For many years, as the camping season comes to an end and the snow is soon to blanket the beautiful Wallowa Mountains, the Alpenfest celebration welcomed tourists. This year there will be many activities for all ages to enjoy from Thursday, September 29th through Sunday, October 2nd.
For decades, the activities at various locations throughout Wallowa Lake State Park, located at the end of the road that leads out of Joseph to the mountain bases. The huge skating rink was the venue for food, drink, and entertainment. Unfortunately, this building is no longer available. This year the Alpenfest will be held in conjunction with the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and most events will take place at 405 W. Wallowa Ave. in Joseph, Oregon.
The celebration starts on Thursday in the nearby town of Enterprise, with a street procession and opening ceremony at the Terminal Gravity Brewpub where the tapping of Terminal Gravity’s Alpenfest Ale will take place. The brewery is in an Alpen-like, forested area. Revelers will enjoy accordions and alphorn music, along with Swiss yodeling. Many visitors aren’t able to arrive until later in the week, but if you can be in Enterprise on Thursday afternoon, Terminal Gravity is the place to be!
On Friday the music begins at 10:00 a.m. with accordion players along Main Street in Joseph. There will be food vendors, crafts, and music all day, followed by a performance from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The charge for the performance is $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids. In true Alpen tradition, you will need to feed your inner alpine with a bratwurst dinner! Entertainment will be provided by Polkatones, a dance band, the Tirolean Dancers of Oregon, yodeling by Shelby Imholt, and accordion music by Toby Hanson.
Saturday’s events are similar to Friday’s celebration. One change, however, is an excellent outdoor breakfast served from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Rodeo Grounds in Joseph. In past years the menu satisfied the mountain hunger with sausage patties, eggs, waffles, and pancakes. The entertainment on Saturday costs the same as that of Friday, but will take place in the afternoon from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A repeat evening performance will be held that evening.
The Alpenfest winds down on Sunday, October 2nd. Breakfast can again be enjoyed at the Rodeo Grounds from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and the craft booths will be open until 3:00 p.m. so you can take home a unique souvenir from your weekend in the Wallowas.
Camping, renting a cabin, or staying in the classic Wallow Lake Lodge within in the state park is a must for your family if you have children. Hiking, a tram ride up to Mt. Howard to take in the mountain views, go-cart races, and mini-golf are just some of the activities to enjoy.
Take Friday off work September 30th and find your way from the Tri-City desert to the stunning Wallowa Mountains and enjoy the only Swiss-Bavarian cultural festival in the Pacific Northwest.
