By Melissa Wagoner
Volksfest – or a festival of the people in German – is an apt name for the annual wintertime sausage-themed extravaganza that takes place in Mount Angel.
“There’s a plethora of entertainment and food,” Jim Hoke – owner of Mt. Angel Sausage Company, a festival sponsor – said. “Every little kid and every grandparent feels comfortable in the crowd.”
The festival – which was previously held under the name Wurstfest – was renamed this year due to a registered trademark disagreement with the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels, Texas. Although unplanned, the name switch has not been an entirely negative experience, giving the planning committee the chance to reinvent the festival – now in its 11th year – with a fresh look.
“It’s a festival of the people – it represents the people really well,” Hoke said. “The one thing about Volksfest is that it’s just part of Mount Angel and we stay within the Bavarian theme. You will leave feeling like you’ve been in a Bavarian street market. ”
One of the biggest changes to this year’s event is the extended food options, which was previously based entirely around sausage. Although still a fundamental part of the menu – along with a wide array of German beers – other vendors will include: G-Gourmet serving wraps and sandwiches, Mary’s Kitchen with Mexican food and St. Mary Parish providing fondue.
“Mount Angel does a great job with parties,” Hoke said. “Nobody does it better. There’s a lot of pride that’s in it.”
The festival – which will take place March 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. until midnight – has also added an additional day – staying open through Sunday from 10 a.m. until six p.m.
Cost of admission to Volksfest on any day is $5 for those 21 and over – $10 for those who would like a commemorative glass. Guests under 21 are free with an accompanying adult.
Volksfest, which is a uniquely multigenerational event, will once again offer a kindergarten area with face painting, crafts and a magician for the younger crowd. For seniors, Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. is designated “Senior Day” with a variety of free gifts. And for runners, the annual 10k and 5k Wurst Run will take place Saturday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. with runners receiving a tour of Mount Angel before ending at the Volksfest site.
“If you look at Volksfest – it’s everything that’s good about the community,” Hoke said. “There’s just a lot of fun stuff. It’s really easy to be a part of something that’s so well run.”
Volksfest
“A Mount Angel Celebration of German Sausage”
Mount Angel Festhalle
500 Wilco Highway NE, Mount Angel
March 1 and 2, 10 a.m. to midnight March 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Senior Day: March 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wurst Run: March 2 at 9:30 a.m. (https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/MountAngel/Wurst)
Festival admission: $5 for those 21 and older ($10 with a commemorative glass). Those under 21 are free with a paying adult.
www.mtangelvolksfest.com
