MADISON, Ala. – Cullman County residents filled the stadium seats at Toyota Field in Madison Thursday night to watch the Rocket City Trash Pandas game — and also bring a little Cullman Oktoberfest vibe. Part of the Hometown Throwdown Series, the night was billed as the “Cullman Oktoberfest Takeover” and also saw money raised for Cullman nonprofit Curt’s Closet.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said it was the department’s first time involved in a Trash Pandas game, and 1,000 adults received an Oktoberfest beer stein.
“We’ve always wanted to connect with a bigger audience outside Cullman and invite them to experience our amazing events, like Oktoberfest,” Anderson said. “The Trash Pandas have been such a great partner for so many things we’ve done, it just felt natural to team up. It was the perfect chance to combine our love for sports, entertainment and cultural celebration in one high-energy night.”
The event also served as the kickoff of this year’s Cullman Oktoberfest promotions.
“This game night was our official kickoff for promoting Oktoberfest this year,” Anderson said. “It was such a fun way to get it on people’s radar early, and it builds a buzz so by the time the festival gets here, everyone’s ready to celebrate. Just seeing our Cullman brand and Oktoberfest spirit in such a vibrant, high-profile setting was amazing. We got to meet so many new people, share what makes our events special and watch fans in Huntsville really embrace the energy and traditions we’re so proud of back home.”
Anderson said CPRST has a packed fall and winter ahead.
“Oktoberfest is right around the corner with authentic German music, food and traditions, and then we jump straight into the Cullman Christkindlmarkt — the largest in the South and one of the largest in the country,” he said. “On top of that, we’ve got community band concerts, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ performances by our community theater (this weekend and next) and lots of special holiday programming to keep people coming together all year long.”
This year, Anderson said, Oktoberfest will feature the Hofbräu Biergarten and traditional German competitions, along with several exciting additions.
“Local breweries Ethos and Goat Island are partnering to sponsor our largest Biergarten to date, and German brewery Weihenstephan will sponsor a new Biergarten experience,” he explained. “We are also introducing a 108-foot observation Ferris wheel and a rare double-decker carousel — a unique attraction in the United States. Combined with live music, distinctive vendors and family friendly activities, these additions ensure there is something for everyone while maintaining the authenticity of Cullman’s German heritage.”
Anderson said CPRST is grateful for the partnerships, sponsorships and community support that make it possible to bring the community together and create lasting memories, while also sharing Cullman’s story well beyond our own backyard.
“Events like Cullman Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt remind us that culture and recreation have the power to unite people, celebrate our heritage and keep our community identity strong for generations to come,” he said.
Cullman Oktoberfest is Oct.2-4. Get more info at www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com. See more photos and videos from The Aug. 14 Trash Pandas game at www.facebook.com/cullmantribune, www.facebook.com/cullmanoktoberfest/reels and www.facebook.com/trashpandasbaseball.
