Expanded Oktoberfest opens today
Villa Park is offering more chances to enjoy the village's annual Oktoberfest, with the addition of another day and new events.
"Summerfest is the kickoff to summer and Oktoberfest is the goodbye to summer," Trustee Tom Cullerton said. "It's a great event, lots of fun ... with something for all ages."
The festival opens Thursday with the traditional Teen Night theme featuring the Battle of the Bands. Other Main Stage acts throughout the weekend include the New Invaders, Infinity and Secondhand Smoke in Lions Park, 320 E. Wildwood St.
Debuting this year is The Game of Skate Tournament in the basketball courts at Lions Park.
Skateboarding enthusiasts will be welcome to compete in one of three age groups, including 10 and younger, ages 11 to 15 or 16 and older. Contests will be held between 5 and 8 p.m. each of the first three nights, with the youngest going first.
The top three competitors from each group will then compete in finals between 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday. The champion in each age division will collect a trophy, a new skateboard, and an autographed Tony Hawk photo.
The $1 registration fee will go toward construction of a new skate park in the village.
Before the games begin, newcomers can test their wheels at free skateboarding clinics from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The Villa Park VFW Post will hold a blood drive for the first time at Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Community Recreation Building adjoining the park, village officials said.
Other festival highlights include carnival rides, a Family Fun Fest, an arts and crafts fair, pet parade and costume contest, German entertainment and a children's area.
"It has attractions for just everyone: the old, the young, the middle aged," Village President Joyce Stupegia said. "What impresses me is all the different types of entertainment they have - whatever your interest. It's going to be exceptionally good."
Festival hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For details, see www.invillapark.com.
Villa Park Oktoberfest
Villa Park's annual Oktoberfest event will be held Thursday through Sunday in Lions Park, 320 E. Wildwood St., just southeast of the intersection of St. Charles Road and Villa Avenue.
Thursday, Sept 11
4 to 5 p.m. Free skateboarding clinic at basketball court
5 to 8 p.m. Villa Park Game of SKATE Tournament preliminary competition at basketball court $1 fee
5 to 10 p.m. Opening night: Battle of the Bands
• Ride special all evening 10 rides for $15
Friday, Sept 12
4 to 5 p.m. Free skateboarding clinic at basketball court
5 to 8 p.m. Villa Park Game of SKATE Tournament preliminary competition at basketball court $1 fee
5 to 11 p.m. Games, food, carnival, beer tent
7:30 to 11 p.m. The New Invaders on stage
Saturday, Sept 13
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. "Family Fun at the Fest"
Bags Tournament
Children's Area
German Entertainment
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts & Crafts Fair
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. VFW Blood Drive in Community Recreation Building
Noon to 5 p.m. Ride Special for $20
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Pet Parade and Contest Contest for most original and funniest dressed dog, cat or other animals and or decorated small animal cage for reptiles, birds, etc. Sign-in at the Villa Park Recreation Tent, 11:30 to 11:45 a.m. Judging and prizes will be awarded between 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. advance registration is not necessary.
1 to 2 p.m. Free skateboarding clinic at basketball court
5 to 8 p.m. Game of SKATE Tournament preliminary competition at basketball court $1 fee
7:30 to 11 p.m. Infinity on stage
Sunday, Sept 14
Noon to 5 p.m. "Villa Park's Pride"
Battle of the Bands Finals
Local Entertainment
Children's Area
Noon to 5 p.m. Arts & Crafts Fair and ride special for $20
1 to 4 p.m. Game of SKATE Tournament Finals at basketball court
3:30 to 5 p.m. Secondhand Smoke on stage