Lake Villa's fest like Oktoberfest in May

Ask Joe Stein to describe "Maifest" and he makes it simple.

"It's like Oktoberfest, but in the spring!"

As president of the American Aid Society of German Descendants, Stein says he's excited to see the traditional fest coming together for the first time in Lake Villa.

The event will feature a variety of contemporary and traditional German folk dances, a performance by the Rheinischer Verein Fanfaren German Ethnic Drum and Bugle Corp. and plenty of beer and brats, Stein said.

Held at the German Cultural Center Picnic grounds at 259 W. Grand Ave., the fun starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16. A donation of $7 is requested but parking is free.

Founded in 1944, the Society had a mission to find homes for Germans displaced during and after World War II, Stein explained. The group placed more than 110,000 people.

With that mission now completed, the group exists to promote and retain the rich cultural heritage of Germany and its people.

In addition to Maifest, the Society holds "Heritage Fest" in August, Oktoberfest, Harvest Fest in November and a German music fest in late June. There are nearly 800 Society members in Lake and Cook counties.

Stein said attendance at previous festivals has been good and hopes lots of folks come out this weekend.

"This is our first time doing this, so we're not sure how many people will come," Stein said. "We're going to give it a shot, have some fun and see what happens."