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Mike Mullaney spent his childhood on a bicycle traipsing around the roads of Cullman with his friends. A few years later, as a Cullman High School student, Mullaney and those same friends spent weekends hiking and camping in Bankhead National Forest, hanging out at Smith Lake and spelunking in North Alabama’s ample caves.
“Growing up in Cullman in the 1970s was great. Cullman was a much smaller town and provided the best childhood,” Mullaney remembered fondly. “We would be out from the time the sun went up until dinnertime riding all over town.”
Recently named the 2022 Cullman Oktoberfest Burgermeister, Mullaney is enjoying his post
as “master of the town and its citizens” in a community that has grown substantially since the days of yore.
“This experience is so cool and
I’m going to have a blast!”
“Being selected as Burgermeister is just awesome. It’s such an honor! I know it’s going to be a great time. This experience is so cool and I’m going
to have a blast. I know so many of the previous Burgermeisters as well,” he said. Mullaney’s brother-in-law, John Richter, has served in the role and the 2021 Burgermeister, Casey Harbin, is the son of one of his best friends.
The 1980 Cullman High School graduate will
serve as the Master of Ceremonies, responsible for creating memorable experiences and fun for locals and visitors during the 2022 Cullman Oktoberfest. For Mullaney, the festivities will begin in the days prior as he’s seen about the town in lederhosen and then officially opening the festival with the tapping of this year’s keg.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs shared his thoughts on Mullaney being selected this year’s Burgermeister.
“I am happy that Mike Mullaney was chosen to be the 2022 Cullman Burgermeister. I have known Mike and his family for many years. He is a well- respected citizen and businessman with great pride in our community and German heritage. I know he will enthusiastically fulfill the duties of Burgermeister and help make the 2022 Cullman Oktoberfest the best yet!”
The happily married father of two adult daughters, Emily and Kate, Mullaney is an opa (I’m sure
he’s known as granddad or papa, but this is an article about Oktoberfest so we’re going with the German translation, opa, for our Burgermeister)
to Guillermo, 5, and Elena, 3. He has been with REHAU for fifteen years and currently serves as its safety and environmental manager. But you might recognize Mullaney from his other job and passion project - he is a cofounder, president, and head brewer of Cullman’s Goat Island Brewing, the place where award-winning craft beers are made and served.
Mike & wife, Lisa, with theif grandchildren
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