Good Weather, Large Turnout Highlight Oktoberfest and Pathways Parade

Thousands of spectators took to the streets of Bolingbrook Sunday afternoon as the village held its annual  Pathways Parade and Oktoberfest celebration. 

The crowd was greeted with extraordinary weather, as temperatures stayed in the 70s throughout the day and clouds were nowhere to be seen.

The parade began at Bolingbrook High School as Grand Marshall James Childress led the procession all the way to the Village Town Center. The parade, celebrating its 45th anniversary, had a more than 100 entries and featured a "Stars and Stripes Forever" theme, as a display of patriotic support.

The parade lasted two hours and featured local high schools, middle schools, public officials, campaigning politicians and The Jesse White Tumblers.

Many groups through candy and treats to the crowd and the streets were filled on both sides with spectators, many of whom made their way to the Oktoberfest where beer sampling and authentic German music was plentiful.

Frankie K and Company, which played German favorites, including "Roll Out the Barrel," "Danke Scheon," and the German Polka.

Frank Yakoukek, the band's keyboard and accordion player said the band has been around for years and played at many different locations.

"We love this, and we'll go anywhere that anyone will have us," he said.

Residents sat under the carnival tent with the band and sang along, danced and also gave some requests.

"This is our first time here and it's fun event," said Resident Rob Sholp as he sipped on a beer form Gordan Biersch microbrewery, the vendor and caterer of the event. "I'm German, so I love the beer and the music is good, too."

In addition to the parade, other fun activities for the 21-and-younger crowd included an inflatable jumper, a carriage ride from Noble Horse (based in Chicago), contests, clowns and costumes.

Contests included awards for authentic German dress and a beer stein contest, which allowed residents to display traditional German drinking mugs, some of which were family heirlooms.

Joe Pawlowicz, a winner of the stein contest with a piece that was handed down to him from a great uncle, had perhaps the most authentic stein of the day.

The stein was originally given to commemorate German soldiers for their service after World War I. He said it believed it was given out in 1909. The practice of giving steins to soldiers began after Franco-Prussian war, according to Pawlowicz.

"I saw a lot of American-made steins last year and I wanted to enter something that was authentically German," Pawlowicz said.

He said arrived early and enjoyed some food and music and then watched the parade.

"The love the Oktoberfest and I'm real glad the Village continues to hold it. It seems to be gaining popularity and I think holding with the parade draws attention to it."

The Oktoberfest is held by the Bolingbrook Arts Council and the parade is sponsored by the Village.

2010 Pathways Parade Awards

Adult Marching

1st  - Joyful Spirit Church

2nd  - Dupage Township

Youth marching

1st - Boy Scout Troop 158

2nd - Seventh Adventist Church

Senior Gym and Dance

1st - Bolingbrook Park District Dance Force

2nd - Bolingbrook High School Cheerleaders

Professional Float

1st - Illinois Aviation Museum

2nd - Filipino Friendship Society

Business

1st - Filipino Friendship Society

2nd – CN Railroad

Amateur Float

1st - BHS Madrigal Singers

2nd -Bolingbrook Associated Little League

Decorated Vehicle

1st - Army Recruiting Station

2nd - Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church

Judges Award

Rick's Landscaping & Lawn Care

Mayor's Award

The Cub Scouts