2008 Woodie Awards
Surviving Bock Fest '08
As the 22nd-annual Bock Fest approaches, prepare responsibly for the elements, possible inebriation
by Paulette Kimber
Issue date: 1/31/08
Section: Local and State News
Bock Fest
WHEN:v 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Schell's Brewery, New Ulm off Hauenstein Drive.
COST: $5 at the gates
While most liquor companies would balk at the idea of giving away their product, even for one day, one New Ulm-based brewery has made it an annual tradition.
The August Schell Brewing Company Inc. in New Ulm will host the 22nd annual Bock Festival Saturday. Residents of New Ulm and members from surrounding communities will gather to be part of the celebration, which features free Schells Light and Caramel Bock beer, bratwursts and live music.
In past years, attendance at Bock Fest was about 6,000 people and the numbers grow each year.
The event runs 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and costs $5 per person. Later in the day, local bars and other businesses host a variety events, including a medallion hunt for which the brewery hands out clues. The hunt is a tradition in which Bock medallion cutouts are hidden throughout the woods near the brewery. There are prizes for finding the medallions, and the hunt goes on while other festivities are in action.
"It's a lot of fun," said Ted Marti, president of August Schell Compay. "We've got a lot of things going on."
According to an online source, August Schell Brewing Company is the nation's second oldest family-owned brewery, founded in 1860 by August Schell.
Schell left his native Germany and came to the Unites States, seeking opportunities for him and his family. He partnered with St. Paul brew master Jacob Bernhardt and together they opened up a small brewery. Today, that same brewery brews about 38 different beers.
Besides beer, Marti said there are festivities the whole community can appreciate.
The band Bockfest Boys have played live music at the festival for more than 15 years. They play a variety of music including Johnny Cash, Polka, as well as newer music.
Sports management senior Chris Westrup called Bock Fest a "nice and relaxing place to get away for a while."
Westrup attended the event last year and remembered the pleasant atmosphere, but said the stereotype is "country drinkers," which he said is not accurate.
He noted there are families who bring young ones as well as older patrons and students.
"If you're not drinking, there's no age requirement," Westrup said.
"It's fun and a great time," said sports management senior Jason Young in regard to what he's heard about Bock Fest.
Young has yet to attend, but has heard many good things about the event through friends who have gone previous years.
With consuming alcohol, however, comes responsibility. Buster's Bar on Madison will provide $25 bus rides per person. Liberty Taxi and Kato Cab are now combined, and will run vans for $42 per ride. The vans usually seat six to ten people, and the $42 cab fare can be split among them.
Although recent temperatures have been severely cold, Saturday is expected to be a bit nicer, with a high of 21 degrees and sunny all day. Marti advises that those planning to attend dress for the occasion as it is primarily outdoors with the exception of some food sales with limited seating.
Online tips for keeping warm in the cold include dressing in layers of clothing, wearing warm socks, heavy coats and to take advantage of gloves, mittens and scarves.
Also, heat leaves your body through your head, so a hat could make a huge difference in body temperature.
"It's a great time and it's all about the people that are there," Marti said. "People are well behaved and have a good time."
For more information on Bock Fest, contact August Schell Brewing Company at (507) 354-5528 or visit www.schellsbrewery.com. For transportation information, contact Buster's at (507) 389-8999 or Liberty Taxi/Kato Cab (507) 388-7433.
Paulette Kimber is a Reporter staff writer
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