The Mt. Angel Oktoberfest can take another bow. Its 58th rendition from Sept. 14-17 not only was a clear success amid splendid weather and enthusiastic crowds, but the local celebration has sparked support in
a national survey.
USA Today polled U.S. residents as part of its readers’ choice ten best series and the numbers showed that the Mount Angel event, which honors the town’s German and Swiss traditions, is ranked No. 2 Oktoberfest nationwide.
The Sept. 15 USA Today news release on the poll noted that Mount Angel began its Oktoberfest tradition in 1966. In addition to the classic food and beverage options, the Mount Angel event also includes music, dancing, a car show, wiener dog races, kids activities, a fun run, an Oktoberfest Olympics, and events at Mount Angel Abbey and St. Mary Catholic Church.
Mount Angel organizers also note that the festival started with a $100 gift from the Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce and it continues to have no paid staff, operating via volunteer board and hundreds of local recruits. Local nonprofits have received more than $3.5 million from Oktoberfest during its 58-year run.
The only better Oktoberfest, according to the USA Today survey, was the Cleveland (Ohio) Oktoberfest. Rounding out the top five were the Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest in Reading, Pennsylvania; the Tulsa Oktoberfest in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and the New Ulm Oktoberfest in New Ulm, Minnesota.
The Mount Angel event was the only Pacific Northwest festival in the top 10. A Big Bear Lake, California, event ranked 8th and one in Snowbird, Utah was 10th.
The 2024 Mt. Angel Oktoberfest runs Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 12-15.
– James Day
