Germanfest reaches out to entire Lombard community

It's called Germanfest, but the long-running annual celebration at Lombard's Sacred Heart Church really is aimed at everyone, organizers say.

True, the celebration still retains some of its original flavor with offerings that include plenty of bratwurst, sauerkraut and German beer. But organizers say they've been branching out with different styles of entertainment and other aspects of the annual bash to emphasize this is truly a communitywide event.

The party begins Thursday and runs through Sunday in the church parking lot at 114 S. Elizabeth St.

John Brill, who serves as general chairman, says the food and varied entertainment lineup are the main draws.

This year's musical slate features the '80s metal cover band Hairbangers Ball, along with Serendipity and headliners 7th Heaven.

The fest also includes a carnival, bingo, bags tournament and more, Paula Dillon, co-chairwoman of publicity, said.

Admission is free, with carnival wristbands selling for $22. There also are fees for bingo ($1 a card) and the bags tourney ($20 a team).

Germanfest originated as a parish family picnic that attracted about 50 people. It since has grown steadily and organizers say about 7,000 people are expected to attend this year.

Proceeds will go toward projects to maintain the 100-year-old church building, organizers said.

Dillon said the church has used the money for everything from repaving the parking lot to refurbishing the bell tower to fixing the air conditioning.

"It's a labor of love," she said.

The fest has generated as much as $50,000, she said, and organizers are hoping for similar success this time around.

"We have changed the layout of the carnival in the parking lot, changed the food menu," Brill said. "We learn something new every year to make it better and easier."

When the celebration is over, Brill and Bob Colbrook, the other general chairman, take a monthlong break before they'll meet again in September to start planning next year's party, which will take on special meaning as Germanfest celebrates its 50th anniversary.

If you go

What: Sacred Heart Church's 49th annual Germanfest

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to midnight Friday; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard

Cost: Free admission, fees for some events

Info: <a href="http://www.sacredheartlombard.org/49">http://www.sacredheartlombard.org/</a>