Mt. Angel, September 8th. Lederhosen and Dirndls were all the rage at the kick-off party for the 47th annual Oktoberfest. The party launched the four day celebration for rural community, 40 miles south of Portland; Oktoberfest runs through Sunday, September 16th.
Steven and Laura Miller and Nick and Imelda Wavra – members of the Kleinstadtler Dancers who performed at the Kick Off Dinner and are saving a special new dance for Mount Angel’s 2012 Oktoberfest.
Michele Fennimore – Oktoberfest Director
Over the past 47 years ago, 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.
