Finding Minnesota: Stiftungsfest Celebrates 150 Years

NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, Minn. (WCCO) -- Most people would think the State Fair is Minnesota's longest continuously running festival.

But it's actually a three-day celebration known as Stiftungsfest in Norwood Young America –- celebrating its 150th consecutive year this year.* (*The State Fair began earlier but had to skip a few years because of war, fuel shortages and a polio epidemic.)

It's a celebration of German music, food and fun, at the city's Willkommen Park, drawing as many as 30,000 people. Not bad for an event that's not easy to pronounce.

"It's Stiff'-tuns-fest," said Curt Wilson, one of the organizers, although we also heard "shtiff-tuns-fest" and "stiff-tings-fest" around town. "If you come that weekend, you'll hear a lot more."

It means Founders Day Celebration, and it's grown to the point that more than 20 bands are lined up for this year's event.

"Stiftungsfest is really a gathering of friends and family and a get together," said musician Richard Stolz.

It dates back to 1861, when the German men in town formed a chorus to host a community picnic. The townspeople haven't missed a year since.

Lyle Zellman, 78, has been to more than 75 of them.

"It started with a beer garden probably with six or seven tables and a tank full of beer," he said. "Now they got the whole street covered with a beer garden."

Since New Year's Day, Zellman has been growing a thick, white beard, to compete in this year's Beard Growing Contest. It's nice and full right now, but he's not predicting victory.

"Well, I don't know how great the competition is," he said. "You never know who comes in. We'll find out Friday evening."

In one weekend, the volunteers will go through 500 pounds of brats, 5,000 pounds of hamburger and "just a few" kegs of beer.

"I like the music, the people are fun, the local people enjoy it," said musician Nancy Buckentine, "and we just always have a good time."

It has changed over the years. They now bring in the rock band "Hairball" on Friday night, which appeals to the younger people, if not all the adults.

"A lot of the Germans are stubborn," said Paul Lano, the Stiftungsfest Committee President. "And they don't like change. And when we change things, we hear about it."

The old standards are still the predominant sound here. And after 150 years, this year's festival may be the biggest yet.

"Oldest one in the state," said Stolz. "And it's great."

The volunteer firefighters in town are among the hundreds who help organize each year's event. Proceeds help the fire department buy much-needed equipment.

Stiftungsfest also includes arts and crafts, a parade, softball tournament and much more.

You can find the schedule here.