Friendship Village residents celebrate Oktoberfest

A "gluckliche zeit" (good time) was had by all. Friendship Village of Schaumburg celebrated its annual Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 23. More than 200 residents attended the fun-filled event.

The Oktoberfest festivities started with a traditional (root) beer chugging contest and strudel eating contest. Contestant Helen Moffett guzzled down her cups of root beer, soundly defeating her ten opponents.

The strudel-eating contest drew 13 competitive eaters.

Contestant Dan Zelazek did not come in first in the contest, but was the sure winner.

Unlike the official winner Paul Fink who snarfed down his slices of strudel, Zelazek boasted that he had the opportunity to savor his delicious pastries.

Each contestant received three slices of strudel. Because Zelazek had only finished enjoying the first piece by the time the contest was over, he was able to share the remainder with his table mates.

“They loved it,” he said. “The strudel was outstanding, absolutely outstanding,” said Zelazek.

Attendees at Oktoberfest received lunch which included hot dogs that were reportedly the best anywhere!

“They're even better than Portillo's,” enthused Zelazek.

The event concluded with a performance by the renowned Johnny Wagner Oompah Band. This lively group incited a considerable amount of singing, clapping and "schunkeln" (arms linked and swaying) on the part of the audience.