Alpenfest Idol and Queen’s Pageant round out the week
What started years ago as a karaoke contest, has evolved into one of the main events at Alpenfest in downtown Gaylord.
The festival is in its final days in Gaylord, but they say it’s not really summer until Alpenfest comes to town.
This week’s event pay tribute to the community’s heritage – along with rides, games, family fun, and crazy contests to keep everyone busy. One of those is the Alpenfest Idol: a popular singing contest.
There are four different age groups for soloists – and two different competition groups for larger groups.
“I think these are hometown favorites because this is where we get the hometown participation,” said Alpenfest Committee member and Idol director Stacey Rosin. “You know these are kids from the area and people who come up for the summers, and they come partake. This is where they can show their stuff.”
Rosin says this year’s Idol is extra special because two of the founders of the event both passed away within the last year. With the tornado that hit Gaylord, it’s been a challenging start to summer, but Alpenfest gives them something to celebrate.
“I love this community because the tornado really showed who we were. The strength that we have. And I think this is kind of a time where now we can come together and celebrate what we accomplished,” Rosin says. “It’s also a time for people to gather and be reminded of why we need to be there for each other.”
Check out our photo gallery of pictures from Alpenfest below:
