Journal file photo
Hundreds of tons of sand will transform Minnesota Street into beach volleyball courts for 88 teams and thousands of spectators at the third annual Spikin’ In The Street Sand Volleyball Tournament Friday and Saturday.
NEW ULM — Much of downtown New Ulm will become eight sand volleyball courts and sand wrestling mats for the third annual Spikin’ In the Street.
The Rolling Thunder Sand takedown wrestling tournament starts at 6 p.m. on Minnesota Street sand Friday. Age divisions are kindergarten through grade 12.
Rolling Thunder board member Shanna Kent said 38 male and female wrestlers from the Twin Cities to Wabasso were entered in the tournament as of late Monday afternoon.
New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Sarah Warmka said the Rolling Thunder wrestling club asked if they could participate in Spikin’ In the Street after last year’s event.
“They wanted to be part of the fun. It sounds fantastic. Why not use the sand for another thing?” said Warmka.
She said 60 to 70 dump truck loads of sand will be dumped on Minnesota Street Friday.
It’s a rain or shine event barring lightning or a tornado.
Volleyball games begin at 7 a.m. Saturday and continue until about 10:30 or 11 p.m.
Warmka said a number of volleyball teams from New Ulm and Mankato are entered plus teams from Lafayette, Sleepy Eye, Morgan, Redwood Falls, Stewart, Sioux Falls, Hutchinson, St. Cloud, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Vadnais Heights, Dakota City, Ne., Madison Lake, Eagle Lake, Duluth, Mapleton, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Faribault, Jackson, Truman, St. James, St. Bonifacious, even as far away as Crestview, Fl.
Division B champion Team Thrivent of New Ulm returns this year.
There are cash payouts for all levels of play. The event is sponsored and planned by many local businesses. Funds raised will go to promote New Ulm and the New Ulm Business & Retail Association, a committee of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce.
Warmka said she doesn’t have a figure on the amount of business the tournament brings to town but said it has a significant economic impact.
“We know our restaurants, bars and stores will be busy this weekend. The big picture is big events like this help businesses recruit and retain employees,” said Warmka.
Spectators are welcome. Bring a lawn chair. No coolers will be allowed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.
Six food trucks will be downtown Friday–Legacy BBQ, Lola’s, Simply Made Right, Sleepy Bison Grill, Ruhland’s Strudel Haus and The Sugar Shack.
Ten food trucks are scheduled for Saturday–Jersey’s Food Truck, Legacy BBQ, Lola’s, NU Franklin Mobile, Reve Coffee Co., Sleepy Bison Grill, Chick-fil-A, Pronto Pups, Ruhland’s Strudel Haus and The Sugar Shack.
Downtown bars and restaurants have extended their liquor licenses into the street. The alley near the B & L Bar is a designated smoking area.
Warmka said volunteers are still sought for the tournament.
For more information, call the Chamber at 507-233-4300, email chamber@newulm.com or visit www.newulm.com.