Rotary Club of Palatine celebrates Oktoberfest

The Rotary Club of Palatine will be bringing a little bit of Germany to Palatine with their 8th Annual Oktoberfest which is open to the public on Friday, September 18th through Sunday, September 20th on the corner of Smith and Slade in downtown Palatine south of the Metra train station with a wide array of German beer, foods and music.

“Entertainment is a large component of the weekend and kicks off on Friday with a blessing and a tapping of the keg ceremony at 5:00 PM which will be done by Mayor Jim Schwantz,” said Cindy Stoeckel, Oktoberfest Co-Chair. “Our musical entertainment of Friday night, Saturday and Sunday will make you feel as if you are at Oktoberfest in Munich.”

Musical entertainment will kick off on Friday night September 18th with Paloma Band from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM followed by Phenix at 8:00 PM until Midnight. Saturday, September 19th entertainment includes Die Musikmeisters performing at 3:30 PM until 7:30 PM followed by Phenix at 8:00 PM until midnight. The musical line up on Sunday features Die Musikmeisters on stage noon until 2:30 PM followed by Johnny Wagner performing at 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

“Beer is a large component of any Oktoberfest celebration,” said Oktoberfest co-chair, Dr. Robert Steinberg. “Beverages include Schofferhofer Grapefruit which tastes like a grapefruit Hefeweizen, Radeberger a German style pilsner, Dab which is an export lager and two locally brewed beers from the Wild Onion Brewing Company in Lake Barrington; ‘Oktoberfest’ is a German style amber lager and ‘Hefty-Weiss’ is their interpretation of a traditional Bavarian Hefeweiss. Along with our beer selection we will also be offering a variety of wine.”

The event will also feature authentic German food and other treats from vendors including Heybeck’s Meat Market, The Onion Brew Pub in Lake Barrington, Morkes Chocolates, Tre Amici Pizza, Edelweiss Delicatessen & Catering, Completely Nuts and the Sons of the American Legion. Foods include bratwurst, Leberkase sandwich, a pig platter, bratwurst burger, traditional Landjaeger sausages, pizza, caramel apples, pretzels, spiced nuts, apple strudel and roasted corn. Pop and water will also be available for purchase from volunteers supporting The Palatine Opportunity Center.

This free, heated tent event runs from Friday at 5:00 PM until midnight, Saturday from noon until midnight and Sunday from noon until 6:00 PM. Family day activities will be held on Saturday from noon until 3:30 PM. This year, Family Day will kick off with an Oktoberfest Family Bike Ride sponsored by the Bike Palatine Club on Saturday morning at the corner of Smith and Slade Streets. Registration is $15.00 and is from 11:00 AM until 11:15 AM on the day of the event. The ride starts at 11:30 AM. Visit www.bikepalatine.com for more information.

Additional Family Day activities include face painting, balloon sculptures, a variety of children’s games, Palatine Police K-9 demonstrations and project building by Home Depot. On stage will be performances from Bonnie Lindholm Dancers, choirs and bands from Fremd and Palatine High schools as well as performances by elementary and middle schools.

The Rotary Club of Palatine will be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win one of 24 baskets each valued at over $500. “We had generous donations this year which helped us make a great array of raffle baskets,” said Ed Fee, Oktoberfest Co-Chair. “Highlights include a Weber grill as well as various wine, liquor and merchant baskets. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets and the drawing will be on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM. Winners do not have to be present.”

View a complete schedule of events and learn more about The Rotary Club of Palatine at www.palatinerotary.com/Oktoberfest or email oktoberfest@palatinerotary.com. All monies raised at Oktoberfest help support charities and community projects. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self — in the community, and throughout the world. The Rotary Club of Palatine meets every Tuesday at 7:15 AM at the Red Apple Pancake House. Email info@palatinerotary.com for details.