Building on New Ulm’s reputation for a great time, the third weekend in July (July 13-16) is once again full of music and fun. With plenty of food and drink (Ethnic and American) and ample seating under the huge tents or around the tree-lined grounds at the Brown County Fairgrounds, it is another guaranteed good time. Food and drink choices abound, but it’s the music that is the big draw. Old-time, polka, and exciting show bands will be playing all weekend long – many with a German twist. Well-known names include nationally-famous Molly B. and Squeezebox, Austrian Express, Alpensterne, Wendinger Band, Leon Olsen, and The Concord Singers. Other fine players include (Winthrop-native) Scott Sparlin, Larry Olsen, Matt Hodek and the Dakota Dutchmen, and the Original German Band. For a modern-music twist, don’t forget Thursday night’s “Pre-Fest” entertainment with Minnesota favorites, “The Fabulous Armadillos,” with a great Chicago-tribute band, “Transit Authority!” Watch Sunday’s big parade beginning at 12:30pm and finish out the day back at the fest grounds.