Page 25 - Cullman Oktoberfest 2021

A Burgermeister Experience
Words By: Savannah Leigh Smith Photo provided by: CPRST
As a lifelong resident of Cullman, Steve Sides was happy to share his experience as burgermeister. Having served on the Oktoberfest committee for eight years, Steve truly didn’t know the commitment and demand involved in taking on the title. He explained that his job as burgermeister started weeks before Oktoberfest as he and Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism brought the event to life on social media with Steve’s quirky sense of humor. Steve also visited schools in the mornings in his lederhosen, waving and talking to students in the car lines, where he was often called a lumberjack. He hoped that the students would go home and tell their parents about the lumberjack, which would spike interest and create awareness of the German heritage of Cullman, hopefully bringing more individuals to Oktoberfest. Although Steve said that being burgermeister was exhausting at times, the only thing he would change is the length of the event, which he hopes can be a couple of days longer in the future.
With his wife by his side, he made the community feel welcomed and proud to be a part of this heartfelt occasion. Whether it was laughing among the onlookers at the wiener races or chatting with out-of-town folks in the porta potty line, one thing stood out to Steve the most – the smiling faces of the community.
“EMBRACE IT & PARTICIPATE. DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN POSSIBLY DO DURING THE EVENT & HAVE FUN. ALSO, LEARN TO LOVE GERMAN MUSIC!”
After a year of being stuck at home, this event brought hope to the town of Cullman and gave everyone a chance to smile again. Steve’s humble pride spread across his face as he shared these words, “You don’t know what to expect walking into the role of burgermeister, but when it’s all over, it’s so fulfilling that it exceeds what you could ever expect.” He believes that with the help of the Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, Oktoberfest will continue to bloom unlike never before, and he is proud to share his experience as burgermeister.
One thing Steve would like to leave everyone who attends an Oktoberfest in the future: “Embrace it and participate. Do everything you can possibly do during the event and have fun. Also, learn to love German music!”
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