CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Oktoberfest, which spanned four days this year, saw a record 75,000 attendees, according to organizers.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said they couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s event.
“We saw record hotel occupancy for the weekend and welcomed a record crowd of approximately 75,000 people,” Anderson said. “The weather certainly wasn’t ideal, but thankfully it held off enough for us to have a great event, and we’re grateful that the forecast didn’t keep people from coming to Cullman and enjoying another great year of Oktoberfest.”
He said expanding the festival through Sunday proved to be a great decision.
“After experiencing crowding on Saturday in previous years, we wanted to give people another opportunity to enjoy the festival at a more relaxed pace,” Anderson explained. “Even with a 70% chance of rain in the forecast, nearly 10,000 people joined us Sunday. I think that shows both the strength of this event and how much people have come to look forward to Oktoberfest in Cullman.”
CPRST Events Director Daniel Wyatt said this year they added several new high-energy acts to the festival lineup.
“The Brats and Manuela Horn, both nationally known for their larger-than-life shows that get the crowd involved entertaining participants this year,” Wyatt said. “Nothing was better than seeing a 200-foot conga line snaking through the festival with participants ranging from 3 to 93 years old. I saw more people out of their seats and part of the fun than in years past. We want people not just to come enjoy the festival, but to be part of it, and we’ve already lined up both bands to join us again next year.”
He continued, “We also expanded our craft vendor area, giving visitors more space to shop and take their time. With added several new craft vendors this year, whether you wanted handmade artisan mugs or authentic German lederhosen and dirndls, we had you covered. As the festival grows, we’re always on the lookout for great entertainment and great vendors to give visitors a truly unique experience.”
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said an event of this size simply doesn’t happen without an extraordinary amount of teamwork.
“We are incredibly thankful for the Oktoberfest committee, our Parks and Recreation staff, our other city departments, sponsors, vendors and the many volunteers who give their time to make this weekend possible,” Jacobs said. “I especially want to thank our Bürgermeister, Edgar Veigl, and our Kinderbürgermeister, Veronica Harding, for representing the spirit and traditions of Oktoberfest so well.”
Organizers said events like Oktoberfest are also a great reminder of how important it is to support local businesses and vendors.
“At the same time, we’re inviting tens of thousands of visitors to experience Cullman, shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants and stay in our hotels,” Anderson said. “That combination is great for our local economy and for our community. This is truly a community event, and Cullman once again gave our visitors something to remember.”
Up next: Cullman Christkindlmarkt
Cullman Christkindlmarkt returns to Depot Park Nov. 19-Dec. 23, with free admission.
“We are happy that our great vendors from years past are joining us again, along with new food options and shopping you won’t find anywhere else – that will be a great addition to an already wonderful event,” Wyatt shared. “Visitors will also notice new details throughout the event that will immerse them in a true old-world Christmas experience. We have one very big feature coming that visitors will definitely notice. It will be one of only a few like it in the Southeast, if not the country. I don’t want to ruin the surprise just yet, but I can guarantee it will be worth the wait.”
Get more details at www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com.
