Catch Bavarian fever
With fall in the air, it must be time to strike up the band. Bavarian band, that is.
Octoberfest celebrations are turning up across the suburbs, and with them come authentic German food, beer and, of course, some toe-tapping music.
All of those ingredients drive a pair of traditional Octoberfest celebrations taking place this weekend in Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg. Both are designed to entertain the young and old.
On Friday, Elk Grove Village Chamber of Commerce members return to host their seventh annual Oktoberfest, complete with authentic Bavarian food, music and drink.
"We typically draw a mix of people, including local residents along with our general membership," says Lori Myrmel, program director.
The event takes place from 5-10 p.m. under a tent on the grounds of Queen of the Rosary Church, 750 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. A general admission ticket includes a bratwurst or hot dog, with chips, as well as all the music.
Organizers have booked the Paloma Band for a return engagement. The authentic polka-styled band headlines a number of Oktoberfest celebrations in the area. The band has played Elk Grove's event the last few years and it's back by popular demand.
"They play mostly traditional 'oompah' music," Myrmel says, "but every now and then they throw in a contemporary one that people can dance to."
On Saturday, the Schaumburg Park District will host its Octoberfest from noon-2 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.
Park officials hope families will take a break from their busy fall schedules to enjoy the ethnic festival. With Schaumburg's heritage steeped in its German roots, the event seems particularly fitting, they say.
"We're a German town; it's about time we had an Octoberfest," says Gwen Strombeck, park district special events coordinator
The festival will feature live German music by The Alpiners, who will be decked out in their lederhosen and traditional hats, while serving up authentic food, including grilled bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs for children, and beer for the adults.
"It's our first one," Strombeck adds. "We're hoping to draw a family audience, and celebrate Schaumburg's German heritage."
If you go
Elk Grove Village
What: Oktoberfest
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday
Where: Queen of the Rosary Church, 750 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children in advance; $15 for adults, $7 for children at door; includes meal
Call: Call (877) ELK-GROVE
Schaumburg
What: Octoberfest, German music, brats and beer
When: Noon-2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
Cost: $8 for adults; $4 for children; includes meal and one drink
Call: (847) 490-7020