Eat, drink, be merry at village's Oktoberfest

There will be jugglers, an oompah band, hayrides and plenty of beer flowing at Oktoberfest in Carol Stream.

The village will reprise its annual German festival Saturday at the Ross Ferraro Town Center near Gary Avenue and Lies Road.

Many of the activities, such as hayrides, a Bavarian band and an arts and crafts area, will remain.

"Especially with the crafts area, it's stuff they can take home," said Chris Oakley, a village planner. "Oktoberfest promises to be a good time. And everything is free except the beer and food."

Beginning at 3 p.m., just west of the festival tent, kids will have a chance to take hayrides through the park, take part in a pumpkin-carving contest or watch a performance by a juggler.

Organizers approached the Village Tavern and Grill to serve a variety of German entrees, including brats, schnitzel, potato salad, sauerkraut and apple strudel.

The evening tent festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the tapping of the beer keg by Mayor Frank Saverino. A German oompah band named the Musik Meisters will perform traditional German music under the tent throughout the night.

For details about Oktoberfest, call the village at (630) 871-6250.

If you go

What: Carol Stream's annual Oktoberfest

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Ross Ferraro Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road, Carol Stream

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 871-6250