Bill Fuhry was well prepared for the first-ever Oktoberfest in downtown La Grange.
The 52-year-old Western Springs resident arrived in authentic lederhosen, including a traditional Bavarian jewelry chain and a stein filled with beer.
He had worn the outfit before—to Oktoberfest in Munich—and bought it at International Fashions by Ingrid in Chicago’s Lincoln Square.
“We bought it to go to Oktoberfest in Munich and now we find an opportunity to wear it at home,” Fuhry said.
The La Grange Business Association presented the event Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25 through Sept. 27, on Calendar Court.
It drew enough people the first night to overwhelm some vendors as two ran out of food before Friday’s fun ended.
The crowd was especially large at the beer line. Milk Money Brewing charged $7 a beer and the line stayed long all evening. “They need a second beer line,” Fuhry quipped as he walked past later.
You could get a larger pour if you bought a plastic beer stein. Wristbands for those age 21 and older sold for $10 apiece.
GP Italiano, an Italian restaurant known for its mobile pizza oven, took the spirit of the event in stride. Co-owner Joe Dellacroce tended a grill loaded with bratwurst, onions, and pretzels.
“Everybody is German today,” he said with a smile.
Julie Albrecht, 59, of Brookfield, wore a lovely authentic German dress.
“I think it’s awesome, a way for the community to get together. I think it’s so fun,” she said.
The weekend lineup included a beer stein hoist challenge, where competitors held a filled stein at arm’s length; whoever held it longest won.
And it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without some oompah music.
The Ed Wagner Brass Band performed Friday night and had the crowd playing along with a rollicking version of “The Chicken Dance.”
Other scheduled entertainment for the weekend included Euro Express Band, Prost! and The Happy Wanderers.
A dunk tank raised money for local charities at $5 for three balls. Many children tried their best to hit the target that would send a victim into the water.
Michael Howlett, 36, of La Grange, took a turn in the tank. He was soggy after he had been dunked four times.
Asked about the water temperature on a cool night, he said “it felt like Lake Michigan in June” before excusing himself to change into dry clothes.
Carl Wolf, chief advancement officer for BEDS Plus, said the event’s charitable mission mattered to him. He was minding the beer stein hoist booth.
“It’s the inaugural event and it appears to be a success. A lot of people have come out,” Wolf said.
Several attendees said they hoped the event returns next year.