As you probably know, the famous German Oktoberfest harvest festival usually takes place in September (or mostly in September). It turns out that the town of Mt. Angel (pop. 3100) south of Portland was settled by German immigrants in the 19th century and now celebrates an Oktoberfest every year.

So, on Saturday we drove down to Mt. Angel (near Silver Falls State Park, for those of you who’ve been there).  Upon on arrival we realized that the festival had probably doubled the size of the town, judging from the fact that the only street parking was on the town’s outskirts.  Plowing our way thru the crowds with a baby carriage, we looked at the long rows of food booths, hoping for some moderately authentic German food.  Alas, we found only deep-fried Twinkees an other American fair food.  We had hoped to see the Budweiser Clydesdales, too, but by the time Annika finished her feeding break, the horses had turned in for the night.

So, the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest didn’t turn us into hardcore harvest festival fans.  But it was the first time we’ve ever seen someone play the song “Wipeout” on an accordion.