CULLMAN, Ala. – Each year as fall approaches, Cullman residents look forward to seeing the colorful mums that provide beautiful and bold colors around town. It was the hope and passion of resident Pat Clemmons to bring festive color and charm to Cullman, especially in preparation for the city’s Oktoberfest celebration. After Clemmons’ tragic death in 2008, her daughter Nancy Clemmons Moore made it her mission to keep that passion alive.
Each year Moore sells gorgeous mums to businesses and individuals leading up to Oktoberfest. Her family is also responsible for the German Hay People that have been watching over Cullman for at least 25 years. The hay people and splendidly-colored mums definitely set the mood for the celebration.
“My parents loved Oktoberfest and were also active members of St. John’s Church,” said Moore. “It was my mom’s dream to make Cullman look festive. She would bring mums to downtown businesses to help decorate for Oktoberfest.”
Moore’s parents, Phil and Pat Clemmons, loved Oktoberfest and volunteered their time each year to make the celebration successful. Sadly, both were killed in May 2008 when their plane crashed in Ohio.
“I wanted to keep selling the mums in honor and memory of my mom. Steve and I also bring the hay people each year,” said Moore. “My parents got the idea after seeing them in Germany.”
The hay people should make their 2019 debut the weekend of Sept. 21.
Moore is currently taking orders for this year’s mum sale. The mums are still only $10 and come in many colors: yellow, red, purple, lavender, burnt orange, bronze, white-yellow and pink. She plans to bring 500 mums this year, but added, “I can get more if I need to.”
She will have the flowers at the Cullman Festhalle Sept. 25. Most of the mums will be pre-sold with only a limited number available on the 25th. To order now, call 256-347-8543.
This year Moore is serving as president of the Oktoberfest Board. Her husband, Steve Moore, was just named this year’s Burgermeister. Moore, along with her brother and sister, stood in for their parents in 2008 when they were honored posthumously as that year’s Burgermeisters.
Moore does not sell the mums for profit; they have remained $10 for several years. Inspired by her mother, she works hard to continue the tradition Pat Clemmons started.
“I love Cullman. I love Oktoberfest. I give this my whole heart and soul,” she smiled.
Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
