In 2021, New Braunfels residents gained access to the COVID-19 vaccine, experienced a historic winter storm, celebrated the return of Wurstfest and so much more. Here is a look at some of our top photos from this year.
Hannah Sullivan, a student at Galen College of Nursing, holds a vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

Some 200 Comal County residents received their first vaccine dose after a COVID-19 vaccination center was opened in January.

Downtown New Braunfels is blanketed in snow. (Warren Brown/Community Impact Newspaper)

A severe winter storm caused power outages and burst pipes throughout the state in mid-February. Many were left without electricity or water for days.

Students helped to plant one of three Mexican sycamore trees that were donated to the school. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

Carl Schurz Elementary students celebrated Earth Day by planting trees on campus.

Vaccination efforts continue throughout the county as allocations gradually increase. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

By April, nearly 50% of eligible Comal County residents had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, many of whom were residents of retirement communities.

Representatives from Continental and the City of New Braunfels signed a beam that will be used in the construction of the facility. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

Continental broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in New Braunfels that is anticipated to begin operations in late 2022.

A report from the Four Rivers Association of Realtors shows home sales in New Braunfels continued to rise in September as the median home salex price reached $340,000. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

The New Braunfels housing market remained hot as median sales prices rose year over year and inventory remained low.

Students from Carl Schurz Elementary and Seele Elementary were in attendance at the event. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

New Braunfels ISD broke ground on a new elementary school that is slated to replace Carl Schurz and Seele elementary schools by August 2023.

The shelter has a variety of animals available for adoption. (Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

An influx of animals put strain on the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area as the nonprofit struggled to find homes and foster homes for pets.

From left: Alex Meixner and Miles Granzin celebrate during the Nov. 5 opening ceremony for Wurstfest. (Photos by Lauren Canterberry/Community Impact Newspaper)

The 2021 Wurstfest celebration kicked off Nov. 5, marking the first festival to use the newly renovated Marktplatz building and the annual event’s 60th anniversary.