Start a new tradition with us! From tapping-of-the-keg to hammerschlagen to weiner dog racing, don’t miss the free festivities for all ages on Saturday, September 15 from 2-10 p.m. at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park (201 West Jefferson Street, Joliet). Oompa and party music on the pavilion, ethnic food and free contests will fill the day. Catch the Oktoberfest spirit and slip on some lederhosen, sport a Bavarian cap or don a dirndl – there will be prizes!
Kicking off Bicentennial’s first Oktoberfest at 2 p.m. will be the ceremonial tapping of the first keg by Joliet Councilman Mike Turk. The keg will hold the first Oktoberfest beer by MyGrain Brewery, located in Joliet’s historic Union Station. Taste MyGrain’s limited craft beer here first, even before it hits their downtown restaurant! Additional brews and wines will also be available.
Adults can watch and enjoy a cold beer and kids a frosty rootbeer while listening to traditional German music. Joliet’s very own Ray Koncar and The Boys will be playing oompa music 2:00-4:00 p.m. on the pavilion. Tommy Slab’s one-man-band plays 4:30 p.m-7 p.m., and will lead everyone in a rousing chicken dance at 7 p.m. Cadillac Groove party music will take the stage 7:30-9:30 p.m. .
The park is also proud to celebrate the German and brewery history of Joliet. Of the many landmarks throughout the park, those that find the German and brewery landmarks can get a free water at the park’s concession booth. Food vendors will offer brats and kraut, pierogis, hot pretzels, corn on the cob, funnel cakes, pizza, rootbeer floats, popular park “Billie dogs” and more.
Real dogs can also take part of Oktoberfest. The weiner dog race at 2:30 p.m. and is free to enter. It’s open to dachshunds and small dogs, if they wear a hot dog costume. Register your dog in advance to drum up their fan base. Owners can give a short bio from the view point of their furry friend. Pictures and videos for posting are encourage, “if you are okay with your dog having more likes than you,” smiles Park Manager Lori Carmine. The form is on the website and social media.
Brute strength will be on display at 3:00 p.m. in the free hammerschlagen contest. How far can you drive a nail with one swing into a log? For bragging rights and a prize, compete against your buddy for a little friendly rivalry or nominate someone from your group to compete against another group. To sign up, call (815)-724-3761 or email lcarmine@jolietcity.org.
The following free contests are open to all ages: keg bowling (4 p.m.), don’t-spill obstacle course (5 p.m.), server challenge (see how may full mugs one can carry 20 feet, 6 p.m.) and stein-holding (7:15 p.m.). Kids will have their own scaled-down version with rootbeer.
At 7 p.m., it’s a huge chicken-dance! Even if you’re in line for a brat, chicken-dance like no one is watching.
People will also be watching for the best lederhosen and dirndl costume contest at 8 p.m., also open to all ages. Prizes will be given for most authentic and most creative.
Enjoy the rest of Oktoberfest at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park until 10 p.m., when we bid everyone auf wiedersehen until next year.
For more information, contact Bicentennial Park’s website www.bicentenialpark.org or call the office (815)-724-3761.
BICENTENNIAL PARK’S OKTOBERFEST EVENTS
2 p.m. Tapping of MyGrain Brewery’s Oktoberfest beer by Councilman Mike Turk
2-4 p.m. Ray Koncar & The Boys (oompa music on pavilion, bring chairs & blankets)
2:30 p.m. Weiner dog race (dachshunds and small dogs in hot dog costumes)
3 p.m. Hammerschlagen (hammer a nail into a log)
4 p.m. Keg bowl*
4:30-7 p.m. Tommy Slab (one-man-band on pavilion, bring chairs & blankets)
5 p.m. Don’t-spill obstacle course*
6 p.m. Server challenge (how many full mugs carried 20´)*
7 p.m. Chicken dance (everybody, wherever you’re standing!)
7:15 p.m. Stein holding*
7:30-9:30 p.m. Cadillac Groove (party music on pavilion, bring chairs & blankets)
8 p.m. Costume contest for best lederhosen & dirndl (most authentic & creative)
10 p.m. Auf wiedersehen (farewell) until next year
* adult version with beer & scaled-down kid version with rootbeer