Crowds converge on downtown Gaylord for 58th Alpenfest
GAYLORD — The 58th edition of Alpenfest got off to a good start Tuesday as crowds enjoyed the crafters and vendors in the Alpenstrasse, rides on downtown streets and the food.
Cloudy weather gave way to sunshine by the afternoon as many attended the luncheon under the Pavilion to salute the festival award winners selected by the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the 2023 Alpenfest Committee.
Dona Wishart, executive director of the Otsego County Commission on Aging, served as this year's der Buergermeister, which translates as the mayor in German. It is an honorary title awarded to someone who has made the community a better place to live.
The parade marshal this year, Allan Zielinski, superintendent of public works for the City of Gaylord, received his Alpenfest black jacket in honor of his many years of service to the festival. Pam Anthony was the winner of the DAR Award, which is designed to honor all Alpenfest volunteers.
The Edelweiss Award went to Patrick Tholl. It is presented to an individual who goes above and beyond the normal volunteer duties and is named in the memory of Pam Duczkowski and Patti Dobrzelewski.
The Northern Michigan Veterans Coalition, the Ralph Holewinski VFW Post 1518 and Patriot Place received the Alpenfest Honored Industry Award for their work providing services to veterans in the region.
Later on Tuesday afternoon, Gaylord Mayor Todd Sharrard presided over the Willkommen or opening ceremonies. Afterward he praised the contribution of the many volunteers who work the festival.
"Any big event requires a village to do what needs to be done. The volunteers from within and outside of the community step up and this great event couldn't happen without them," said Sharrard.
Gaylord Police Chief Frank Claeys was there and noted that Alpenfest is a great opportunity for the police department to connect with the community.
"Last year our officers did a great job of providing security while doing it in a friendly and warm manner. It was well received and I got a lot of positive feedback. We will have that same presence this year," he said.
Meanwhile, Chris Beck was manning a tent on the Alpenstrasse selling everything honey. He is from Breckenenridge near Mount Pleasant and has been coming to the summer festival for about 10 years.
"Alpenfest is great because it is well attended and supported by the community. I come here because I like the people and I do a good business," said Beck.
Sales have been steadily increasing for Beck.
"I have expanded from one to two booths and added a table to display more products," he said.
Beck said he was given an award for his display. In addition to selling his honey, he also uses the time to visit his cabin at Higgins Lake.
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Russ Glasby, 49, has been coming to Alpenfest for over 30 years. He grew up in Gaylord and remembers his role in the festival when he was a member of the Gaylord High School marching band.
"I remember playing Taps on the courthouse lawn because the Pavilion didn't exist back then," he said.
As a young person Glasby looked forward to Alpenfest every summer.
"Not the rides so much but the camaraderie from the community," he said.
"The memories (that Alpenfest) brings back are what is so special," Glasby continued. "With my kids walking around the 'strasse is important."
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Crowds converge on downtown Gaylord for 58th Alpenfest
