Volksmarch planned Oct. 7 in New Ulm

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Leslie Schipper hopes that people will kick off the Oktoberfest celebration by taking a walk through the town.

Schipper, program supervisor for the Park & Recreation Department, is organizing the 18th annual Volksmarch through New Ulm on Saturday, Oct. 7.

A Volksmarch is a "leisurely walk on a pre-marked route over a scenic or historic area," Schipper said. The 10-kilometer walk is non-competitive.

The walk is designed to show off significant spots in town. Many of the walkers are not New Ulm residents.

The walk will begin and end at Vogel Arena. The trek will stretch down Center Street, will enter German Park, go up into the Highland area, and then head through Flandrau State Park.

The walk will begin at 9 a.m. People can still register up to noon that day. However, all participants must complete the walk by 4 p.m. to obtain a medallion.

James Hartten of New Ulm has participated in every one of the city's Volksmarches. He displays his collection of medallions in a case with felt background. He also helps the city set up signs, telling walkers where the path goes.

"The reason I started was to get the medallions," he said.

Hartten agrees that many of the walkers, usually numbering 50 to 75 people, are not from town.

"Some of these people come from Iowa, North Dakota or the Twin Cities," Hartten said.

Many of the walkers are members of "Volksmarch clubs," where they earn credits or points for participating in walks across the state or country, Hartten explained.

"Ninety percent of the people who belong to the clubs, they like to get out in the parks and on the trails," Hartten said.

Schipper noted that the walk is mostly over city sidewalks or on groomed trails that will have a few steps.

Last year, one four-year-old child completed the walk, along with a person at age 70, she said.

"It's all ages throughout," Schipper said.

Hartten is usually the first person to complete the walk, doing it early in the morning. He then follows the regular Volksmarch participants in a truck, making sure that no one gets lost.

For Hartten, the Volksmarch is a good excuse to be outdoors.

"It's just for leisure," Hartten said. "It's fun to get out in the fall, when the leaves are just beginning to turn. It's just beautiful."

People who register for the walk by Friday will pay $5, which includes the cost of a medallion. People who do not want credit or a medallion only pay $1. Registration after Friday will be $6.