With kids back in school, time to plan some fun fall events

Did anyone else notice that the moms of school-age kids in Palatine seem to have a little lighter step in their walk this week?

Yes, the kids are back in school. Yes, we love them, but are ready for a little time away from them. Yes, the fall brings its own version of craziness as schedules fill up with sports practices, music lessons, school events and homework. Still, those first days back at school seem to offer a chance to catch our breath.

And there certainly is plenty going on in town this fall. Here are just a few things on tap:

• The Rotary Club of Palatine will present Oktoberfest from 4-11 p.m. Sept. 12 and from noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 13. The fest will be held in the Fireman's Memorial parking lot at Brockway and Slade streets in downtown Palatine.

The event will feature authentic German food from Christl's German restaurant, as well as cuisine from Durty Nellie's and Morkes Chocolates. Beverages include Steigl and a special Oktoberfest brew from Emmett's Brewery in downtown Palatine. The Rotary Club will also be hosting a pop and water tent.

The eight-piece German band, Die Musikmeisters, will perform starting at 5 p.m. Sept. 12, followed by Bucket Number Six at 9 p.m. From noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 is Family day with German dancers and kids activities. In addition, the Wine Cellar will host a wine tasting from 3-6 p.m. Jimmy's Bavarians, a four-piece German band, performs from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 13, followed by Old School at 8:30 p.m.

Call (847) 217-1845, e-mail Oktoberfest@PalatineRotary.com or visit www.palatinerotary.com.

• Once you've had you're fill of German food, music and beer, head over to An Art Affair Around the Square.

The Palatine/Inverness Arts Council is hosting the fourth annual An Art Affair Around the Square art fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13 and 14 at Towne Square on Palatine Road in Palatine.

For information, visit www.palatineinvernessarts.org.

• Register for 50+ computer classes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 11 and 12 at the Palatine Senior Center, 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. All the courses cost $45 except Computer Basics (which costs $40), plus a $10 fee for books and materials for the eight-week class and four-week class. Classes will be held in the Palatine Elementary District 15 Administration Building, at 580 First Bank Drive, Palatine.

The Palatine Township Senior Center sponsors the Palatine 50+ Computer Learning Center. The center also offers two-hour and four-hour workshops. Call Diane Lancour, from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at (847) 991-1112, ext. 233, or e-mail her at dlancour@ptscc.org.

• Do you know of an interesting person or event in Palatine? Send an e-mail to mhollander@dailyherald.com.