Back for its third year, Itasca Oktoberfest now a tradition

At Itasca's first Oktoberfest in 2008, musicians and vendors kept asking organizers how many years the fest had been around.

"They couldn't believe it was our first year," Itasca police Chief Scott Heher said. "I think they were very impressed with the scale at which we were able to produce the event and the turnout."

Oktoberfest returns for its third year, running Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10 to 12, in downtown Itasca and bringing back the German food, dancing and music that drew up to 5,000 people last year. Saying the third time is likely the charm, Heher expects the fest has now become a village tradition.

"We have a lot of fests here and the people enjoy a good time in Itasca - I don't think there's any secret about that," he said.

In addition to performances by dancers and musicians celebrating German culture, the fest also will feature a dance performance on Saturday by the Thistle & Heather Scottish Highland Dance Group. The performance will give visitors a sneak-peek of what to expect at the St. Andrew Society Scottish Fest and Highland Games, which will make Itasca its new home next summer.

On Sunday, the fest also will include a less-ethnic, yet decidedly fall event: Comcast NFL Redzone-Kickoff. The tailgate tent party will feature a broadcast of the Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions game, while other games will be shown and Comcast will provide an "NFL Redzone" on at least one screen to show crucial plays from every game happening that afternoon.

Even fest-goers who aren't wild about sports can visit the tent for food, drinks and to join in games of beanbags.