Palatine celebates Oktoberfest this weekend
The tastes and sounds of Germany will fill the streets of downtown Palatine this weekend when the Rotary Club of Palatine hosts its 8th annual Oktoberfest celebration to raise funds for local charities and community projects.
The three-day festival, which takes place in a heated tent on the corner of Smith and Slade streets, kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, when Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz officiates over the blessing and tapping of the keg ceremony.
The fest runs until midnight Friday, then noon until midnight Saturday and noon until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Musical entertainment on Friday includes Paloma Band from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by Phenix from 8 p.m. until midnight. On Saturday, Die Musikmeisters perform from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., followed by Phenix from 8 p.m. until midnight. The musical lineup on Sunday features Die Musikmeisters on stage from noon until 2:30 p.m., followed by Johnny Wagner from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Of course, it wouldn't be an Oktoberfest without traditional food and beer, and the Rotary fest will have plenty of both.
"Beer is a large component of any Oktoberfest celebration," said Oktoberfest Co-Chairman Dr. Robert Steinberg. "Beverages include Schofferhofer Grapefruit, which tastes like a grapefruit Hefeweizen, Radeberger, a German style pilsner; Dab, which is an export lager; and two locally brewed beers from the Wild Onion Brewing Company in Lake Barrington; 'Oktoberfest' is a German style amber lager and 'Hefty-Weiss' is their interpretation of a traditional Bavarian Hefeweiss."
The event also will feature authentic German food from several local vendors, including Heybeck's Meat Market, The Onion Brew Pub in Lake Barrington, Tre Amici Pizza, Edelweiss Delicatessen & Catering, and the Sons of the American Legion. Morkes Chocolates and Completely Nuts will supply the treats.
Family day activities will take place from noon until 4 p.m. Saturday, but first there will be an Oktoberfest Family Bike Ride sponsored by the Bike Palatine Club. The ride starts at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Smith and Slade streets. Registration is $15. Visit www.bikepalatine.com for more information.
Games and activities for Family Day include face painting, Police and Fire Department displays, a soccer wall, magic tricks, children's raffle prizes and project building by Home Depot.
The Rotary Club will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win one of 24 baskets, each valued at more than $500.
"We had generous donations this year of over $62,000 which helped us make a great array of raffle baskets," said Ed Fee, Oktoberfest co-chairman. "Highlights include a Weber grill, as well as various wine, liquor and merchant baskets."
To view a complete schedule of events and learn more about The Rotary Club of Palatine, visit www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest or email oktoberfest@palatinerotary.com.
Rotary of Palatine Oktoberfest
What: Three-day festival celebrating German cuisine, music and beer.
Where: A heated tent at Slade and Smith streets in downtown Palatine.
When: 5 p.m. to midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
More information: Visit www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest.