GAYLORD — When someone is selected as the Der Buergermeister for Gaylord's Alpenfest summer festival, it becomes a significant milestone in that person's life.
Earning the coveted Der Buergermeister title serves as a community thank you for a lifetime of civic engagement that helps make Gaylord a better place.
This year's Der Buergermeister, Paul Beachnau, the executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, has been making an imprint on community life since he was a child. He lived in Lansing until 1972 when his father, Richard, accepted a position with the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord.
"From the fourth grade on I was in Gaylord. I went to Gaylord St. Mary from grade school through high school where I played football," he said.
After obtaining a degree in public administration from Michigan State University, Beachnau came back to Gaylord to serve as executive director of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce at the age of 22.
"I loved Northern Michigan and knew I wanted to move back to the area. Over the years I have been offered positions outside of Gaylord. But I never wanted to move. This is home for me," Beachnau said.
Serving as Der Buergermeister, which translates as The Mayor in German, has special meaning for Beachnau. His father was the Der Buergermeister at the 1997 Alpenfest.
"I remember wearing the little suspenders that my mother made for me and going downtown for all of the activities. Alpenfest has been a part of my life since childhood," said Beachnau.
"Alpenfest is a part of the soul of Gaylord. It brings us together as a community to celebrate our successes. For me, Alpenfest is the backbone of the community that keep us together," he added.
Alpenfest also brings families together again.
"My brother is coming here for his 50th high school reunion. People plan to return to Gaylord during Alpenfest," Beachnau said.
Not only has Beachnau worked in Gaylord for his entire professional career, he has also been active in local government and community organizations. He became aware of civic engagement while tagging along with his father to his activities.
"My dad was involved with the United Way and other civic groups. I remember going with him to all of the meetings in part because doughnuts were always available," he said with a laugh.
Beachnau has been a member of Rotary for many years. He served as an Otsego County commissioner for 18 years, including a stint as county board chairman.
"I love serving the people of Otsego County and Gaylord. We have amazing assets like lakes, parks and trails. But the best asset is the people. When you are here, you feel at home," said Beachnau.
Two recent tragedies have reminded Beachnau of how big a heart this community possesses. One was the May 20, 2022 tornado that left a path of destruction through the area. Following the storm, which produced two deaths and 44 injuries in addition to millions of dollars in damages, Beachnau guided Detroit Free Press columnist Neal Rubin through the community.
Beachnau said Rubin was very impressed with the community response.
"Rubin told me that Gaylord was an amazing place on a sunny day in June. It's an even more amazing place after a natural disaster like a tornado. That has stayed with me and that is exactly how I feel about this community," he said.
The other tragedy that hit Beachnau occurred last October when his home was destroyed by fire.
"The amount of support that I have received was amazing. People, including some that I didn't know, reached out and offered me gift cards. My best friend picked up some pants for me. I lost everything but I intend to start building a new home on the same site soon," he said.
The 59th version of Alpenfest starts Tuesday, July 9 and continues through Saturday, July 13 in downtown Gaylord. A full list of events can be found at gaylordalpenfest.com.
In addition to Beachnau, other award winners announced jointly by the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the 2024 Alpenfest Committee include parade marshal Kay Lyn Jeakle, a teacher at Gaylord Intermediate School. The parade marshal honor goes to an individual who is a champion of Alpenfest over the years.
George Sorenson was named the winner of the DAR Award, which is designed to collectively honor all of the Alpenfest volunteers who work behind the scenes. The award is named after Dar Mongeau, who for many years assisted her husband, Jim, with his duties as the general manager of Alpenfest.
The Edelweiss Award will go to Kari Jo Stefanski, who works at Serra Ford. This award is presented to an individual who goes above and beyond the normal volunteer duties. This award is named in the memory of Pam Duczkowski and Patti Dobrzelewski, who gave their time and energy by putting on successful events over the years in the community.
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The Alpine Chocolat Haus, owned by Bruce and Barb Brown, is the winner of the Alpenfest Honored Industry Award. It is given to a local business or organization that is “a great friend to Alpenfest.” This organization promotes the event by volunteering or helping through a monetary donation.
All of the award winners will be featured at 11:30 a.m. at the Alpenfest Honors Luncheon on July 9 under the Pavilion on South Court Avenue.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
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