Robert Bauman, Busch Gardens' original burgermeister, has died.

According to Amory Funeral Home in Grafton, Bauman died Saturday in Williamsburg at the age of 95.

Bauman wore traditional German lederhosen and sang and danced at Das Festhaus as the park's first burgermeister when it opened in 1975. Park officials said he became an entertainment icon, singing traditional German songs and drawing large crowds until he retired in 2002.

Before taking on the role of Der Burgermeister, or mayor, Bauman, a native of East Greenville, Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the U.S. Army. He served for 26 years and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.

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