Wishart tops 2023 Alpenfest award winners

GAYLORD — The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the 2023 Gaylord Alpenfest Committee have revealed the award winners for the 58th version of Alpenfest, Gaylord's annual summer festival scheduled for July 11-15.

Dona Wishart, executive director of the Otsego County Commission on Aging (OCCOA), was selected as this year's Der Buergermeister. The Der Buergermeister is awarded to an individual who has impacted the community by giving their time, energy, heart and soul in making the community a better place to live. This person adds great value by sharing their ideas and leadership skills to help others become successful to their cause.

"I am not often moved to tears but when, unexpectedly, my family, members of the chamber and Alpenfest committees, and OCCOA staff flowed into my office this morning (May 4) to announce me as Der Burgermeister for Alpenfest 2023, with a proclamation read by Jim Grisso, feelings of surprise were followed with happy tears.  I am pleased and honored to serve as Der Burgermeister 2023," Wishart said.

Wishart has been at OCCOA since 1994. During the week of Alpenfest, the current mayor of Gaylord, Todd Sharrard, will ceremoniously hand over leadership reigns of the city to Wishart beginning with the opening ceremony for Alpenfest. Her husband is Bill Wishart, a former mayor.

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The parade marshal this year will be Allan Zielinski, superintendent of public works for the City of Gaylord. The parade marshal honor goes to an individual who is a champion of Alpenfest over the years. This individual volunteers countless hours in helping organize Alpenfest and is seen on the Alpenstrasse throughout the week of the festival not only promoting the festival, but the community as well.

Pam Anthony was named the winner of the DAR Award, which is designed to collectively honor all of the Alpenfest volunteers who work behind the scenes and whose contribution may appear to go unnoticed. The award is named after Dar Mongeau, who for many years assisted her husband Jim with his duties as the general manager of Alpenfest.

The Edelweiss Award will go to Patrick Tholl. This award is presented to an individual who goes above and beyond the normal volunteer duties. This award is named in the memory of Pam Duczkowski and Patti Dobrzelewski, who gave their time and energy by putting on successful events over the years in the community.

Northern Michigan Veterans Coalition, Ralph Holewinski VFW Post 1518 and Patriot Place are the winners of the Alpenfest Honored Industry Award. It is given to a local business or organization that is “a great friend to Alpenfest.” This organization promotes the event by volunteering or helping through a monetary donation.

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.