Mt. Angel's Wurstfest features entertainment plus more food and beer vendors

Beers are poured during the ninth annual Wurstfest, a celebration of Bavarian sausage, in Mt. Angel on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.

Break out your lederhosen because the 10th annual Mt. Angel Wurstfest is back Feb. 9-10.

The two-day celebration highlights German sausage by area sausage makers, alongside live entertainment from open to close in the Mt. Angel Festhalle.

New this year, the addition of a large tent allows the festival to feature a food truck, specialty beer and allow more space for spectators. And, of course, more sausage, including hand-dipped smoked German corn dogs, smoked German sausage and Weinerschnitzel.

That's just under the tent. Inside the Festhalle, Wurstfest guests can find 19 different types of sausage, plus a variety of breweries, wines and artisan vendors.

Live entertainment

Yes, the Wurstfest is a celebration of German sausage, but a festival is not a festival without non-stop entertainment. Wurstfest favorites sure to get toes tapping include: 

Bavarian Echoes: Returning to Wurstfest for the seventh time, this local group plays traditional music and German songs occasionally featuring foxtrot, two-step and country tunes. Catch the accordion, tuba, trumpet and drums of Bavarian Echoes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Paul Smith and Friends: This trio plays genres including jazz, classical, swing, country, Latin, rock and movie tunes. It will be performing 1 to 3 p.m. Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Z-Musikmakers: Mt. Angel's own group of family and friends plays a mixture of tradition and Bavarian music. Catch the Wurstfest and Oktoberfest favorite from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Doppelbock Quintet: This five-piece group features accordion, guitar, drums, saxophone and bass playing a combination of Oktoberfest tunes, blues and boogie. It will perform 3 to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Kleinstadtlers: This group of couples from Mt. Angel dance to a techno-beat mixture of traditional and untraditional German music. It will perform both days at 6:45 p.m. as well as 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

Engelberg Dancers: This traditional group showcases its unique style of dance with elegance and elaborate choreography. See it both days at 5:40 p.m.

Kinder Dancers: Last, but not least, this group of kiddos will show off its dance skills at 4:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Plus, a Father-Daughter Dance will begin at 5:40 p.m. each day.

Hundreds attend the ninth annual Wurstfest, a celebration of Bavarian sausage, in Mt. Angel on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.

Kindergarten 

"We want everyone to know that this is a family event," Kathy Wall, Mt. Angel Wurstfest committee chair, said.

Bring the whole family along, and if children want a place to hang out, Kindergarten is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Activities include:

  • Face painting by Andrea from Thou Art Beautiful on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning/afternoon
  • Soap carving with David Steinberg from the Silverton Arts Association on Saturday afternoon
  • Lego Make and Take, coloring, crafts and Valentine making

Brooke's picks

Bratwursts are prepared during the ninth annual Wurstfest, a celebration of Bavarian sausage, in Mt. Angel on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.

Food and Wine Reporter Brooke Jackson-Glidden picks one sausage and beer to give a taste of what will be featured at Wurstfest:

Paradise Alley IPA: Like most Mt. Angel fests, Oktoberfests and Bavarian-style beers rule Wurstfest. But this little, slightly sweet IPA is a welcome respite with some Oregon charm and a hop profile that stands up to bold mustards and smoked sausages.

Mt. Angel Firehouse Brats: Heatseekers can pick their spice level for this spicy sausage, from a little kick (1) to a full-on arson-inducing spice bomb (4). Plus, a portion of the sales goes to Mt. Angel first responders.

Reach out to Abby Luschei at aluschei@statesmanjournal.com or call 503-399-6747 regarding all things entertainment. Follow her on Twitter @abbyluschei or like her Facebook page www.facebook.com/luscheiabby. Email brookejg@statesmanjournal.com or call 503-428-3528 for Brooke Jackson-Glidden. Follow her on Twitter @jacksonglidden, or like her Facebook page www.facebook.com/BrookeJackson-Glidden.

If you go

Mt. Angel Wurstfest: A celebration of the mighty German wurst (sausages) featuring area sausage makers and vendors, imported and local beers and wine plus foods and goodies, kids area and non-stop music, plus Friday senior day lasting until 3 p.m. with specials for ages 65 and older and a 5K and 10K road race at 9:30 a.m. Saturday

Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9-10

Location: Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Highway NE, Mt. Angel

Cost: $5 entry or $10 with special mug or glass; ages 21 and younger free with an adult

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