And I had been an apprentice tanner a few weeks out of the year.

When he returned to Germany, he searched all over the country for a traditional tanner who could teach him the craft and found one in Bad Hindelang, where Bensmann still lives today.

He noticed more boats going after tanner crab last season — a much smaller fishery, but one that was open.

Potters, leather tanners, artisans and embroidery workers started trade and business in the region by the late 1800s.

Catering companies, party planners, chauffeurs, banquet workers, florists and spray tanners count on the show to generate a significant part of their winter income.