Lifestyle

Beer-chugging contest is no more, but plenty to do at Villa Park fest

Posted September 09, 2009 11:00 pm

By Anna Madrzyk

Sweet corn is a popular choice at Villa Park's Oktoberfest, along with brats and beer. Daily Herald file photo

Thirty years ago, Villa Park's first Oktoberfest featured German yodeling and a beer-chugging contest.

Just imagine a municipality trying to get away with that today.

"Probably the people that chugged the beer came up and yodeled - I'm not sure," said Village Manager Bob Niemann, laughing. He was superintendent of parks during that first Oktoberfest on a memorably chilly day in October 1979.

Or maybe Niemann just remembers how cold it was because he was wearing lederhosen.

Since then, Oktoberfest has expanded into a four-day festival that's more goodbye to summer than auf wiederdersehen. It's not even in October anymore - the weather is usually more reliable in September - but there still will be plenty of brats and beer along with pizza, burgers, ice cream and more.

This year's festival, which starts today, features the traditional Battle of the Bands, live music, an arts and crafts fair, carnival rides, expanded children's activities and Herbie the Love Bug car.

"Last year we were rained out for Saturday and Sunday, and this year we're really trying to put out something especially wonderful," said Jennifer Casale, program supervisor for Villa Park's Parks and Recreation department.

The Alpiners will play German music from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Musical headliners include The New Invaders at 7:30 p.m. Friday; The Runaways, featuring Villa Park's Rik Mallin, at 5 p.m. Saturday; ARRA at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and Glen Ellyn's rising stars 3 in Counting starting at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

The fun takes place at Lions Park, 320 E. Wildwood Avenue.

Dennis Keating, former village board member who was also at the first Oktoberfest, once again will be volunteering in the Lions Club's beer tent.

"If it's cold, we're in trouble." he said.

Niemann will be there too, talking with residents and getting input, but he will not be wearing the Bavarian breeches.

"It wouldn't be pretty anymore," he said.

Villa Park's Oktoberfest celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with carnival rides, children's entertainment and live music. Daily Herald file photo

Villa Park's Oktoberfest, which started in 1979, has grown into four days of end-of-summer fun. Daily Herald file photo

Villa Park Oktoberfest Villa Park's 30th annual Oktoberfest runs today through Sunday, Sept. 13, in Lions Park. It features live music, a carnival and petting zoo, food vendors, craft fair, children's activities and a bags tournament.Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. today; 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Thursday (Teen Night) Battle of the Bands: Scream the Silence, Silhouette Against the Sky Ride special: 10 rides for $15 5 to 8 p.m. Game of Skate tournament Friday 7:30 p.m. The New Invaders Saturday 9 to 5 p.m. Arts and crafts fair Noon to 11:30 p.m. Herbie the Love Bug Car Noon to 2 p.m. The Alpiners Noon to 5 p.m. Petting zoo, craft, balloons and face painting; unlimited carnival rides for $20 2 to 4 p.m. Karaoke 4 p.m. Adult bags tournament 4 p.m. Singer/guitarist Meghan Foley 5 to 7 p.m. The Runaways 7:30 p.m. ARRA Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. Unlimited carnival rides for $20; Herbie the Love Bug Car; Gameworks Prize Wheel, Sonic the Hedgehog, make a craft with Villa Park Library, balloons and face painting Noon to 1 p.m. Perry's Rock-n-Roll University 1 p.m. Parent-child bags tournament 1:15-2 p.m. Battle of the Bands winner 2:30-5 p.m. 3 in Counting

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