Palatine Rotary Club hosts Oktoberfest

There's no need to make the long journey to the Thereisienwiese area of Munich to join in the official Oktoberfest — not when authentic German food, drink and music can be found much closer to home.

The Rotary Club of Palatine is gearing up for its Fourth Annual Oktoberfest celebration Friday, Sept. 16, to Sunday, Sept. 18, in the Fireman's Memorial parking lot, Brockway and Slade streets, downtown Palatine.

Festivities kick off with a traditional keg rolling ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Saturday is Family Day, with activities such as face painting, hair braiding and performances by the Sundling Junior High and Quest Academy choirs.

Live entertainment over the weekend will feature Die Musikmeisters, Phenix, Jimmy's Bavarians and Die Lustigen Musikanten. And don't forget the raffles and German wine, beer and cuisine.

The free and tented event will run 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The event also will feature authentic German food from Bauer's Brauhaus, as well as cuisine from Heybeck's Meat Market, Morkes Chocolates, the Onion Pub and Mudslingers.

For a complete schedule of events, visit palatinerotary.com or email oktoberfest@palatinerotary.com.