Oktoberfest Returns to Berwyn's Historic Depot District

Oktoberfest Returns to Berwyn's Historic Depot District

Date:8/21/2009 12:27:00 AM

New Dog-toberfest pavilion expands concept of family fun

BERWYN, Ill., Aug. 20 /-/ -- The Berwyn Historic Depot District Special Events Committee is celebrating its ninth annual Oktoberfest on Friday, September 11 (6-11 pm) and Saturday, September 12, 2009 (Noon-11 pm). This two-day event will take place on Windsor and Stanley Avenues, between Home and Oak Park Avenues and will include live performances, children's amusement rides and entertainment, crafters, and food vendors. New this year, the festival will also feature Dog-toberfest, a dog-friendly entertainment area. Admission is free.

Oktoberfest, one of Berwyn's premier events, is a weekend celebration filled with music, family entertainment, raffles, an assortment of foods and, of course, beer. Berwyn's Oktoberfest has steadily grown for nearly a decade and expects to attract over 10,000 attendees from the Chicagoland area. "Oktoberfest showcases the best of our community. We love Berwyn and the Depot District. This festival is an opportunity for our residents to come together, relax, and celebrate and for newcomers to share in our community pride. We embrace all of the flavors of our community and try to provide something to appeal to everyone. Our committee is dedicated to events such as Oktoberfest that are integral to our local support network," said Alderman Nona Chapman, one of the lead organizers of the event.

The Historic Depot District Special Events Committee guarantees a family-friendly community atmosphere with something for everybody, even the family dog. The main stage will feature musical acts R-Gang and Five Guys Named Moe on Friday and Infinity, Hurricane Gumbo, Lights Out, and the winner of Berwyn Park District's Battle of the Bands on Saturday. From 7-9 pm on Friday, Leah, the Loop Rock Girl, will also make an appearance at the event. Too Loud Polka Band will provide entertainment in the tent on Saturday afternoon.

The family pavilion welcomes the Chicago Fire and their interactive soccer wall. Other featured activities include a carnival, pony rides, a magician, musical entertainment from The Boogers Band, and the Pav YMCA Kid's Contest. What's more, just across Grove Avenue, The Urban Mutt crew will launch the newly conceived Dog-toberfest. The area will offer a "Doggie Lounge" where the family pup can play under the sprinklers, get a bath, and snack on Pupizzas & Doggie Brew! There will also be vendors, a pet psychic, a caricature artist, and a MiniToss(TM) Tournament for humans.

Additional information on Oktoberfest in Berwyn, IL can be obtained through the Berwyn Development Corporation at (708) 788-8100 or at www.BerwynOktoberfest.com. Additional information on Dog-toberfest can be obtained at www.Dog-toberfest.com.

The Berwyn Historic Depot District Special Events Committee is a committee of the BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BDC). The BDC is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides economic development and Chamber of Commerce services to all segments of the Berwyn community. The BDC focuses its efforts on those activities that will improve the overall climate for local businesses and residents, in addition to encouraging the development of new commercial venues and employment opportunities. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and events that promote Berwyn businesses and the community.