Hosted by the New Ulm Business and Retail Association (NUBRA), the fundraising event challenged contestants to solve a 500-piece puzzle, drink two bottles of wine, and eat a full charcuterie board (of meats, cheeses and crackers) within the 3-hour time limit. Teams were limited to four members.

“We had heard that it was a popular event and that other towns were doing it, so we thought ‘let’s give it a shot,'” NUBRA member and event organizer Missy Visser said. “It’s something to do in the winter, get out, hang out with your friends.” 

The first puzzling competition was held last winter at The Franklin Downtown and this year at Turner Hall, which also provided the wine and charcuterie for the teams. The New Ulm Chamber of Commerce said they would like to see the event hosted at a variety of venues throughout New Ulm on a rotating basis.

The 28 participating teams were set up on separate tables, each with the same standard jigsaw puzzle, which had a party food platter theme. The competition attracted a variety of puzzlers.

Team “Puzzlin' Thoughts” (L to R) Samantha Johnson, Samantha Miller, Andrea Grussendorf andJenn Lieder get ready to finish a 500 piece puzzle.

“Some have t-shirts, some have headlamps, some have sorting buckets,” Visser said. “It’s a lot of fun. They get into it.”

First place this year went to Jigsomniacs, who finished in 27 minutes, followed by “Separation Anxiety” and “Sassy Solvers.”

Puzzling Divas, (L to R) Beth Altman, Rachel Hoffman, Mary Lade, Angie Fischer work to solve a food based puzzle.