Details for Schulenburg’s 150th Anniversary Party Taking Shape

The first train stopped in Schulenburg on Dec. 31, 1873. Many consider this date to be the birth of Schulenburg, even though the town did not officially incorporate until May of 1875.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of that first train stop, and the City of Schulenburg will hold a celebration to mark the occasion. Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller organized a committee to plan the event. Schulenburg Mayor Connie Koopmann discussed the plans at the City Council meeting Monday night, June 6.

Koopmann, who took office last month, said she spoke with her predecessor Elaine Kocian about the plans.

“Her and I agreed on a couple of things,” Koopmann said. “We didn’t like the date (the committee) picked out at first. The first date they picked was the Wednesday night before the Schulenburg Festival. I feel that the Festival is a separate entity. They raise their funds. They bring people into the City, which is great. But I don’t think it’s when Schulenburg needs to recognize its birthday.”

Koopmann said the City of Weimar recently held a 150th anniversary celebration in conjunction with its annual town festival, the Weimar Gedenke.

“I have to admit, I didn’t know it was happening,” Koopmann said.

Koopmann said she met with Mueller’s committee and the group decided to move the date to December, closer to the actual anniversary.

“We’re kind of settled on Dec. 2, which is the first Saturday in December,” Koopmann said. “We wanted to pick a time for Schulenburg to recognize Schulenburg and nothing else.”

She said initial plans include a visit by Santa Claus, a proclamation signing, a cookoff and possibly live music at night.

“I talked to a few people and they’d like to see a chili and soup cookoff,” said Councilman Frank “Butch” Wick III. Wick also proposed a washer pitching and cornhole tournament.

Koopmann said she wants the City government to take a larger role in the planning process.

“The original committee was Judge Dan Mueller, Jackie Machac and Chip Bubela,” Koopmann said. “I do like that we’re having some City representation because, I hate to say it, but they don’t live inside the City Limits. I feel the City should be making more decisions because it is a City function.”

Koopmann said the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce is also involved in the planning process. Wick said he hopes some of the downtown businesses will consider opening on the evening of Dec. 2.

“This is just the beginning and we know we’re pressed for time,” Koopmann said.

In other business at Monday’s meeting, new Schulenburg I.S.D. Superintendent Dr. Julie Motomura introduced herself to the City Council.

“I just wanted to come and meet everybody,” Motomura said.

“I’m really excited to be here. I am somebody who believes that community and school goes hand-in-hand. We have to work together to do what’s best for kids and the community. I want there to be cooperation between us. I want you to know that I am all-in and want to be a part of this community and work together.”