Pomp & Circumstance: A short story about our 1949 Strawberry Festival Princess.

SD Holmes • May 7, 2022

What do the phrases, “City of Churches,” “Sleepy Little German Town,” or “Biggest Poultry Producer of the South,” all have in common? Each of those are descriptions of our hometown - and you can add one more, “Strawberry Capital of the South.” At one time the delicate little berry produced in early spring was a big deal around here. I mean A Big Deal! Similar to the automotive parts manufacturing of today, strawberries were the cash crop of Cullman, Alabama and beyond. And so were the spin off industries that surrounded the mighty strawberry. And, well, who doesn’t like strawberries? The uses of which would rival those that Bubba quoted about shrimp in that beloved movie we all know and love - Forrest Gump - from jams and preserves to pies, cakes and rolls.


And how did we celebrate such a wonderful and prosperous commodity in those days? We had a multi-day festival that was the highest of pomp and circumstance - including cutting a rug at the local dance, a parade, and of course the crowning of the Strawberry Festival Royal Court - and we have continued many of these treasured traditions through the years. Our town and its people get to have bragging rights for the longest-running Strawberry Festival in Alabama and the chance to share another part of our history to anyone lucky enough to listen. The story that follows is of the early years of celebration and one young lady who was given the ultimate title of “Strawberry Princess.”


In the 1940s, the choosing of the Royal Court was slightly different than it is today. Cullman County and City schools would pick their princesses nominated by the principals and teachers, then would be voted on by the senior class. In the year 1949, Norine Buckelew was chosen by her West Point High School class to represent them as their Strawberry Princess. Norine was escorted by Frank Fink, Jr., who was attending college at the time. The King and Queen of the festival were chosen by local officials and businessmen. The West Point Princess, Norine, recalls participating in many local activities during the weeks around the festival and having a good excuse to miss class. One outing included hanging out with other Princesses and their families at the Governor’s Mansion during Big Jim Folsom’s time in office. These appearances were some of Norine’s favorite highlights of the festival as well as the dance and the parade.


In those days, it was a very big deal for the “R.F.D. America” radio game show to be broadcast nationwide from Cullman during the 1949 Strawberry Festival. As quoted from a local paper pulled from Norine’s scrapbook, “When the Farm Champion of Cullman County is selected on April 30, the spotlight of the nation will be on Cullman County. All of this publicity should help make the ninth annual strawberry festival the best and most interesting festival the county has ever had.” Norine was proud to have been a part of such a famous event - and rightfully so!


We should continue to be proud of Cullman’s agricultural heritage - the days of pomp and circumstance and Strawberry Festival Royalty. These are the moments that put Cullman, Alabama on the map as an agriculture legacy. Ask someone if they know about Cullman and its rich history of Strawberry Festivals and celebrations. If they don’t, enlighten them. They will be glad you did, especially during the month of May.

Youth Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Registration Now Open at Cullman Parks & Rec

By Jordan Meggs • January 13, 2025
Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to sign up your young athletes for baseball, softball, and t-ball with Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism. Whether your child is a seasoned player or stepping onto the diamond for the first time, our youth sports programs offer a fantastic opportunity for children ages 3-12 to learn, grow, and have fun. Registration for the 2024 spring season is currently open and will continue through February 13th. Don't delay in securing your child's spot, as our programs consistently draw enthusiastic participation from throughout the Cullman community. Program Overview Our comprehensive youth baseball and softball programs are designed to accommodate children at various skill and age levels. For our youngest athletes (starting at age 3), t-ball provides the perfect introduction to baseball fundamentals. As children progress through the age groups up to 12 years old, they'll develop their skills, understanding of the game, and teamwork abilities. Important Dates to Remember Registration Period: Now through February 13, 2024 Player Evaluations: Week of February 17 (specific dates vary by age group) Practice Start Date: First week of March Season Opening: Games begin in April Player Evaluations The week of February 17 marks an important milestone in our season preparation, as we'll conduct player evaluations. These assessments help us create balanced teams and ensure every child is placed in an appropriate skill level group. Your child's specific evaluation date will depend on their age group, and detailed information will be provided upon registration. What to Expect Once teams are formed, practices will commence in the first week of March. This gives our young athletes plenty of time to build team chemistry, work on fundamental skills, and prepare for the excitement of the regular season. Games will begin in April, running through the spring months. Our dedicated coaches focus on: Teaching proper baseball/softball fundamentals Developing good sportsmanship Building confidence and self-esteem Creating a positive, encouraging environment Fostering a love for the game Benefits of Youth Baseball and Softball Participating in organized baseball and softball helps children develop not just athletic skills, but also important life skills. Players learn the value of teamwork, develop leadership abilities, and build confidence through achievement. The physical benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, overall fitness, and motor skills development. Get Ready for the Season As you prepare for registration, make sure you have: Proof of your child's age Current contact information Any relevant medical information Appropriate clothing and equipment (detailed lists will be provided) Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of Cullman's vibrant youth sports community. Register your child today and help them create lasting memories, develop valuable skills, and experience the joy of America's favorite pastime. For more information about registration, equipment requirements, or any other questions, please contact Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism directly. We look forward to another exciting season of youth baseball, softball, and t-ball in Cullman!
A man in a wheelchair is playing baseball with a group of people behind a chain link fence.

Celebrating Our Incredible CPRST Volunteers

By Jamie Kirk • November 12, 2024
At Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism, we are beyond grateful for the dedicated volunteers who bring our events to life. To all of our volunteers, thank you for your remarkable contributions. Together, we are building a vibrant community that values the arts, inclusivity, and youth development. Your support makes all the difference! Shining a Spotlight on our Amazing Community Theatre Members Their passion for the arts has enriched our special events and created unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Whether they are performing on stage, crafting immersive experiences, or utilizing their creative talents behind the scenes, these volunteers add an extraordinary touch to our community. Their unwavering commitment to the arts inspires us all, and we cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. A Heartfelt Thanks to Wallace State Community College We also want to express our gratitude to our wonderful partners at Wallace State Community College . The support we receive from their students and staff is nothing short of incredible. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure our special events run smoothly. From assisting with event logistics to engaging with attendees, Wallace State’s involvement is crucial to our success. Their enthusiasm and energy help create unforgettable experiences for everyone who participates. Thank you, Wallace State, for your continued partnership—we look forward to many more fantastic events together! Ballet South: Elevating Our Events with Grace We are proud to collaborate with Ballet South, whose artistry and grace have significantly enhanced our special events. Their performances bring a touch of elegance and cultural enrichment to our community, captivating attendees and leaving a lasting impression. Ballet South’s dedication to the arts helps us create a vibrant atmosphere that exceeds expectations. Whether performing on stage or supporting behind the scenes, they are an invaluable part of our success. Thank you, Ballet South, for sharing your talent and passion with us! Honoring the Pilot Club’s Dedication We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of the Pilot Club . Their members have played a vital role in the success of our Archery Tournament and Therapeutic Recreation programs. Their dedication to service and willingness to help whenever needed exemplify true community spirit. The Pilot Club’s contributions ensure that participants of all abilities can enjoy our events in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Thank you, Pilot Club, for your commitment to our mission—you truly make a difference! A Big Shout-Out to Our Amazing Volunteer Coaches Finally, we want to recognize our incredible volunteer coaches who make our youth sports programs thrive. These dedicated individuals invest their time and energy to mentor young athletes, imparting valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game. The impact of our volunteer coaches is profound—they not only teach sports but also foster confidence, leadership, and teamwork in the youth they coach. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to shaping the future of our community. Your efforts are creating lasting change!
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