German Fest opens four-day run in Lombard
The menu - bratwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and streusel - is clearly German.
Entertainment - such as Die Lustigen Musikanten and Egerlander Dancers - likewise speaks to the German heritage of the Lombard area.
The 43rd annual German Fest sponsored by Lombard's Sacred Heart Church promises to deliver on the German traditions carried forward from the event's humble beginnings as a church picnic, even as it provides the range of attractions that has turned it into a full-fledged festival.
The celebration opens tonight and continues through Sunday at Sacred Heart Church, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard.
German Fest offers delicious homemade eats and an atmosphere for the whole family, whether or not they boast German heritage, said Paula Dillon of Lombard, who handles publicity for the festival.
"If you're looking for good food, you want to hang out in the beer tent, you want to take the kids to the carnival rides - there's something for everybody," Dillon said.
Attractions include a carnival, bingo, a bean bag tournament, a beer tent and casino-style games as well as traditional German entertainment during the day and cover bands of all genres in the evening.
Once an informal church picnic, German Fest has grown throughout the years to draw crowds from well beyond the parishioners' families.
But one thing has always stayed the same: home-cooked, traditional German food.
Today is Deal Day, with a dollar menu featuring half a bratwurst, sauerkraut, a hot dog, potato salad, pickle, apple strudel, peach and cherry streusel, and Oberweis mini ice cream sundaes each for $1.
Much of the meat comes from Clancy's Butcher Shop in Lombard and is cooked and served by Sacred Heart parishioners.
A highlight for children is the carnival provided by Wilson's Family Show. Wristband deals will be available from 6 to 10 p.m. today and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Or families can purchase a mega pass good for the whole weekend.
"A lot of people think, ugh, 'carnival,'" Dillon said. "This is a really good, high-quality, safety-conscious and family oriented carnival with great rides for little tots and thrill rides for adults."
Free kids bingo takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and bingo for adults takes place throughout the weekend.
Additionally, several raffles will take place including one with a $5,000 grand prize.
The musical lineup features Infinity today and HiFi Superstar and ARRA on Friday. On stage Saturday are Chasing the Day, Men from Marz, He Said She Said and 7th Heaven. Sunday's entertainment includes Die Lustigen Musikanten and Egerlander Dancers.
German Fest runs 6 to 10:30 p.m. today; 6 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.
"Take in the German culture, but just come out and have a great time," Dillon said. "It really is a fun time with something to do for everyone."
For details, call (630) 627-0687 or visit sacredheartlombard.org.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> German Fest</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> Today through Sunday, July 15-18</p>
<p class="News"><b>Hours:</b> 6-10:30 p.m. today; 6-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-8 p.m. Sunday</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Sacred Heart Church parking lot, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard</p>
<p class="News"><b>Admission:</b> Free</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 627-0687 or <a href="http://sacredheartlombard.org" target="new">sacredheartlombard.org</a></p>