Heritagefest

announces

plans for '05

After making slight profit, more sponsors sought for next year

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- With the aid of good weather, more corporate sponsors and new events, Heritagefest 2004 made a profit.

The news was revealed at a Heritagefest Committee meeting Tuesday in New Ulm attorney Hugh Nierengarten's office.

Income at this year's event was $520,600 while expenses totalled $519,400 according to Heritagefest Executive Director Kathleen Backer. More corporate sponsors will continue to be sought for certain events like Tubamania.

Backer was pleased with Tuesday's meeting, which was attended by 10 committee members. More committee members may be appointed this year.

Heritagefest had seven new special promotions this year. They included a German auto rally, chicken dance promotion, Festmeister For a Day Contest, Jaegerschutzen (paint ball target shooting), Red Hat Society promotion with local and out-of-state members, sauerkraut wrestling, 2-for-1 student admission and Karaoke.

Backer is excited about Heritagefest 2005.

"All systems are go. We have lots of energy and enthusiasm for 2004 and 2005. We're trying to target younger people. We're making improvements on that but can do better," Backer said.

Although sauerkraut wrestling drew a large crowd for the first match, more pre-registration and corporate and business wrestling challenges will be sought next year.

Other 2005 plans include moving the fest grounds a bit more to the southern edge of the Brown County Fairgrounds in an effort to keep activities closer together and create more energy.

Existing tents and stages plus the New Ulm Civic Center will continue to be used for the two-weekend fest.

Season passes and food vending issues were discussed. The committee will consider remaining in the food vending business or using independent vendors.

In the coming months, Backer will concentrate on interfacing with volunteer organizations in order to improve communications and relationships with them.

"I'll get input from them. We think it's key to keep them informed as we move forward," Backer said.

The committee has about $25,000 to get Heritagefest going this year.

Backer said that as in the past, she is always looking for new Heritagefest suggestions.

(Fritz Busch can be reached at fbusch@nujournal.com).