Gaylord's Alpenfest is 'back in full strength' for this year's festival

GAYLORD — A longstanding annual tradition will soon take over the city of Gaylord bringing a week of celebrations, family-friendly activities and more.

The 57th annual Alpenfest is slated to transcend upon Gaylord this coming July 12-16 and those behind the scenes are excited about its full return.

"We had an abbreviated festival in 2021 which was shrunk down considerably but it was probably one of the best attended festivals we've had in a long time," said festival chairman Ken Mattei.

"Everything is 'back to normal' this year though with a full return to the festival as people know it and we are anticipating another great year and turnout," he said. 

The annual Alpenfest festival started over five decades ago when area businesses wanted to bring a festival to the city. However, over the years it has morphed into a full blown five-day festival with crafters, entertainment, a carnival, art show and more.

This year is no different. 

"The parade is back, we have more crafters this year and we've brought back our art tent as well," said Mattei.

"It's feels great to be back to this and it seems there's a lot of excitement around town that the festival is back in full strength. 

A detailed schedule of events can be found on the festival's website. However, here's a rough schedule for the week's festivities.

Sunday, July 10

• 8 a.m.: Alpenfest Street Sweep

​Tuesday, July 12

• 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Alpenfest Honors Luncheon and Awards Presentation  
• 5 p.m.: T. J. Schmidt Amusements
• 5 p.m.: Alpenstrasse opens with crafters and vendors.
• 6 p.m.:  Official Opening of Alpenfest 2022 
• 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.: Kenny Thompson Concert 
• 7 p.m.: Lampion making
• 8 p.m.: Main Stage concert
• 10 p.m.: Burning of the Böögg ​

​Wednesday, July 13

• ​8:30 a.m. Alpenfest Attire Contest
• 9 a.m.: Alpenfest Walking Parade
• 9 a.m.: Die Groeste Kaffe Pause 
• 11 a.m.: Alpenstrasse opens. Featuring crafters and vendors.
• 11 a.m.: T.J. Schmidt Amusements and Ethnic Alley open
• 11:15 a.m.: Stilt Walking Contest
• Noon-1 p.m.: Tale & Co Princess’s Performance 
• Noon: Pizza Eating Contest
• 1 p.m.: Pie Eating Contest
• 1–5 p.m.: Rosco the Clown and Tommy Tropic perform
• 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Kowalski Brothers Polka Band perform on the Main Stage
• 8 p.m.: Main Stage Concert with Teddy Petty & the Refugees ​

​Thursday, July 14

• 10 a.m.: Jump Rope Competition
• 10:45 a.m.: Hula Hoop Competition
• 11:30 a.m.: Ladies Ankle Competition
• Noon: Alpenstrasse
• Noon: Ethnic Alley and T.J. Schmidt Amusements open
• 12:15 p.m.: Men’s Knee Competition
• 3 p.m.: Bike & Trike Parade
• 5:30 p.m.: Ice Cream Social. Under the Pavilion. Banana splits with toppings.
• 6-8 p.m.: Michael Cochran Christian Concert
• 6 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament
• 8 p.m.: Main Stage Concert with Your Generation

​Friday, July 15

• ​9 a.m.: Pancake and Sausage Breakfast 
• 10 a.m.: Ugly Dog Contest 
• 11 a.m.: Pet Parade 
• Noon: Alpenstrasse opens 
• Noon: Ethnic Alley and T.J. Schmidt Amusements open
• 1-3 p.m.: Alpenfest Idol Finals
• 5 p.m.: Alpenfest Queens Pageant 
• 6 p.m.: Alpenfest Cornhole Tournament 
• 8 p.m.: Main Stage Concert with the Family Tradition Band 

​Saturday, July 16

• 8 a.m.: Farmers Market
• 9 a.m.: 5K/10K/1mile Fun Run
• ​9 a.m.-3 pm.: Alpenfest Car Show 
• Noon: Ethnic Alley, Alpenstrasse and T.J. Schmidt Amusements open 
• Noon: Alpenfest Grand Parade - The pageantry of Gaylord’s premier parade unfolds down Main Street and Otsego Avenue.
• 1 p.m.: Alpenfest Cornhole Tournament 
• 2-4 p.m.: New Brass Express Concert on the Main Stage
• 3 p.m.: Strudel on the Strasse
• 6 p.m.: Gaylord Community Productions - Main Stage. Performing songs from this summers production of Shrek the Musical.
• 7 p.m.: Main Stage Concert  with Air Margaritaville 
• 9 p.m.: Alpenfest comes to an end

"It is a very lengthy schedule and on the longest we've had in a long time with more events than ever before as well," said Mattei. 

Mattei also said that for those planning on attending the festival, there is plenty of parking around the entire Alpenfest area downtown and that merchants, restaurants and the festival committee are eager for the festival's arrival. 

"We average about 80,000 people over five days and the amusement carnival has told us they have seen a increase of numbers too over the years," he said. 

"It's a great time and we are all eagerly looking forward to it and returning to a full festival again."

More information and a complete schedule and list of events for the upcoming 57th annual Alpenfest can be found on its website at gaylordalpenfest.com.

Contact reporter Sean Miller at smiller@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on Twitter, @seanmillerpnr, and Instagram, @sean_everest.