Russell Oktoberfest hits its stride

See the great fun the community had at this outer East Portland Oktoberfest event, and why it’s become important to the group that puts it on each year …

These are some of the dozens of guests checking in at this traditional Oktoberfest celebration, held in the Russell neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

In its second year, the Oktoberfest celebration put on by the Parkrose Community United Church of Christ (PCUCC) is now a bona fide annual event.

So said the PCUCC’s pastor, Don Frueh, now serving the community in his eighth year at the church, which is actually located in the Russell neighborhood.

The Oktoberfest’s head chef and organizer, Ron Glanville, spends a moment with PCUCC’s pastor, Don Frueh – both of them looking well attired in their lederhosen.

“The event was such a success, and worked out so well last year, that we’re having our second annual Oktoberfest! And, welcome,” greeted Frueh.

“We’ve had a lot of folks in the neighborhood come to our Oktoberfest who’ve never connected with the church in the past, or even been on our campus,” Frueh told East Portland News.

Cooking up more German sausages in the grill is Clay Osburn.

Serving fresh Oktoberfest beer is Gateway Brewing head brewer and co-owner, Joel Sheley,

“So, in addition to hosting a great community event, it gives us the opportunity to meet people in the neighborhood, so they understand who we are,” the pastor said. “Some of them of actually joined the church because they learned about it through our Oktoberfest last year.”

Starting in the late afternoon, and continuing into the evening, guests found sausage chefs cooking up brats on the grill, as well as preparing side dishes like German potato salad, and a table laden with desserts.

These two members of the Rose City Accordion Club, John Martin and Steve Knapke, provide a lively soundtrack for the festival.

“To keep things lively, we have live music provided by our returning ‘dueling accordion players’ – and we’re guaranteed to have the Chicken Dance more than once this evening,” Frueh assured us.

“People tell us that they enjoy connecting with other people here at this event,” observed Frueh. “The fresh local beer and sausages are great, but more than that, it’s wonderful when people connect with one another!”

“Cheers to Oktoberfest” say Julie Sala and Renee Custis.

Find out more about PCUCC at their official website: CLICK HERE.

>> On our Front Page: Young Kai Horton is enjoying his meal at this Oktoberfest celebration.

Comments are closed.