Aleburn offers a mini-Oktoberfest in Elburn

The Elburn Chamber of Commerce invites you to go outside and take in some cool, crisp fall weather - with a side of German food and some music too.

This Saturday, Sept. 18, Elburn will play host to Aleburn, the third annual daylong Oktoberfest inspired event that will feature live music, food and plenty of activities for people of all ages.

Aleburn will run from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Elburn American Legion parking lot, 115 Main St.

Elburn Funk and Rescue, a local musical group, will be performing intermittently throughout the day. Aleburn is free to the public.

"(Aleburn) is ... where people can come and hang out and enjoy a nice fall weekend," Leslie Flint, an Aleburn committee member said.

Taking a cue from larger Oktoberfest celebrations, Aleburn will provide two different kinds of beers and German wines. German inspired food will also be served - including brats, sauerkraut and frankenbrats - a hot dog bratwurst hybrid that is an Elburn specialty made by Ream's Elburn Market, a local butcher.

Other favorites like pizza and barbecue foods will be served to tempt pickier palates. Homemade desserts will also be the order of the day.

"It's going to be mostly German food. Gibby's Wine Den in Geneva is exclusively having German red and white wines so it's not going to be just beers," Jessical Impson, from the Elburn Chamber of Commerce, said.

For kids the popular Touch-a-Truck program will be back, allowing them the chance to crawl through and see fire trucks, snow plows and other big cars up close. A bags tournament is also planned for the day and interested participants are welcome to enter on Saturday.

New this year is the barbecue cook-off competition. Residents of Kane or Dekalb counties are invited to show off their cooking chops as they vie to be top dog in beef brisket, pork ribs or chicken barbecuing categories.

Judging cards will be handed out and the public will get to pick their favorite. Entry is limited to the first 25 entrants. Barbecuing will begin at the start of Aleburn.

This is the third year for Aleburn, and organizers hope it will be just as successful as years past.

"It will be a good year as long as the weather holds out. People love coming out and enjoying a nice weekend and hanging out," Flint said.

If you goWhat: Aleburn, the third annual Oktoberfest-inspired outdoor party featuring beer, wine, food, a bags tournament, outdoor barbecue cookoff and live musicWhen: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18Where: American Legion Hall parking lot, 112 N. Main St.Admission: FreeDetails: elburn.comFalse20001302Gibby's Wine Den of Geneva will offer wines at Aleburn, set for Saturday afternoon in Elburn.Christopher Hankins | Staff PhotographerFalse