Dirndls and Lederhosen: Gaylord’s Alpenfest is a huge summer celebration

GAYLORD - What happens when you mix days of pure summer Americana fun with the charm of an Up North spot that for nearly a century has embraced an Alpine theme throughout its downtown? You’re gifted with Alpenfest. Gaylord’s big summer celebration begins on Tuesday, July 9 and stretches through Saturday, July 13.

It’s crammed with live entertainment, games, carnival rides and carnival eats, and more Alpine-themed extras than you can shake a long, curved Alphorn at.

“Don your dirndl and lederhosen July 9-13 and head downtown for our community’s signature festival - Alpenfest,” staff at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau said. “This year’s event promises to be filled with the activities and events you’ve grown to love over the years, along with fresh, new fun.”

You can find the full Alpenfest lineup on the website here. It has old-fashioned fun like potato sack races, stilt-walking, pie-eating contests and bubble gum blowing and jump rope competitions. Then it has some odd turns: Competitions featuring women’s ankles and men’s knees (we think those might have to be seen in person, so we won’t try to describe them).

If you’re headed to Alpenfest, our Gaylord tourism friends have shared several tips on how to prep for your visit. Some things not to miss:

World’s Largest Coffee Break: This donuts-and-beverage feast is nicely sandwiched between Wednesday morning’s Alpenfest Walking Parade and the potato sack races on the Courthouse lawn. “Since 1965, the coffee breaks have been a tradition where locals and visitors come together over coffee and donuts. Fun fact: In 1983, the Alpenfest Committee even tried to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, but they were told there wasn’t a category for such a unique event.”

Compete for fun - you just might win: “Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned potato sack race? Or maybe jumping rope and stilt walking are more your speed. Feeling a bit daring? Test your skills in the stone-throwing contest! Not in the mood for active games? No problem! Alpenfest offers pizza eating, pie eating, bubble gum blowing, and even a goldfish eating contest.” (We think they mean the goldfish crackers!)

Ten concerts in five days: “Just grab an Alpenfest pin from the Chamber of Commerce, and you’re all set to join in on the fun. The artists include Frohliche Musiker Blasorchester Band, Nameless, Satisfaction – the International Rolling Stones Tribute Show, Mega 80s, Family Tradition Band, Grand Traverse Pipe and Drum, Petoskey Steel Drum Band Concert, New Brass Express Concert and RepliKaty-The Katy Perry Experience.”

Pack your taste buds: Alpenfest means its time to put your diet on hold. Married to your intermittent fasting rules? Throw them out the window before you drive into town. “If you can walk past the carnival food without treating yourself, the scents wafting down the street from Ethnic Alley will surely draw you in. Savor and sample a bit of everything – Polish sausage, pierogis, prime rib, egg rolls, burgers and brats. And don’t miss out on the Ice Cream Social – it’s the cherry on top!”

You can find more Alpenfest advice on the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau’s blog here.

Staying overnight? Gaylord is home to two resorts on the edge of town - Treetops Resort and the Otsego Resort - and has several hotels right near downtown. You can find more information on lodging accommodations here.

If you love golf, don’t forget your clubs. Gaylord is known as Michigan’s Golf Mecca and it has a wide variety of courses. You can find more details - and some golf packages and specials, on the website here.

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