Record Oktoberfest revelry fills Oaks Amusement Park with seasonal cheer

INCLUDES TUNEFUL FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT VIDEO | Find out why continuing their Oktoberfest traditions has attracted more and more folks to this local East Portland festive event …

The atmosphere is festive, the food is great, and the music is lively in the Oaks Amusement Park Oktoberfest Grand Festhalle.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Delightful autumnal weather graced this year’s Oktoberfest at nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park started September 20 and provided family fun through September 22.

In addition to all of the Oktoberfest attractions you’d expect to find at such a Germanic celebration, many guests also enjoyed the park’s amusement rides and attractions.

Welcoming guests to their Oktoberfest is Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay.

When we asked “What’s new this year?”, Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay smiled “Actually, we’ve learned to just keep the Oktoberfest traditions going, year after year.

“People tell us they return every year because they look forward to the same lineup of authentic brats, beers, music, and dancing they’ve come to enjoy,” MacKay explained.

Seated in The Oaks Oktoberfest Grand Festhalle enjoying the evening is Nancy and Allen White who says, “We’re from Milwaukie – the Oregon kind!”

Grilling up fresh, tasty brats is Mitchell Philip of Brat Barn.

Ready to enjoy some just-baked pretzels is guest Bill Kanable.

“But, there actually are a few new things – we do have a new food vendor this year, and every Alpine Village space has local artisans and vendors – all themed to our celebration,” MacKay told East Portland News.

Take a look at the highlights of this year’s Oktoberfest at The Oaks:

During the day, there were the favorite outdoor events – like the Wiener Dog Races, and children’s activities in the Kinderplatz.

In both the Grand Festhalle and in the smaller Northwest Festhalle, music and dance kept this family-oriented celebration lively.

In the Alpine Village, guests are snapping up caramel apples from vendor Gina Ediger from Maui Melts confectionery in Monmouth, near Salem.

Catching two pretzels with the wooden plunger handle that she holds on her head, [at far left] contestant Holly Romer wins the Pretzel Toss Contest.

“We’re so pleased that this Oktoberfest has grown to be the prime celebration of its kind in the Portland area,” confided MacKay. “Part our popularity is that we feature top-tier polka bands. But also, our Oktoberfest is for everyone, because children can be in all venues, at all hours – we want the kids here celebrating with mom and dad – it’s the ‘Oaks Park way’!

Returning to musically entertain is the world famous band, The Polkatones.

Again this year, The Polaktones band gets folks up onto the floor doing the traditional Chicken Dance.

“Everybody loves the food, the beer, and the activities; but I think what people who come here really like is the community – enjoying a celebration together is the thing that really makes this special,” MacKay reflected.

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