CULLMAN, Ala. – Oktoberfest 2022 kicked off its final day Saturday with the 5K/10K and wrapped up almost 16 hours later with Chase Wright closing out the German heritage festival.
Downtown Cullman saw Oktoberfest celebrants arriving in the early morning to participate in the races. As spectators huddled under jackets and sipped coffee on the brisk morning, the runners took off along Second Avenue Northeast under the sunny sky. The races had a record 275 registrants, and the proceeds will benefit the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation.
Soon after the runners made their way to the finish line, the Cullman Community Band took the stage and the plethora of vendors opened for the day in Depot Park. Bingo players assembled at Sacred Heart at the same time Oktofurfest with its pet costume contest and wiener dog races were underway. The crowd favorite saw dog lovers packed around the racetrack cheering on their four-legged favorites.
The Wallace State Singers and Wallace State Jazz Band were next on the stage followed by the Cullman High School Choir. In the afternoon and evening, the brat eating contest, kids’ stein hoisting and best dressed competitions and adults’ stein hoisting and best dressed contests were held between the music of Oompah-Calypse, Brez, Avenue G Band, The Overtones and Chase Wright.
Reflecting over the event, Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said, “This year’s Oktoberfest is the most successful event that I can recall. As always, I am proud of the way our community comes together to make special things happen like Oktoberfest. We appreciate our sponsors, committee, vendors and CPRST team for the hard work and support.”
Cullman played host to thousands of local residents and visitors from throughout the state and Southeast over the Oktoberfest weekend. The community involvement and support through corporate sponsorships, vigorous work from CPRST and the dedication of celebrants who attend each year continue to make Cullman Oktoberfest an event to remember.
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