CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Festhalle was the place to be Thursday as area seniors celebrated Oktoberfest. Despite the record-breaking heat, the venue was packed and the party was lively as seniors from throughout the county and as far away as Florence, Attalla and Irondale attended the much-anticipated event.
Several of the attendees took to the dance floor donning lederhosen or colorful dirndls, showing everyone just how a polka is done. The band played crowd favorites such as “The Chicken Dance” and “Roll Out the Barrel.” Those in the crowd were very supportive as they clapped along with those tearing up the Festhalle dance floor.
There were a few special guests in attendance as the cast of the Donald E. Green Senior Center “Hee Haw Show” was having a fabulous time. They were excited to announce that they are busy rehearsing for two new shows this February.
The seniors were treated to a free hot dog lunch served by the volunteers from the event’s sponsors. Representatives from the Cullman Elks Lodge, Cullman Savings Bank, the Cullman County Commission on Aging and others helped serve lunch and made sure everyone had plenty of cold water.
The Mug root beer keg was much appreciated by the crowd as the afternoon temperature approached 100 degrees.
Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker laughed, “We still had a great turnout, although I am sure we probably had a few that opted to stay home on this 72nd day of July. This is always a fun day and luckily, we have these tents and fans.
Members of the Irondale Senior Center didn’t let the heat stop them, with one member pointing out, “Hey, its hot back in Irondale, too. We always have a fun time here.”
The group plans to continue making the trip in the future.
After lunch, 2019 Cullman Oktoberfest Burgermeister Steve Moore began one of his most important duties- calling BINGO! Lucky winners took home some great gifts including cash and gift cards.
Before heading out, many stopped at the vendor booths for some shopping before loading up for the trip home.
Old friends and new enjoyed a carefree day at Oktoberfest, with a member of the Florence Senior Center saying goodbye to a new friend, “Thank you so much for the amazing hospitality. We’ll definitely be back.”
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