Got My Oktoberfest Anyway

This past weekend, we had planned to go to the NIU game in Dekalb, Il, on Saturday and the Pumpkin Festival in Sycamore on Sunday, but the weather wouldn't cooperate. I imagine super-Volunteer fans Andy and Andrea didn't have much fun at the Tennessee-Alabama game Saturday night in Knoxville.

Sure appreciate Sue for calling us with word about the Oktoberfest party being held yesterday, Sunday, at After the Fox in McHenry. I really like to Oktoberfest festivate this time of the year. A good dose of German beer, food, and music is just what the doctor ordered.

Liz and I drove to After the Fox, arriving just after noon to enjoy their fantastic Sunday Brunch for $7.50, which included omelets made-to-order, fruits, kringles, sausage and bacon and other delights. Ate at a table overlooking the Fox River.


FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The whole event was for a good cause, to raise money for the local food pantry which has been hurting because of the economy's downturn. Having fun and raising money at the same time is a great combination.

Almost wish we hadn't had the brunch as they had a $7 platter of three different kinds of German meats and sides that was so huge, you could split it.

Then there were the $6 Warsteiner Beer mugs inscribed with Foxtoberfest 2008. One buck went to the cause, then you could get $4 refills with another buck to the cause.

A seven piece German oompah band dressed in best Bavarian-togs entertained throughout the afternoon. They were excellent and really set the stage. I had to buy a CD from the Musikmeisters for $16, of which $5 was donated to the cause.

There was a 50-50 raffle and regular raffle for donated items including Bears and Bulls tickets, and one lucky person won a one week stay at a condo on Duck Key in the Florida Keys.

The mayor of McHenry, and I found out former Round Lake teacher, was there as well.

Sure had a good time with friends and met a new one who is a Northern Illinois Huskie fan.


THE ONLY PROBLEMS

Sadly, though, they ran out of the beer steins almost immediately. Then, even worse ran out of the Warsteiner Beer. Even if old Jim Shorts didn't much care for it, but managed to gag one down any way.

Hopefully there will be better planning in these regards for a second Foxtoberfest. However, they weren't expecting as big of a turnout. Walking to the bathroom involved "cutting your way" through the masses.

But, hey, it was the Bears bye week, so what else was there to do.

An Ooopah Here, An Oompah There. --RoadDog