CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Oktoberfest is adding a new face to one of its most recognizable traditions this year, and organizers are looking for a young Cullman County resident ready to take on the role.
For the first time, the festival will select a Kinderbürgermeister, or kid mayor, to serve as a children’s ambassador alongside Oktoberfest’s longtime adult Bürgermeister.
The opportunity is open to boys and girls ages 5-12 who live in Cullman or Cullman County, with applications remaining open through Friday, Aug. 28.
Families interested in applying can submit their child’s information by completing the official application form available through the Cullman Oktoberfest Facebook page or by visiting the application link shared in the festival’s preview announcement. Organizers are asking parents or guardians to provide basic contact information along with a short description of why their child would be a good fit for the role.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said the new role grew from Oktoberfest’s longstanding effort to make the festival an experience for the entire family.
“One of the things we take the most pride in with Cullman Oktoberfest is that we intentionally program the festival for the entire family,” Anderson said. “We want everyone, from our youngest visitors to our oldest, to feel like there is something at Oktoberfest for them to enjoy and be part of. We attribute much of the festival’s success to that focus.”
The idea was brought to festival organizers by Susan Eller with the Cullman Economic Development Agency.
Anderson said organizers immediately saw it as a natural extension of the festival’s existing traditions.
The adult Bürgermeister will remain Oktoberfest’s official ambassador and ceremonial leader, while the Kinderbürgermeister will provide younger festivalgoers with their own representative.
“The Kinderbürgermeister will complement that role by serving as our children’s ambassador, giving our younger generation a special way to participate in the tradition and helping us continue celebrating Oktoberfest with all ages,” Anderson said.
The concept has roots in Germany, where some communities have established Kinderbürgermeister programs to give children a symbolic role alongside local leaders.
Anderson said organizers found several examples during their research, including a longstanding program in Thalheim, Germany, then adapted the concept for Cullman.
“We loved the concept and thought it was a natural fit for Cullman, so we’ve created our own version centered around Oktoberfest, our German heritage and our community,” he said.
Should a girl be selected, Anderson said the German feminine title Kinderbürgermeisterin would also be appropriate.
Organizers are looking for more than a child willing to wear the title.
Anderson said the selection committee wants someone enthusiastic, outgoing and excited about Cullman, Oktoberfest and the community’s German heritage.
“We want someone who enjoys meeting new people and will have fun serving as an ambassador for the children’s side of the festival,” Anderson said.
Finalists and their parents or guardians will be invited to an informal meet-and-greet with members of the Oktoberfest festival committee.
Organizers will use the gathering to learn more about each child, what they enjoy about Cullman and Oktoberfest and how comfortable they are interacting in a festival environment.
Anderson said organizers also want the selection process itself to be memorable.
Each finalist will receive an Oktoberfest gift basket that includes passes allowing the child to enjoy the festival’s kids rides and attractions with a friend.
“We want every finalist to feel celebrated and have something special to look forward to at Oktoberfest,” he said.
Interest has already been strong for the program’s inaugural year.
Anderson said organizers were approaching a dozen applications and have been encouraged by the response from local families.
The selected Kinderbürgermeister will have several opportunities to participate before Oktoberfest, including promotional videos and preparations for the role.
During the festival, the child will take part in Opening Ceremonies and make scheduled appearances, particularly around children’s activities and competitions.
The schedule will be coordinated directly with the selected child’s family.
The Kinderbürgermeister and a parent or guardian will receive meals, ride tickets and other festival benefits, along with access to an air-conditioned location between appearances.
“We want the entire experience to be just as much fun for the family as it is for the Kinderbürgermeister,” Anderson said.
A parent or legal guardian will remain involved throughout the experience, including appearances, photography, videos and other festival activities.
The role will remain centered on youth programming rather than Oktoberfest’s alcohol-related activities.
Anderson said children’s steins will be filled with the child’s favorite soda or juice, while the Kinderbürgermeister’s responsibilities will focus on telling Oktoberfest’s story, participating in K-12 competitions and joining the hands-on activities planned for children.
“Oktoberfest is a celebration of Cullman’s German heritage, food, music, traditions and community, and we’re excited to give children an even bigger role in that celebration,” Anderson said.
Organizers already hope the Kinderbürgermeister becomes more than a one-year experiment.
Anderson said the goal is to establish another tradition that children and families anticipate each year while strengthening the connection between younger residents and Cullman’s German heritage.
“Most importantly, we hope the Kinderbürgermeister has an unforgettable experience and comes away even more proud of their community and its heritage,” Anderson said. “Oktoberfest has been passed from generation to generation in Cullman for nearly 45 years, and the Kinderbürgermeister is another way to make sure the next generation gets to be part of carrying that tradition forward.”
To nominate your child, visit www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com/kinderburgermeister.
Cullman Oktoberfest will take place Oct. 1-4. Get more details at www.cullmanoktoberfestival.com and www.facebook.com/cullmanoktoberfest.
