By Melissa Wagoner
“The Mount Angel Oktoberfest has always been a family-friendly, multi-generational festival,” Tecie Zollner Astorga said.
And she should know, a member of the popular Oktoberfest band, Z Musikmakers, she has performed on stage alongside her family since she was a small child.
“I’ve been a part of Z Musikmakers since I could walk,” Astorga confirmed, “singing on stage with my sisters while my dad played accordion and my mom played the piano. This will be my 33rd year entertaining at Mount Angel Oktoberfest.”
It will also be her first year as the lead in her own project, the “Kids Polka Party with the Astorgas,” which she and her husband, Ed, created in honor of their mixed-heritage family’s love of music.
“My family is German, while Ed’s family is Mexican,” Astorga explained. “Our music is always multicultural, bringing in Spanish and German lyrics that you will hear when we perform.”
It is also family-friendly, created with children ages two to 12 in mind, but open to all.
“Entry is free for those under 21 years of age. Tickets are required for entry to the Biergarten for 21 and over…” Astorga continued. Specifying, “All abilities welcome.”
Kicking off with sing-along songs performed by the Astorgas, including classic songs from The Sound of Music as well as an original tune called The Happy Wanderer, the event will conclude with a polka dance party, balloons, bubbles and fun.
“We want to celebrate the ‘Joy of Being Together Again’ with you!” Astorga said of her hopes for the success of this inaugural event, which will – despite the lighthearted theme – necessarily follow essential COVID protocols as well.
“The safety of our own children and yours is our top priority,” Astorga pointed out. “We want to have a dance party, but we will still need to wear masks, hand sanitize and have large space bubbles.”
Held in the Biergarten – a large, well-ventilated building with openings on two sides – the Astorgas plan to encourage participants to utilize the entire dance floor. They will also make both masks and hand sanitizer available to those without.
It’s going to be a great time, Astorga assured. Pointing out, “Kids know how to have fun more than anybody else. With lively music, bubbles and balloons, it is bound to be a great time!”
Kids Polka Party with the Astorgas
A polka sing-along, dance part, balloons,
bubbles and more!
Biergarten at Oktoberfest. Free to those under 21
Created for ages two to 12, but all ages and abilities welcome.
Saturday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 19 from 2:45 to 3:30 p.m.
