Celebrating 'what makes Naperville Naperville'

Under normal circumstances, Derek Kauffman and Thomas Stancey would be wearing sweaters and jackets.

But with temperatures soaring on Saturday, the 14-year-old volunteers at Naperville's Oktoberfest left their jackets at home and prayed for a cool breeze.

"It's a drastic change from last year," Kauffman said. "It's really hot."

Still, the teenagers, both members of the Boy Scout Troop 111 in Naperville, enjoy volunteering at Oktoberfest.

The German-style festival started Friday and ends tonight at the Paw Paw parking lot, corner of Main Street and Van Buren Avenue.

Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Naperville, the festival raises money for area organizations.

The festival, now in its 16th year, has raised more than $1 million for local charities and organizations.

Kauffman and Stancey sell pretzels, raffle tickets and pop. They've been doing it for the past two years and enjoy the atmosphere.

"It's one of those community things," Stancey said. "It's what makes Naperville Naperville."

Between 10,000 to 15,000 people flock to the fest each year.

A live oompah band entertained patrons with songs like "I learned to yodel by listening to the Nightingale sing" and the chicken dance.

Besides the entertainment, visitors could gorge themselves on grilled sausages and brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad and four choices of beer. Desserts included apple strudel and German chocolate cake.

For health addicts, festival organizers have added a boneless and skinless chicken breast entree.

Today's festivities include dancing, live music and children's activities from 1 to 5 p.m. Organizers hope to raise roughly $75,000 this year.

If you go

What: Oktoberfest, organized by the Rotary Clubs of Naperville

When: noon to 6 p.m. today

Where: Paw Paw parking lot, corner of Main Street and Van Buren Avenue, Naperville

Admission: $5; free for ages 12 and under

Info: rotaryoktoberfest.com