Mt. Angel Oktoberfest Recognized for Its Philanthropy

Oktoberfest in Mount Angel received the 2008 Ovation Award for "Best Philanthropic Event in Oregon" at the annual convention of the Northwest Festival and Events Association held in Ocean Shores, Washington. Oktoberfest was specifically recognized for providing regional non-profits the opportunity to raise funds at the festival and for its long-established annual grant program.

This past year, the 50 food booths at Oktoberfest grossed $661,000.00 at the four day event. This was the largest gross sales ever recorded by the booths. Other groups earned money operating the parking lots, providing shuttle service from the lots to the festival and up to Mount Angel Abbey, assisting in traffic control and crowd management, operating the first aid station and performing a myriad of other tasks.

In May, fifty-seven worthy organizations in the region will share $115,150.00 through the festival’s annual grant Program. Since its inception Oktoberfest has distributed well over two million dollars to organizations in the Mid Willamette Valley.

Oktoberfest is the most important event of the year for the church, school, youth activities, volunteer firefighters, boy and girl scouts, service clubs and other organizations involved. Many generate most of their annual funds over the four day run of the festival.

Congratulations to all involved!