Carol Stream gets jump on Oktoberfest celebration

With the full complement of hay bales loaded onto the tractor-pulled flatbed truck Saturday afternoon, it was almost time to start what promised to be one of the most popular events at this year's Oktoberfest in Carol Stream - hay rides.

But first, children swarmed the craft tables, eager to make Halloween-themed necklaces, colorful kitchen magnets and paper autumn ornaments.

And adults gathered inside the big white tent at the Ross Ferraro Town Center to hear big band jazz, courtesy of the Reunion Jazz Orchestra. The band features the village's community development director, Bob Glees, who plays trumpet.

Later in the evening, a Bavarian-style "oompah" band, The Alpiners, would take over as beer and bratwurst, along with weinerschnitzel and apple strudel, were served.

"We expand it every year. We do a little bit more," Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino said. "We've got all kinds of games for the kids to play. We usually get a huge turnout. It's a fun time for the community."

Volunteer Cheryl Leuze was readying a big blue barrel for a game that, she said, historically attracts a large following. The object is to roll the barrel through an obstacle course marked by traffic cones.

"I guess it's an old German game they play," she said, adding that in Germany, beer kegs are probably used.

Louise Ferreira of Carol Stream was there with her son, Alex, 10, and several other family members.

"My son was in the house, just watching TV and I'm like, 'Let's go!'" she said. "It's a nice day, a good thing to do. They're going to have a hay ride, a comedian and a plate juggler."

Alex and his cousins good-naturedly cheered each other on as they tried the bean bag and ring toss games. Another game required pitching a length of rope, anchored on each end by a ball, over a bar and getting the rope to wrap around the bar.

Ferreira's niece, 9-year-old Erica Rodriguez, expertly hit the mark with a well-executed throw.

"Oh, you did it. Good!" said Ferreira.