Mt. Angel is a small community located about 15 miles from
Salem, Oregon. Each year, September 14 - 17, the town is host to the Oktoberfest...O.K., I’ll stop there. I know what you are thinking. Why is Oktoberfest held in September? It all began with a wedding in October 1810. Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and threw a big party near
Munich, Germany. The party was a huge hit and developed into the world famous celebration that it is today. That’s the origin in a very small nutshell.
Okay, back to Mt. Angel. It’s a quaint little town with lots of German-looking architecture. It reminds me a little of New Braunfels in Texas but not on the same grand scale. Still, it’s a lot of fun. There’s plenty of beer, fried foods that will make you feel guilty for eating it until next year’s fest, and some “oom-pah” music to round out the experience. Be prepared to walk the soles off your shoes and come prepared for any weather surprises. It’s been different every time I’ve gone. Last year was warm and sunny, the year before I about froze and it was wet to boot.
The Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel is just another piece of Americana that I think everyone should experience at least once. Well, maybe two or three times. Those onion rings were pretty durn good.
Photo by Randy Hill - copyright 2004 - All rights reserved
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