Keg rolling to open Oktoberfest in Palatine
The Rotary Club of Palatine will host its fourth annual Oktoberfest Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16-18, in the Fireman's Memorial parking lot, Brockway and Slade in downtown Palatine.
The public is invited to attend this free and completely tented event for authentic German music, food and activities for all. Hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Friday; noon-midnight Saturday; and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.
Entertainment is a large component of the weekend and kicks off on Friday with a traditional keg rolling ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Die Musikmeisters will entertain the crowd from 5:30-7:30 p.m., followed by Phenix from 8 p.m. to midnight.
On Saturday, crowds will be entertained from noon to 3:30 p.m. with Family Day activities, including the Sundling Junior High and Quest Academy choirs, Northwest Community Hospital fitness classes, face painting, hair braiding and coloring by Rue 62, massages by Healthsource and more.
“Our family day is one of the highlights of the weekend,” said Family Day Chairman Ben Hebebrand. “Be sure to bring the entire family, as we have something for everyone.”
The band Jimmy's Bavarians will perform from 3:30-7:30 p.m., followed by the return of Die Musikmeisters from 8 p.m.-midnight.
Die Lustigen Musikanten will perform onstage from noon-3 p.m. Sunday and the musical lineup for the weekend ends with an encore performance by Phenix from 3:30-6 p.m. Dobby's World Wide Liquors will also present a German wine tasting from 2-4 p.m. Sunday.
The Rotary Club of Palatine will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win one of 23 baskets, each valued at more than $1,000. Raffle chairman and Rotary President Jim McLin said they have a great array of raffle baskets this year.
“Highlights include a Weber Genesis grill, as well as various wine, liquor and pampering baskets,” he added. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five; the drawing will be at 4 p.m. Sunday. Money raised at Oktoberfest and in the raffle will support local charities.
The event will also feature authentic German food from Bauer's Brauhaus, as well as cuisine from Heybeck's Meat Market, Morkes Chocolates and The Onion Pub. New this year are coffee and smoothie creations from Mudslingers. Beverages include Dab and Radenberger, as well as a special Oktoberfest brew from The Onion Pub and Brewery in Barrington and wine.
The Rotary club will also host a pop and water tent, where traditional landjaeger sausages and popcorn will be available for purchase. View a complete schedule of events and learn more about the Rotary at www.palatinerotary.com or email oktoberfest@palatinerotary.com.
Palatine Oktoberfest
Festival highlights
Friday, Sept. 16
4-midnight: Fest open
5:30 p.m. Traditional Keg Rolling Ceremony
5:30-7:30 p.m. Die Musikmeisters, main stage
8 p.m.-midnight Phenix, main stage
Saturday, Sept. 17
Noon-midnight: Fest open
Noon-3 p.m. Family Fun Day with Sundling Jr. High and Quest Academy choirs, NCH Fitness classes, face painting, hair braiding & coloring by Rue 62, massages by Healthsource and more.
3:30-7:30 p.m. Jimmy's Bavarians, main stage
8 p.m.-midnight Die Musikmeisters, main stage
Sunday, Sept. 18
Noon-6 p.m. Fest open
2-4 p.m. Dobby's German Wine Tasting
Noon-3 p.m. Die Lustigen Musikanten, main stage
3:30-6 p.m. Phenix, main stage.