Solutions to improve these conditions are being sought by Heritagefest officials, Berg said.
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