COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2023
NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA
ROOTED IN SMALL TOWN VALUES
Stiftungsfest is Minnesota ’ s oldest fest
One hundred and sixty-two years ago a German singing society in Young America , began a music festival that has grown and evolved over the years to continue to proudly be Minnesota ’ s Oldest Consecutive Celebration . “ Stiftungsfest ” is an annual celebration which honors our strong German heritage in our community of Norwood Young America .
Stiftungsfest , which means “ Founders Day Celebration ” in German , will mark its 162nd year in 2023 . The three-day celebration has attracted crowds of more than 10,000 people in recent years . Every year , nearly 20 bands perform all weekend under the Big Tent , the Heritage Tent and Beer Garden stage . Stiftungsfest hosts one of Minnesota ’ s largest men ’ s and women ’ s softball tournaments , and also features an arts & craft sale , classic car show , kickball tournament , sheephead card tournament , a local firefighter challenge , the Stiftungsfest Ambassador Coronation , a polka church service , 5K fun run , a mini pedal pull contest and carnival for the kids .
The Heritage Tent shows a different themed display every year , and a great fireworks display is usually shown to end the celebration . A huge parade , held on the Sunday of Stiftungsfest , is traditionally held every fifth year , with 2026 being the next parade year .
This year Stiftungsfest will be held on Friday , Aug . 24 through Sunday , Aug . 27 at Willkommen Memorial Park in Norwood Young America .
Those attending the celebration will be able to enjoy all the entertainment and music for a $ 6 adult entry fee , with kids 12 and under , and adults 80 and older , getting in free .
The community owes the renowned “ Stiftungsfest ” festival to the Pioneer Maennerchor , a men ’ s choral society that began a one day celebration in 1861 . In 1938 , the group dropped to eight members and Pioneer Maennerchor turned the celebration over to the city with management handled by the fire department .
In 1956 , Stiftungsfest became a three-day celebration . In 1981 , a band from Diedesfeld Germany came to Stiftungsfest to perform and has become NYA ’ s sister city in Germany . 1986 was the first year of the Big Tent in which countless bands have performed .
Rain or shine , the event goes on ! In 1996 , Stiftungsfest incorporated , and the current committee consisting of firefighters and local community members work every month of the year to put on the annual celebration .
Save the date - Aug . 24-27 , 2023 . See you at Stiftungsfest !
Norwood Young America | Community Guide | 2023 | 13