Cool temps, more vendors highlight Schaumburg's Septemberfest

Patrons at Schaumburg's annual Septemberfest on Saturday unexpectedly unveiled their fall wardrobes earlier than planned.

Anna Bajerski has been attending the festival for 25 years and remembers muggy conditions. She didn't remember a time when the temperatures were as mild as Saturday's, with temperatures barely reaching the 70s.

"I've never got to wear jeans," Bajerski said while wearing her denim.

The festival grounds remained bustling with the usual staples. Children ran to stand in line for carnival rides leaving their stroller-pushing parents behind. Guys tried their hand at games to win a prize for their ladies. Teens wore subversive T-shirts that would make their parents shake their heads.

No matter who, there was plenty of food to go around. There were more food vendors this year compared to 2009, said Jamie Janeczko. She's the event coordinator for the Fox and the Hound restaurant in Schaumburg which had a food and drink booth.

As the economy improves, more restaurants are opening, which means there's more competition for dollars from diners, Janeczko said. That's one reason more vendors flocked to Septemberfest with their meats on a stick and fried goods.

"They want to get better exposure," Janeczko said.

The fest takes place outside of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center and is highlighted with nightly performances from bands, including the Gin Blossoms. They'll play their 1990s alternative rock hits, like "Hey Jealousy," on Monday.

Meeting new people and hearing music excited Schaumburg Jaycees President Jennifer Sheridan. She's waiting for Sunday's concert by 7th Heaven. "They're just so entertaining," she said.

As early as 10 a.m., in anticipation of the live music, folks were placing blankets, nailing tarps to the ground and leaving lawn chairs in front of the main music stage to reserve viewing spots.

Bajerski and her friend, Cammy Basak, left their two lawn chairs to the right of the stage behind the sound booth around 2:30 p.m. They pointed out how one blanket was surrounded by yellow tape which police use to rope off a crime scene. Although their spot wasn't as close to the stage as they hoped, they were eager to enjoy they day.

"What do you care if you can't see them?" Bajerski told Basak.

The festival goes from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. Go to septemberfest.org for more information.