Annual Mount Angel Oktoberfest Infuses Millions into Local Nonprofits

Musicians said, "Willkommen" to Drew Carney from KGW.

Mt. Angel, OR. Lederhosen and Dirndls are all the rage at the 51st annual Oktoberfest. Musicians said, “Willkommen” to Drew Carney from KGW when he visited the festival. It’s a four day celebration for rural community, 40 miles south of Portland; Oktoberfest runs from Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, September 18, 2016.

The Biergarten is drawing crowds who want to stay out of the rain.

Michele Fennimore – Oktoberfest Director

Over the past 51 years, the Oktoberfest organization has donated over three million dollars to Mount Angel schools, churches, civic organizations, youth activities, senior services, hospitals, and scores of other worthwhile causes. Additionally, civic and non-profit organizations also earn money by manning food booths. Last year these grossed $616,000.00. For many, Oktoberfest is their major fund raising activity of the year.

Ted Schacher, Nick Splonski and Bill Bischoff join S-Bahn in singing

Dean and Molly Westbrook have a polka moment

Jim Hoke – Oktoberfest Sponsor

Oregon’s oldest and longest running Oktoberfest began in 1966, following a tradition of over 125 years of harvest festivals under various names and formats. The community founded by German pioneers in 1867, with its surrounding agricultural countryside bears a striking resemblance to rural Bavaria, making an Oktoberfest a natural choice. Organizers expect 350,000 people to come to Mount Angel and soak in the Bavarian charm.

At the festival you’ll find over 50 little food chalets with Bavarian treats; a large arts and crafts show; a new Bavarian Biergarten, family Weingarten and interactive family Alpinegarten. There is free entertainment on the village bandstand featuring the sounds of the alpine country and a free Kindergarten on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a sports program that includes golf and volleyball tournaments and a high school football classic, a 200-vehicle cruz-n car show and more.

For more information, visit Oktoberfest http://www.oktoberfest.org or call toll free 1-855-899-6338.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.