Sacred Heart Parish Germanfest July 17-19
Sacred Heart Parish is bringing a taste of German culture to Lombard this week with its annual Germanfest. The event includes authentic German food prepared by church members, children's activities, carnival rides, entertainment and more. Daily Herald Staff Writer Melynda Findlay asked Paula Dillon, one of the festival's organizers, what visitors can expect at Germanfest - in addition to a little oompah-pah.
Q. What's new this year?
A. At noon on Sunday will be the first Early Bird Dinner, complete with authentic German food and full service. There will be entertainment and a full waitstaff in the air-conditioned parish center. Also, 20 West Wine and Spirits will hold wine tastings from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They are a newly renovated wine shop in Lombard featuring a delicious array of wines.
Q. What's everyone's favorite?
A. Home-cooked, authentic German food.
Q. Tell us a little more about the food.
A. It's made by parish members - pork loin, sauerkraut, German potato salad, bratwurst, strudel, streusel and Giannorio's pizza.
Q. Tell us about the entertainment.
A. Thursday, 7 p.m.: Person to Person; Friday, 7 p.m.: Hirsch (German band) and Donauschwabische Dance Group; Saturday, 3 p.m.: Hirsch; Saturday, 7:30 p.m.: Seventh Heaven; Sunday, noon: Father Dan Band; Sunday, 1 p.m.: Musical Memories; Sunday, 4 p.m. Die Lustigen Musikanten (German band) and Egerlander Dance Troupe.
Other activities include two hours of free bingo for kids from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and kids' entertainment throughout the day Saturday.
Q. Is there an admission cost?
A. Free admission; small donations for casino and wine tasting.
Q. What's the best place to park?
A. Parking is available on surrounding neighborhood streets
If you go
What: Germanfest
Features: Food, carnival, bingo, casino games, musical entertainment, beer and wine tasting
When: 6 to 10 p.m. July 17; 6 to 11 p.m. July 18; noon to 11 p.m. July 19 and noon to 9 p.m. July 20
Where: Sacred Heart Parish, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard. Two blocks west of Main Street; intersection of Maple and Elizabeth streets.
Specials: Carnival ride wristbands are available Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. A megapass is available for all hours of the festival.
Details: Call the Sacred Heart Parish office, (630) 627-0687 or visit www.sacredheartlombard.org.