GAYLORD – It’ officially less than 50 days to Alpenfest!-« Our theme is ‘Alpenfest-« is Blumen’ Fun,” a play on our beloved Blumenkrantz – the Swiss inspired crown of flowers.
Our five day festival from July 11-15 is literally bursting at the seams with new stages, new and old traditions, expanded art and a new and improved ethnic alley with themed food, music and dancing! We will have you dancing and smiling and eating down the Alpenstrasse’.
Take a look at the courthouse lawn where you will find the Alpenfest-« Paragon Ink art tent hosted by the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts and Alpenfest-« exploding with artist demonstrations, from wood carving to ‘fly tying’, watercolors, zentangle and more. In addition, artists’ wares will be on display with opportunities for purchase. It’ not too late to register your artisan craft. Visit gaylordalpenfest.com for details. You won’t want to miss the Saturday night Art Tent reception brought to you by Paragon Ink and Gaia Technologies. Appetizers and Hor’devours provided by Treetops, special music and a silent and live art auctions.
Be sure to check out the Pontresina Tent where you will find everything from Tommy Tropic’ own juggling school, performances from Gaylord Community Productions, puppet shows, music and a variety of local performances.
In addition, the Michigan State Police are celebrating 100 years and will have a variety of nostalgic cars on display all week long. Check out the ’57 Ford, ’75 Plymouth Fury and a brand new charger with an old school classic paint finish.
Sleep in for an extra hour on Thursday and Friday. Our Alpine Country Breakfast provided by Big Boy, and our pancakes and sausage cooked and served by Gaylord Community Schools, will start at 9:00 a.m. Stick around all week long for more surprises. KFC will be cooking up new and improved sides to go with our delicious Dowker’ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Visit gaylordalpenfest.com for a complete list of food events.
Our Ethnic Alley will be participating in themed food events. Wednesday night our ethnic alley and pavilion will be transformed with tasty German inspired dishes and a traditional German brass band with a modern twist, ‘Eric Neubauer Ensemble Die Dorfmusicanten’ (German for town band). How about a polish night combing polish food and music featuring the legendary, ‘Big Daddy Lackowski and the La Dee Da’!’ Dress accordingly as nightly prizes will be awarded!
Schedule of events:
Tuesday
‘Citizen’ Way’ a chart topping trio with pop-rock influences, infectious lyrics and a creatively ambitious new sound that pushes the artistic boundaries with funk-inspired songs like ‘Bulletproof’ and the soulful, stripped down ballad, ‘I will.’ special guest from the talented ‘American Idol’ finalist and Miss Mississippi title holder, ‘Jasmine Murray’ and ‘Neshama’ a progressive acoustic band with a bluegrass and Celtic influence.
(Our Queen’ pageant will take place on Friday)
Wednesday
‘Endless Summer’ – This dance party ensemble returns with music from the 50’/60′, big band and new hits with top notch costumes, horns and performances.
Thursday
‘Drew Hale’ – Award winning country singer/songwriter and a 2015 Country Showdown National Champion.
Friday
Traditional Alpenfest-« Queen’ Pageant will be taking place on Friday this year. Watch on the edge of your seat to see who will be chosen for the coveted Alpenfest-« crown.
Mega 80′ – Dig out those acid wash jeans, high tops and Aqua net hairspray and join us for an ultimate 80′ retro party. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed and biggest hair.
Stick around for Fireworks at dusk!
Saturday
We start off running. Literally. Register today at gaylordalpenfest.com for the 1 mile fun run, 5k and 10k. Enter your car in the 2nd Annual Alpenfest-« Classic Car and Truck show or watch them as they join the Alpenfest-« Art Van Grand Parade.
Make sure you get your spot under the UnitedHealthcare Pavilion as the afternoon brings non-stop music and performances from The Petoskey Steel Drum Band, Karaoke (Alpenfest Idol) Finals, music from the Gaylord Community Orchestra and the Gaylord Community Band. Jump on the Soul Train with an Alpenfest-« Jay’ Sporting Goods Main Stage Motown Review performance from none other than the rhythm and blues, ‘Phase 5 Motown Review.’ Reminiscent of the temptations their choreographed moves helped them get nominated for best live performance and will you have groovin’ on your feet!
Make sure to visit gaylordalpenfest.com for an up-to-date complete schedule of events.
