Shorewood residents hopped to Cene’s Four Seasons Park last weekend to get a taste of what Oktoberfest offers.
The lagers were flowing with foam-topped beers at the annual Shorewood Parks and Recreation event that featured live musical performances, food and fun.
Katie Fitzpatrick, a recreation event coordinator for the village of Shorewood, said Oktoberfest was designed to please all those who attended the event.
“It’s a good time for residents and other people from other areas near here to come out in early fall and enjoy themselves,” she said.
The evening got underway with the sounds of polka bands and switched to rock music toward festival’s end.
Amy Cerny, of Lockport, was in attendance for the festivities with her husband and their daughter. She said she likes what Oktoberfest had to offer.
“The music’s good,” she said. “[My daughter] likes to dance and run around and stuff.”
Cerny was enjoying the different types of beer for sale at the event. She said she was pleased to see that Oktoberfest is a family friendly event.
“I like that we can let her run around and burn some energy,” she said.
Meghan Fasano, of Joliet, was enjoying the live entertainment. She said she enjoys the sounds of German music.
This year was Fasano’s first time attending the Shorewood festival.
“I saw it on Facebook,” she said. “It said something about it, so we came out.”
Fasano said she has a German Background and is excited to celebrate the traditions of her heritage.
“It’s the reason why we came out to Oktoberfest because it’s a German tradition,” she said.
Richard Curtain, of Shorewood, was one of many local residents in attendance for the Shorewood festival. “I just like being out,” he said.
This year was Curtain’s first time attending the event.
Saying that he too has a German Background, Curtain said Oktoberfest does a good job of showcasing the traditions of his culture.
Jennifer Fagan, of Shorewood, also attended the festival for the first time.
Hearing the polka band perform was another first for her.
“It’s not bad,” she said. “I don’t normally listen to this [music].”
Fagan added that she could see herself attending the festival again next year.
This year, beer lovers were able to clink their glasses under the shelter of a marquee, which in the event’s past has welcomed as many as 2,000 festivalgoers.
“We just wanted to have as many residents come and enjoy themselves in the park as we can,” Fitzpatrick said.