Palatine allows beer sales at Harley dealership festivals

Palatine's village council gave permission Monday night for beer sales at four festivals at a Harley-Davidson dealership on Rand Road starting later this month.

In addition, the village council approved a request from a longtime downtown bar and grill to use some public street parking for weekly outdoor family fun nights beginning in late May.

Alley 64 Bar and Grill received a temporary amendment to its liquor license that'll let the establishment sell the beer for the four festivals at the neighboring City Limits Harley-Davidson. Alley 64 and City Limits Harley have the same owner.

Kicking off the Harley dealership's fun this year will be a new food truck festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 26 and 27. Among the trucks will be Fat Tomato Inc., which has gained a following for its tacos.

On the food fest's second day, City Limits will have a blessing of the bikes and a silent auction to benefit the Run for the Son fundraiser sponsored by the Christian Motorcyclists Association. All of the activities for the festivals will be in the Harley dealership and the parking lot next door to Alley 64, just southeast of Rand and Hicks roads

Palatine Village Manager said after Monday's council session that he likes the idea of the new food truck festival.

"It changes things around," Ottesen said. "That will catch attention of people also just driving down Rand Road. You have a destination in the Harley dealership, but if that's not your thing, the food trucks might catch your attention. It's a great promotion."

Other fests are expected at City Limits Harley on May 18, June 5 and June 22.

Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille. 60 N. Bothwell St., will hold Family Nights on Fridays from late May through September, weather permitting. The establishment said it will block four spaces along the building's east side, in part so children may be clearly seen as they partake in the outdoor fun.

"It gives a little more safety, a little more buffer to the building," Ottesen said. "They will use some tables out in that area. It's been well-received."

Running from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Lamplighter's Family Nights will include face painting, acoustic music and children's entertainment.