Nothing says Oktoberfest better than pony rides, music, and, naturally, German bratwurst.
All that and more were featured at the fifth annual Evergreen Park Oktoberfest at the Hamilton B. Maher Community Center parking lot and adjacent Klein Park on Saturday.
The parking lot and Klein Park were full of people of all ages under blue skies and temperatures in the 70s.
Mayor Kelly Burke assisted in providing refreshments for adults and kids. She was joined by Village Clerk Kelly Duffy and trustees Mark Marzullo, Norm Anderson and James McQuillan. Worth Township Supervisor Patricia Joan Murphy also helped out and enjoyed the festivities.
“We had done the Day in the Park over the years but it kind of run its course,” said Burke. “I’ve been going to a lot of these Oktoberfests over the years and we decided to do it here. And here we are. As you can see, people love it. It keeps getting bigger every year.”
Festivities began with DJs for The Record Shop on 95th providing a couple of hours of songs. Blackberry Jam Chicago followed that with rock favorites from the past few decades. The Liam Durkin Trio also performed.
A variety of kid activities were offered throughout the day, including pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts, face painting, a climbing wall, an inflatable obstacle course with a Halloween theme, and golf simulators for all ages.
Vendors filled the perimeter of the parking lot that included a Barraco’s pizza truck, a taco stand, Frozen Fiesta Express, Morgan’s Cookies, Porter Cullens, and Spoke and Vine.
The Evergreen Park Youth Department also had crowds of people lining up for hot dogs, candy, and freeze pops.
Members of the Evergreen Park Fire Department and volunteers were serving Polish sausage and German bratwurst smothered in grilled onions under a large canopy. Firefighters also served grilled corn on the cob.
Staff from the Evergreen Park Library provided story time sessions and crafts. Youngsters had an opportunity to venture in and out of public works trucks and fire department engines.
And to mark the spirit of the day, a stein hosting competition was held later in the afternoon.
“Everyone had a great time and it is a great day,” said Marzullo. “The weather is great and the people really enjoy this.”
