The second annual C-U Oktoberfest will take place 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, October 11th in Downtown Champaign. Event entry is $5, and the event will benefit the Developmental Services Center. White Horse Inn and Chester’s BBQ will do the food, and there will be beer from Triptych, Destihl, JT Walker’s, and The Blind Pig. Check the press release below, and our thoughts on last year’s event.
The 2nd Annual C-U Oktoberfest
September 8, 2014—(Champaign, IL) —The C-U Oktoberfest is a fall celebration of music, beer, and food held in downtown Champaign, at the corner of Neil and Washington Streets (parking lot area in front of the Children’s Orpheum Science Museum) on Saturday, October 11th from 3:00 p.m. to midnight. Cost to enter the event is $5.
Patterned after the annual festival in Bavaria, the C-U Oktoberfest features live music from bands playing festive polkas, waltzes, and traditional German music…mixed in with plenty of your favorite songs. Beer from local brewers, including The Blind Pig, JT Walker’s, Destihl, and Triptych as well as traditional German beer will be served. An official C-U Oktoberfest beer, produced from a collaboration of local brewers, will be unveiled the night of the event.
Party-goers are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing their best dirndl or lederhosen (or come as you are) and dance the night away!
To add to the festive atmosphere, there will be steins, hats, and t-shirts available for purchase.
White Horse Inn and Chester’s BBQ will be selling a variety of food during the entire event including 1,000 pounds of authentic Oktoberfest sausages, sauerkraut, German potato salad, schnitzel, kroketten and baked goods. Bavarian pretzels are being offered by Destihl.
Bands will be playing beginning at 5:00 p.m. with Die Musikmeisters and The Bolzen Beer Band returned by popular demand from last year’s event. Also joining us the year are the ever-popular, party polka band….The Polkaholics from Chicago. This line-up is guaranteed to have you dancing the night away.
Speaking of dancing, David Lin from the Regent Ballroom will offer a free polka demonstration/ lessons at4:00 pm under the big tent! Come watch local dancers polka and then join in the fun!
The festivities for the evening include:
3:00 pm Gates Open
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Face Painting, Balloon Making, Polka Dance Lessons
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Die Musikmeisters-Live Music
8:30 pm to 10:00 pm The Polkaholics ~ Live Music
10:30 pm – Midnight Bolzen Beer Band-Live Music
–more–
Volunteers are needed and opportunities are still available. Please visit www.dsc-illinois.org
The C-U Oktoberfest is a celebration that will support children and adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities in our community; proceeds from the event will benefit Developmental Services Center (DSC) and helps to further our mission, “To enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing services and supports which enable them to live, work, learn, and participate in their communities.”
Please join in the fun! Prost!
For more information, go to www.cuoktoberfest.org or find us on Facebook.
This event is generously sponsored by Busey Bank, Honda/BMW, DCF, the Robeson Family Benefit Fund, the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Hyatt Place, Atkins Group, BankChampaign, Champaign Telephone Company, Cozad Asset Management, Ippatsu Salon, Martin, Hood, Friese, and Associates, Pavlov Media, Reynold’s Towing, First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, and Wells & Wells Construction. Sponsorships are still available by contacting Janice McAteer at jmcateer@dsc-illinois.org or (217) 356-9176.
The mission of DSC is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing services and supports which enable them to live, work, learn and participate in their communities. DSC was formed in 1972 by the merger of four community organizations serving people with disabilities. The result is a comprehensive organization that is able to provide multiple services in Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Piatt Counties. DSC serves individuals who may have epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental and intellectual disabilities or other disabling conditions. It is through the programs and services offered at DSC that these individuals are able to pursue a more fulfilling life.
Interviews and photo opportunities the day of the event are available by calling Janice McAteer at 217.898.5117.