The two day Trade Fair and Living History show celebrated its 44th year in New Ulm. The event focuses on North America’s early frontier days. Vendors from across Minnesota and the Dakotas attend the show to trade and sell different pioneer era items. The show was originally called a black powder trade show and was created to emphasize antique firearms. Antique firearms are still part of the show, but 44 years later the main draw if family and friends.

“It has always been kind of a social event,” Organizer Mike Emery said.

His son, Matthew Emery further explained the show was started by shooting club and it just kept growing.

“Now it is an annual staple,” Matthew Emery said.

John Fritsche sits at table at a vendor table at the New Ulm Trade and Living History Show. Fritsche has attended every Trade Show in its 44 year history.

Mike Emery said the New Ulm show was especially popular because it was held in mid March. For many history enthusiasts it is the first trade show of the year. The first time to see friends and extended family.

“We don’t see much of each other during the winter,” Mike Emery said. “This show is the first chance to get out and see each other.”

John Fritsche, one of the founders of the show, was once again in attendance. Asked if he was surprised the show continued after 44 years, he said “We never really worried about it. We just want wanted people to attend.”

Fritsche said over 44 years there had been many changes to the trade show, but he said it continued because there were new members willing take over.

Phil Drummer of St. George said he has attended the event since he was a teenager. He has grown up with the Trade Show and credits the family friendly atmosphere.

Takara Olson models a coat she made over the winter. Olson said the coat’s design was half modern and half historical. It was made and in three layers and could be worn over a hoop skirt if needed.

“It is just a very helpful group of people,” Drummer said.

Mathew Ewert of Bemidji has been attending the show the last three years, but the father started attending since the 1980s.

“It’s a way of blasting away the winter blues,” Ewert said. “A lot of craft people have things they made during the winter and spring fever is taking over. They want to get ready for the summer.”

Longtime attendee Takara Olson came to show both days sporting a different historical outfit each time. On the first day she wore a coat she made herself over the winter.

“The coat is half historical and half modern,” Olson said. She designed it in layers so it could be worn out in public every, but also to be worn with a hoop skirt during historical events.

On the second day of the show, Olson wore a pirate inspired outfit. She likes explaining the historic significance behind her attire. During the summer, Olson is a practicing blacksmith and conducts historical demonstrations. Olson is a practicing blacksmith and does several historical demonstrations during the summer.

Olson said she loves attending the New Ulm Trade show because it is a chance to see friends from other history events.

“I’ve been coming her for years,” she said. “I grew up with them. They are my family.”