Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flock to the small town of Mount Angel for its big, annual Oktoberfest.
The festival is back, in-person this year after taking last year off due to the coronavirus pandemic. To comply with the state mandate, everyone must wear a mask inside and outside. Organizers say 90% of the festival is outdoors.
The Oktoberfest board members say the past year and a half has been rough for the small town. Board President, Bill Bischoff, says their local non-profits lost $750,000 when Oktoberfest was canceled in 2020.
"What we did do barely paid our dues, so this year it's really important that we continue what we're doing so we can come back out of the ditches and it's imperative that all the local businesses and nonprofits that are still around are able to participate," says Bischoff. He tells KATU News that Oktoberfest has donated more than $3.5 million over its 56-year history.
Oktoberfest 2021 will go on much like you've seen it in the past, with live performances, music, dancing, free kids activities, German food, and about a dozen different beers. It runs from Thursday, September 16 through Sunday, September 19.
Tickets are required for three of the festival's venues. Those under the age of 21 get in free.