Itasca’s Oktoberfest blends German fun and food with chili kickoff party
It’s an authentic German weekend wrapped up with a decidedly American finish.
This year’s Itasca Oktoberfest takes place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, while events on Sunday, Sept. 11, pay homage to the start of this year’s NFL season, complete with a chili cook-off.
Traditionally, the events have taken place separately. This year, they’re all combined into one weekend to fully utilize the giant tent located along downtown Orchard Street that is being rented for the weekend.
As many as 10,000 people are expected for the fourth annual Oktoberfest — a combination of authentic German food, drink and entertainment.
“We just started and went about going to get it as authentic as you can,” said Dan Kompanowski, special events coordinator for the celebration, which is a joint effort between the village of Itasca and the Kean’s Bakery, of Itasca, will sell apple strudel and other baked goods. Beer options include Warsteiner Oktoberfest in a pilsner as well as a domestic beer. Musician Johnny Wagner will play German music on both Friday and Saturday. German dance group D#146;Lustigen Holzhacker Buam will dance during Wagner#146;s breaks.
Strolling band Jimmy#146;s Bavarians will play from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday while walking through the crowd. A kids#146; activity area offers crafts and activities from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday.
German goods such as woodcraft, blown glass and Christmas ornaments will be for sale by Alpine Gift Haus from Wisconsin.
Then on Sunday, party goers will trade Alpine hats for football helmets as the Comcast NFL RedZone Kickoff runs from noon to 6 p.m. in celebration of the season#146;s first Sunday of professional football games. The Bears game will be featured on a giant screen while several other oversized televisions will show games in the red zone #8212; when teams are within 20 yards of the end zone #8212; which allows fans to see every touchdown as it happens.
From noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, around 15 to 20 people will compete in a chili cook-off. Guests can taste test the chili for $5 and then vote on the best.
In addition, there#146;ll be hot dogs and brats for sale, as well as beer to drink and bags games to play.
Oktoberfest and the football and chili cook-off weekend take place along downtown Orchard Street in Itasca. For information, call (630) 773-0835 or visit itasca.com.
If you go
What: Itasca Oktoberfest and NFL Sunday Kickoff
When: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
Where: Along Orchard Street, Itasca
Cost: Free admission
Info: (630) 773-0835 or itasca.com