Before you give up chocolate or television or meat during the Lenten season, take the opportunity to have some fun.
Known as the Mardi Gras of Mount Angel, the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce Wurstfest is a chance eat, drink and be merry before the Lenten season begins. Wurstfest is always held on the weekend before Ash Wednesday, which this year is Feb. 10.
The eighth annual WurstFest is Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 5-6, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mount Angel Festhalle, 500 S Wilco Hwy. General admission is $5 or $10 with specialty stein or glass (limited availability). Young folk under 21 accompanied by an adult are admitted free. Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is Senior Day for those 65 years old and older. There will be special give-a-ways as long as supplies last.
For those who want to burn some calories, the Wurst Run starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday,.There is both a 5K and a 10K run/walk. Fees include registration, course map, entry to Wurstfest, beer glass and a complimentary beverage.
The Festhalle is transformed into a small village from a sausage lover’s dream for the festival. Three area sausage makers – Mt. Angel Sausage, Glockenspiel and Urban German – present 19 varieties of the best of their wurst, including bratwurst, currywurst, frickadelwurst. And, of course, there are the garnishes like sauerkraut, grilled onions and mustards, plus other great German dishes.
The bar will feature the world-famous Warsteiner beers from Germany and a special Wurstfest brew from Silverton’s Seven Brides called Stammtisch.
There also will be an array of German and regional wines plus non-alcoholic beverages. Many artisans and craftspeople will display and sell their foods, condiments, hats, clothing and more.
And there will be music, and dancing, and… you know, all the excellent elements of a Mount Angel festival!
