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Alpenfest traces its roots to the mid 1960's. Each year in the middle of July, downtown Gaylord in transformed into a Alpenfest paradise. Enjoy the rides on the midway, hear and see musical acts and entertainers. Enjoy delicious food and bevearge. It's a family fun event that everyone will enjoy! The 2023 Alpenfest takes place July 11th through the 15th!
Alpenfest
P.O. Box 513, Gaylord, MI 49734
alpenfestgaylord@gmail.com
(989) 732-6333
History
In the early 1960’s Gaylord, which is the county seat of Otsego County, was in the process of changing the town’s image to that of the Alpine look. This change was hastened by the decision of U.S. Plywood to build a particle board plant in Gaylord. The process used to manufacture particle board was developed and patented by a Swiss businessman, Fred Fahrni. The new plant meant employment for many in the area and also opened the door for a big market in the county for aspen and pine, from which the “Novaply” was processed.
Opening day for the festival was set for July 5, 1965, and it was to run through July 10th. A terrific amount of work had to be done in a very short time. The entire community rose to the occasion. Nellie Schlang held classes on how to make dirndls and men’s Alpine vests. Hundreds of these were made, all very colorful and designed with an Alpine flair. Main Street stores dressed their windows with Alpine materials (as we thought!). Work on storefronts and building went on apace, decorations were purchased, skits and sets were practiced, and excitement was building up.
