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Stiftungsfest

Stiftungsfest
21 Main Street East
952-467-1812

About Us:

For 146 years, residents, former residents and visitors have been gathering to celebrate Stiftungsfest, Minnesota's oldest celebration. While the event has changed greatly over the years, the theme is the same, getting friends and neighbors together to sing, dance, eat, drink and have a wonderful time. The Pioneer Maennerchor, a men's singing group, is credited for beginning the celebration in 1861. Carl Bachmann, who moved to the area from New Jersey earlier that year, wanted to form a singing group similar to one he belonged to back East. He gathered a group of local men who enjoyed singing, and the Maennerchor was born. Besides Bachmann, early members included Henry Bachmann, Adolph Hostermann, A. Schrimpf, H. Verufen and Henry Hostermann., They sang a variety of songs, mostly in German. The group held an annual get together for members, their families and the community members. In December of 1866, the group held a threeday celebration from Friday through Monday in a rented hall in Young America. Entertainment included a fivemember band. From this first celebration, Stiftungsfest evolved. The singers met in local homes until 1868 when Singers Hall was built in Young 'America on a piece of land near the present water tower. The Maennerchor and other local men helped construct the hall.

Half a century old
In 1911, Stiftungsfest celebrated its 50th anniversary with a huge crowd and many activities in the city park. Trainloads of visitors came to Young America including the Second Regiment Band and the New Ulm Maennerchor Later in the day, the band marched through the city. The day ended with a grand ball in the evening.  By 1938, the Pioneer Maennerchor membership was down to six members. On July 7, 1938, the group voted to 'disband the Maennerchor and turn the Stiftungsfest celebration and Singers Hall over to the village of Young America. The village in turn gave the property and celebration to the fire department which is still actively involved in Stiftungsfest today.  From 1938 through 1955, Stiftungsfest was held as a oneday celebration in Young America. Even during the years of World War II, the annual celebration continued.

Recent News

162nd Annual Stiftungsfest

Schedule: Thursday, August 24, 2023 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Carnival Games & Dunk Tank 5:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Photo Booth 5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Ninja Anywhere 5:30 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Mini Pedal Pull 5:30 p.m: Pizza, Pop & Puzzle 5:45 p.m: Hula Hoop…

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161st Annual Stiftungsfest

Schedule: Thursday, August 25, 2022 5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Family Night 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Carnival Games and Dunk Tank 5:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Ninja Anywhere 5:00 p.m - 6:30 p.m: Bingo 6:30 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Trivia 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Mini Pedal Pull…

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