A King's Legacy

Jordan Meggs • April 15, 2021

Words by Kaitlin Chappell Rogers | Photos provided by the Cullman County Museum & Peinhardt family

Close your eyes and pretend you're back in the year 1950.


Gas was 27 cents a gallon; a new car would cost you around $1,500; and the average family income was around $3,300. Everything went at a slower pace than it does now, and cell phones weren't attached to our hands.


Now, flash back to present day. You're on a Zoom call while Netflix streams on your television and your phone plays music. You see more cars than crops when you drive down the road, and you can scroll through everyone's lives in a matter of minutes.


For William Peinhardt, 1950 feels like yesterday, and it was a year he will never forget.

As we sat on a Zoom call, he and his daughter commented on how bizarre it was that we were discussing the year 1950 while on a virtual interview in two separate cities. He said his 23-year-old self could have never imagined sitting in 2021 talking about the Cullman County Strawberry Festival on a screen.


"Meeting over a computer didn't exist then, and everything was a lot slower-paced," Peinhardt said.


He is 94 years old now, and the year he reigned as Strawberry Festival King is a distant memory.


Peinhardt is the last living Strawberry Festival King and was the last one ever crowned at the 10th annual event. He grew up in Cullman and helped the family business of produce.

"I'm proud of Dad and to be from a place that celebrates its heritage," said Peinhardt's daughter. "It seems fitting that he was the Strawberry Festival King since his father marketed and sold produce from the county to the rest of the country. I even have a recording somewhere of Dad talking about shipping produce on overnight trains to Chicago as a 'youngster.'"


Because Peinhardt's family was so well-known in Cullman, he was selected by the festival's chairman, George Stiefelmeyer, to be the king in 1950. He was reluctant to accept the title at first, not wanting any credit or attention, but looking back, he's so grateful for the time of fun and celebration.

"The whole town came together to celebrate," said Peinhardt. "It was nice getting to meet all the people in the city of Cullman and see all the friendly faces at the big parade and the Strawberry Ball held at St. Bernard School. We all really just had a great time."


While being the king of the city that year and graduating from Auburn University with a degree in agricultural engineering were major highlights of his life, he said there was nothing more special than being married to his wife Dorothea for fifty-nine years before she passed away in 2010.


"My greatest accomplishment in life was helping Dorothea rear our six children all those years," he reminisced.

"It's interesting to know he grew up farming & shipping strawberries & then became a king. My dad was a king!"

Those children went on to give him ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild so far. And while he beans with pride for his children, they certainly do the same for him.


"It's sort of neat to hear about his time as king because we never heard a whole lot of this growing up," said Peinhardt's daughter Mary Jo Lakin. "It's interesting to know he grew up farming and shipping strawberries and then became a king. My dad was a king!"


Mary Jo plays in the Cullman Community Band and performs at the Strawberry Festival each year, carrying on her father's legacy.

As the world continues to grow, change, and move faster than ever, Peinhardt and his family hold on to the memories of a time when picking strawberries was a way of life and being part of a parade was much more thrilling than watching one on a screen.

Make plans to join us on Saturday, May 1, 2021 for this year's Cullman Strawberry Festival! Visit our website for more information and a full schedule!

A man is playing paddle tennis on a tennis court

Smash Your Skills: Join Jonny Pickleball’s One-Day Clinic in Cullman!

By Jordan Meggs • May 7, 2025
If you've ever thought about giving pickleball a shot or you're looking for ways to level up your game, now's the perfect time. National pro Jonny Pickleball is coming to Cullman, and he's bringing his signature style and expertise to the courts. This event isn't just for the elite athletes or seasoned players—it’s for everyone. And that’s what makes it so exciting. Whether you're eight years old or in your 80s, there's a session designed just for you. What Is the Pickleball Clinic with Jonny Pickleball? On May 31, Cullman Park and Recreation is hosting a one-day pickleball clinic at the Active Adult Center Outdoor Courts, led by Jonny Pickleball—a nationally recognized pickleball pro known for his high-energy teaching style and deep knowledge of the game. This is a rare opportunity to learn from someone who travels the country teaching, competing, and growing the sport. And he's stopping here in Cullman to share that experience with you. How to Join the Clinic (Based on Your Skill Level and Age) To make the experience even better, sessions are split by age and skill level so you get the most out of your time on the court. Here are your options: 1. Kids' Free Session (Ages 8-13) Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cost: Free Link to sign up: Register for Kids' Session This is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the sport in a fun and friendly setting. Jonny keeps the energy high and the drills age-appropriate. Plus, it's completely free! 2. Beginner Session (All Ages) Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: Paid Link to sign up: Register for Beginner Session If you're new to pickleball or you’ve only played casually, this session is the perfect intro to proper technique, rules, and court positioning. Jonny breaks everything down in simple steps so it’s easy to follow and fun to learn. 3. Intermediate Session (All Ages) Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Cost: Paid Link to sign up: Register for Intermediate Session For those already familiar with the basics and looking to sharpen their competitive edge, this session dives into strategy, shot selection, and advanced footwork. Perfect if you're playing in local leagues or considering tournaments. Why This Clinic Is Worth Your Time Jonny Pickleball is more than a coach; he’s a passionate ambassador for the sport. His clinics have helped thousands of players grow their skills, build confidence, and fall even more in love with the game. Plus, it's not every day that a national pro offers local training sessions for all levels. You'll leave the court with: Clear understanding of pickleball fundamentals or advanced strategies (based on your session) Tips you can immediately apply to your game The motivation that comes from learning in a community setting Final Reminder: Spots Are Limited Whether you’re signing up your child for their first lesson or finally committing to taking your own game more seriously, don’t wait. These sessions will fill up fast. Head over to our RecDesk site to sign up and save your spot. Pick your level and bring your energy. Jonny Pickleball will take care of the rest.

Record-Breaking 2025 Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman Showcases Growth, Community Impact, and Future Plans

By Jordan Meggs • May 1, 2025
The 2025 Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman broke attendance records, featuring over 120 vendors, visitors from 20+ states, and a focus on community engagement. Mayor Woody Jacobs praised the event's success and growth, with plans already underway for next year.
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