Glendale Heights raises a glass to Oktoberfest

When Glendale Heights and the Schnitzel Platz Restaurant decide to celebrate Oktoberfest, they really decide to celebrate Oktoberfest.

A daylong celebration? You've gotta be kidding. A weeklong party? Not nearly enough.

No, when the village's third annual Oktoberfest opens Friday, it'll be starting a 10-day run that continues through Sept. 21 at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave. The party, held under tents to protect visitors from the elements, will feature authentic German food, drink, merchandise, entertainment and more.

The festival will be highlighted with the food prepared by Chef Wolfgang Beyer of the Schnitzel Platz. There also will be Oktoberfest beverages imported directly from the Hofbräu Brewery in Munich, as well as beverages from the oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan Hefe Weiss Bier.

And it wouldn't be Oktoberfest without an assortment of German and Austrian pastries.

The entertainment lineup includes strolling German "Oompah" entertainers, along with performances by Alpine Thunder, Austrian Express, Paloma and the Elmhurst College Jazz Band.

Families also can visit the festival's pumpkin patch and plant sale and check out the German products, souvenirs, hats, steins and more.

One of the authentic features of this year's festival is the VIP boxes, just like the ones found at the Munich Oktoberfest. The VIP boxes are special reserved areas strategically located under the grand festival tent. VIP seating is limited and available by reservation only and each table seats up to 10 adults.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the VIP packages are $80 per person. On Sunday through Thursday, the VIP packages are $60. Advance payment is required to guarantee your VIP reservation.

For details about the festival, call (323) 577-8935 or visit www.glendaleheightsoktoberfest.com.