After nearly 60 years Alpenfest's appeal continues to endure

GAYLORD — Gaylord Mayor Todd Sharrard will preside over the opening ceremony for Alpenfest on Tuesday, July 9, and after nearly 60 years, Gaylord's summer festival is still attracting thousands of visitors to the area.

"We did a survey to find out where people were coming from to attend Alpenfest. We thought a lot of the folks were from Traverse City, Petoskey and other Northern Michigan communities. That survey showed that a lot of folks were coming from out of state such as the Chicago area and Ohio. We are also getting a lot from Florida," said Ken Mattei, chairman of the Alpenfest Board.

The 59th version of Alpenfest will occur July 9-13 in downtown Gaylord. It started in 1965 when area businesses wanted to bring a festival to the city to showcase the Alpine architecture that many had adopted. Guests can expect five days of festivities including a parade, carnival, kid's games and contests, pancake breakfast, ethnic food, stages with live entertainment and the World's Largest Coffee Break.

Last year's Alpenfest "was another record as attendance has been increasing since Covid ended. We believe that we had from 85,000 to 90,000 people during the week," added Mattei.

A full schedule of events can be found at gaylordalpenfest.com. The entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday when the Genesee Valley Concert Band will be playing a variety of music, including patriotic numbers under the Pavilion on South Court Avenue.

Back again is the Alpenstrasse showcasing various merchants and crafters.

"All of our vendors were thrilled and most of them are coming back this year," Mattei said. "We have added some new ones and we have a waiting list of 36 vendors. We are maxed out for the crafters."

Mattei noted there will be some new vendors in Ethnic Alley, including a barbecue operation adding to the food choices that will be available.

"We are bring back bingo for the senior citizens. This has been a most requested event for the last couple of years," said Mattei.

There will also be line dancing before the concerts and new rides at the carnival, he added.

SubscribeCheck out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you

The main entertainment show on Saturday to close out the event at 7 p.m. will be RepliKaty — The Katy Perry Experience from California.

From 8-10 p.m. on Wednesday at the main stage, Satisfaction, an international Rolling Stones Tribute Show, will perform to honor the Stones and their legacy in rock history.

On Friday at 6 p.m. under the Pavilion, the Alpenfest Queen and Princess competition will take place. Eighteen young girls ranging in age from 5 to 10 will be in the princess portion while five women from 16 and up will vie for the queen title.

"We have one change this year. Instead of a talent performance, the queen candiates will give a speech on their experiences in the festival and how they will represent Gaylord over the next year," said DeLayni Brown, who works with Mattei on the event.

The Alpenfest Walking Parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Main Street in front of the Family Fare and will end with "The World’s Largest Coffee Break" under the Pavilion for free coffee, donuts and milk. Participants are encouraged to don their finest Alpine attire.

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.