The Narren found Backer in her office. A few city staff attempted to barricade the door, but in the end they allowed the Mayor to be taken.

“I tried to rally the staff to help but then I realized by taking me captive, the Narren could declare a holiday and the staff would not need to work,” Backer said. “I didn’t have a chance.”

City Manager Chris Dalton later admitted he saw the Narren coming, but made no attempt to stop the masked individuals from entering City Hall.

Once the Narren had Backer they proceeded to City Hall’s main floor and read the annual proclamation, declaring it Fasching weekend. The group then paraded Backer through New Ulm’s downtown, stopping at several businesses. The proclamation was read at each establishment and workers were encouraged to join the festivities.

Mayor Kathleen Backer (right) cedes her power over to the Narren to symbolically announce the start of the Fasching holiday.

This was only the second time the Narren captured Mayor Backer. In 2024, she was out of town and the Narren were forced to capture City Council President Andrea Boettger instead. Backer was concerned she might face retribution from the Narren for skipping town last time, but said nothing too crazy happened and it was a fun tradition to indulge.

“I think I fit right in with the Narren,” Backer said.

New Ulm’s Fasching celebration will continue Sunday, from 1- 4 p.m. at the Best Western Plus with music provided by Dain’s Dutchmen.

The Narren of New Ulm read a proclamation at City Hall announcing that they have stripped Mayor Kathleen Backer (right) of her power and declared it the start of Fasching season.

Immediately after capturing Mayor Kathleen Backer at City Hall, the Narren of New Ulm proceeded across the street for a photo in front of the downtown New Ulm mural.

United Prairie Bank was the first stop for the Narren of New Ulm, as they paraded through the downtown businesses declaring a start of the Fasching season.

After capturing Mayor Kathleen Backer and declaring the start of Fasching in New Ulm, the Narren began dancing with the Mayor in City Hall lobby.