Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes Hermanfest street closure and fireworks; monument society outlines fundraising plans
Summary
The council granted the Herman Monument Society permission to close Center Street for Hermanfest on Sept. 6, 2025, and approved exceptions to allow cannon and fireworks discharge; the society detailed fundraising plans and said it holds a $6,065,000 gift from Ruth Barrett.
The New Ulm City Council on Tuesday voted to authorize the Herman Monument Society to close Center Street between Garden Street and Highland Avenue for Hermanfest on Sept. 6, 2025, and granted exceptions to permit the discharge of cannons and fireworks during the event.
Park and Recreation staff presented the society's request, which asked for street closure from about 8:15 p.m. to 9 p.m., use of Herman Heights and Harmon Park and permission for the fire department to remain on standby at the fireworks discharge site. "This is an annual event... they are asking the city authorize closure of Center Street between Garden and Highland Avenue from approximately 08:15 to 9PM. Additionally, allow the discharge of cannons and fireworks during the event and use of Herman Heights and Harmon Park," said Mr. Schugel, Park and Rec staff.
Tom Firth, speaking for the Herman Monument Society, thanked the council and described efforts to refresh the society's volunteer base and fundraising plans for monument reconstruction. Firth said the society currently holds a gift of about $6,065,000 left by Ruth Barrett, but added that additional fundraising will be needed to cover the expected costs of deconstruction and reconstruction of the monument.
The council read the resolution into the record granting an exception to city code section 8.2 subsection 3 to allow cannons and fireworks, authorized the discharge at Herman Heights Park during the event, and allowed the fire department to be on standby (but not to perform crowd control or fireworks-discharge activities). Police and fire representatives said past traffic and pedestrian routing at the event have worked well and that they would provide presence again this year.
The resolution passed by roll call. Councilors did not alter the conditions in the motion; staff will continue planning with the Herman Monument Society.
