Oktoberfest returning to Itasca

Itasca is moving ahead with plans to bring back its traditional Oktoberfest.

Village officials on Tuesday approved two contracts totaling $11,900 with KCM Productions for four live bands and stage production equipment for the celebration, which is scheduled for Sept. 9 to 11 on Orchard Street in downtown Itasca.

Mayor Jeff Pruyn said several special events are returning this year, including the Memorial Day parade, a fireworks show, and a scaled-down Itasca Fest. But unlike those events, Pruyn said he believes Oktoberfest will not have to be scaled back to meet pandemic-related restrictions.

"We're hoping to have things back to normal by Oktoberfest," Pruyn said. "I think we're ready for a bit of normalcy. The community has always loved its summer festivals and they were missed last year."

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Itasca to cancel many events last year. Oktoberfest last year was a drive-through event, where residents ordered dinner online and picked it up.

Pruyn said he believes the bridge phase of the Restore Illinois plan will come into effect in the coming weeks. It will allow for bigger social gatherings.

KCM Productions has been partnering with Itasca on Oktoberfest since the village first held the event in 2007. As part of its latest contract, KCM will provide the stage, speakers and microphones. The village will be able to get a refund if Oktoberfest is canceled.