Rotary Oktoberfest brings a bit of Bavaria to Palatine
A bit of Bavaria will come to downtown Palatine this weekend as the Rotary Club of Palatine hosts its 7th annual Oktoberfest on the corner of Smith and Slade streets, south of the Metra train station.
The free three-day festival will feature authentic German music, food, beverages, and activities for all, much taking place inside a large heated tent.
The event officially kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with a blessing and a tapping of the keg ceremony, led by Mayor Jim Schwantz. The band Jimmy's Bavarians will entertain the crowd beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by Phenix at 8 p.m.
Fest hours are from 4 p.m. until midnight Friday, noon until midnight Saturday, and noon until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday is Family Day, which will begin with the Oktoberfest Family Bike Ride sponsored by the Bike Palatine Club. Registration, which is free, runs from 10:30-10:45 a.m. at Smith and Slade streets, with the ride getting underway at 11 a.m. Bike racks will be provided. Visit www.bikepalatine.com for more information.
Family Day activities for all ages take place noon until about 3:30 p.m. Activities include face painting, balloon art, a variety of children's games, a soccer station, and more.
Entertainment includes Boaw! Fremd High School Rockband at noon; the award-winning Quest Academy Choir at 1 p.m.; Noch Einmal Tanzgruppe (authentic German dancing) at 2 p.m.; and the Bonnie Lindholm School of Dance at 3 p.m.
The village of Palatine's Beautification Committee will share the results of the Scarecrow Contest, along with a kid's raffle basket drawing sponsored by the Rotary Club of Palatine, at 3:30 p.m.
"Our Family Day really brings the community together for people of all ages," said Oktoberfest co-chair Cindy Stoeckel. "Throughout the afternoon we also will have the Palatine police and fire display and birdhouse building sponsored by the Palatine Home Depot."
Family Day concludes with Die Musikmeisters performing at 3:30 p.m., followed by Phenix at 8 p.m.
The musical lineup on Sunday features Die Musikmeisters back on the stage at noon, followed by Johnny Wagner at 3:30 p.m.
In addition to the full music schedule, the Rotary Club of Palatine will be selling raffle tickets ($5 for one, $20 for five) for the chance to win one of 24 baskets each valued at over $500.
"We had generous donations which make up a great array of raffle baskets this year," Stoeckel said. "Highlights include a Weber Genesis grill as well as various wine, liquor and merchant baskets."
The drawing will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday. Winners do not have to be present.
Food vendors include Heybeck's Meat Market, Morkes Chocolates, Tre Amici Pizza, Mudslingers, and the Sons of the American Legion, which will be serving roasted corn. Beverages include Schofferhofer and Radeberger beer, as well as a special "Oktoberfest" and Paddy Pale Ale beers brewed by The Wild Onion Brewing Co. in Lake Barrington. Pop and water, traditional Landjaeger sausages, pretzels, and popcorn will also be available.
All monies raised at Oktoberfest help support charities and community projects.
For a complete schedule of events and to learn more about The Rotary Club of Palatine, visit at www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest or email oktoberfest@palatinerotary.com.
If you go
What: Three-day fest featuring authentic German music, food, beverages, and activities for all
When: Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 21
Hours: 4 p.m.- midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Downtown Palatine, Slade and Smith streets
Cost: Free
Info: www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest