The New Ulm summer festival started its weekend-long run Thursday with pre-blast concerts. Heidi and the Good Ol’ Boys were the opening act of the 2021 blast. They were followed by “Free Fallin’–a Tom Petty tribute band; and Takin’ It To the Limit–an Eagles tribute band.

The opening night of concerts was a successful return for the musical festival. The August Schell Tent was filled with fest-goers by the time Free Fallin took the stage. Many of the attendees were from out of town hoping to see evenings two cover bands. Free Fallin’ and Takin’ It To the Limit are among the premier cover bands in the region.

Mike Ross of Rochester had visited New Ulm before, but this was his first Bavarian Blast. Ross said he always wanted to see the Fabulous Armadillos perform their Eagles cover band this year he finally had the chance. The Fabulous Armadillos will close out the Schell Tent Friday night.

The Bavarian Blast board is anticipated a high turnout for this year’s festivities in part because there was not blast last year, but the weather is also cooperating. Thursday saw temperatures in the mid-70s and the prediction for the rest of the weekend is high in the mid-80s without rain. This could be the most favorable weather to fall on Bavarian Blast.

The Tom Petty tribute band Free Fallin’ made its return to Bavarian Blast. The band closed out the Sunday show of the 2019 Bavarian Blast and this year was one of the opening acts to the pre-blast.

The exact number of people who attended Thursday evening’s performances is still being tallied, but Bavarian Blast treasurer Dodie Wendinger confirmed there were $11,000 in pre-sales for the weekend online and at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce. No matter the count, this is a strong start to Bavarian Blast.

The August Schells Tent was set up by early afternoon and awaited the evening crowds. By 6 p.m. the tent was full of fest-goers who had waited two years for Bavarian Blast’s return.