Wurstfest no more: Mt. Angel changes name of annual festival

There is going to be a festival in Mt. Angel this March; it just won't be called Wurstfest. 

The Mt. Angel Chamber of Commerce changed the name of their annual German heritage festival to Volksfest as the result of a settlement agreement with the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels in Texas. 

Pete Wall, vice president of the Mt. Angel chamber, said they were initially contacted by the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels in 2017. 

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

According to a statement on the Volksfest website, they objected to the Mt. Angel chamber's use of the term "Wurstfest."

New Braunfels' Wurstfest began in the 1960s, and their registered trademark predates Mt. Angel's Wurstfest, which celebrated 10 years in 2018.

"In order to amicably resolve this issue and avoid expensive litigation, the Mt. Angel Chamber has agreed to cease using the term Wurstfest," according to the statement.

Wall, who was the president of Mt. Angel's chamber for almost a decade, said they are looking into trademarking the festival's new name to keep this from happening again. 

They chose Volksfest because it means "people's festival," and they are making some additional changes to the event as well. 

Sausage will remain the primary food group, but new vendors will be offering other options including Mexican, BBQ and fondue. Wall said they will also be expanding the beer selection. 

Live German music, games, demonstrations and special events are also featured at the three-day event. 

Volksfest will take place at the Mt. Angel Festhalle, 500 Wilco Highway NE, from Friday to Sunday, March 1-3.

Learn more at www.mtangelvolksfest.com.

Abby Luschei is the entertainment reporter for the Statesman Journal; she can be reached at aluschei@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6747. Follow her on Twitter @abbyluschei or facebook.com/luscheiabby. 

Interested in telling at one of the upcoming Salem Storytellers Project events? Submit your story: storytellersproject.com/salem/speak