Oktoberfest revelry fills Oaks Amusement Park with cheer

Published 12:00 am Sunday, September 29, 2024

By DAVID F. ASHTON
For THE BEE

Oaks Amusement Park’s mascot, Chipper the Squirrel, led the crowd in a polka.

After our hot summer, a quick change to autumnal weather graced this year’s Oktoberfest at historic and nonprofit Oaks Amusement Park in Sellwood, over the long weekend of September 20-22.

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

When we asked “What’s new this year?” of Oaks Park Association Marketing and Events Director Emily MacKay, she smiled. “Actually, we’ve learned just to 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 the same dancing they’ve come to enjoy!

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

During the day, there were the favorite outdoor events – like the Wiener Dog Races, and children’s activities in the Kinderplatz. Later in the day, in both the Grand Festhalle and in the smaller Northwest Festhalle, music and dance kept this family-oriented celebration lively.

“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’!

“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.

Want to see more of this year’s Oaks Park Oktoberfest? Enjoy this brief and exclusive BEE VIDEO of all the festivities! – https://youtu.be/stD3yF4r6mA

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