advertisement

Festival with a (pretzel) twist: Germanfest in Lombard

This is one summer festival served with a twist: a pretzel twist, topped with mustard.

Germanfest, celebrating its 51st year as a seasonal tradition in Lombard, distinguishes itself with a Deutschland-style menu steeped in schnitzel, pork shanks and apple strudel.

"We find people come for the German food," said Paula Dillon, festival publicity co-chair.

Staged on the grounds of Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Elizabeth Street, the festival opens Thursday, July 19, and continues through Sunday, July 22. Attractions include rides, children's activities, music, casino games and bingo.

The culinary selections are the defining elements that earn the festival its name.

"This year, we are exclusively featuring Schnitzel Platz," said Dillon, referring to a Glendale Heights restaurant that specializes in traditional German dishes. "German is all they do."

Visitors can wash it all down with a selection of German and domestic beers, wine, soda and mixed drink slushies.

Germanfest also will cater to visitors seeking an alternative culinary experience with a pizza tent presented by Gianorio's Pizza of Lombard and typical festival noshes.

"Everybody likes to come to the carnival because they like funnel cakes and snow cones," Dillon said.

The music lineup's most high-profile act, 7th Heaven, a local rock and pop band, takes the stage at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press play at 8 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, it's Poison'd Crue, a glam rock cover band, at 9:30 p.m. Hairbangers Ball, a band that bills itself as a '90s MTV rock band, closes Germanfest out with a 4:30 p.m. Sunday show.

There will be carnival rides available each day of the fest. For those who want to ride all four days, the festival offers a $65 mega-pass.

Children's activities include a balloon artist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and, for children ages 5 through 12, a chance to play "kids' bingo" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Adults can play bingo from all four days inside the air-conditioned parish center.

For those who want to try their hand at poker or blackjack, Germanfest presents an indoor casino hall from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. While there's no general admission fee for Germanfest, there is a $5 fee for entry into the casino, Dillon said. All proceeds benefit the church and school.

Festgoers also may purchase raffle tickets, split-the-pot and pull-tab chances. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, a raffle featuring a $5,000 grand prize will be drawn.

Dillon said the event is a locally cherished one.

"It's a big community event. We do have a lot of local sponsors," she said. "We have a lot of longtime festgoers. It's a popular meeting spot."

Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press will perform Thursday at the Germanfest celebration in Lombard. Daily Herald file photo

If you go

What: Germanfest celebration

Where: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19; 5:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 20; 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 21; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 22

Admission: Free

Info: sacredheartgermanfest.com

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.