Copyright Chicago Tribune
Dirndls, lederhosen, bratwurst, beer, Bavarian bells, and German folk dancing, all part of Saturday’s Oktoberfest celebration at the Gorton Center. Oktoberfest, hosted by the Gorton Center on October 18, is large and their only fundraiser of the year, taking place under a tent in their parking lot at 400 East Illinois Road. The event offered authentic German fare provided by Belvedere Events and Banquets, festive beverages, folk dancing lessons, musical entertainment by Die Musikmeisters, and, new this year, Hammerschlagen, a spirited German game, all part of the celebration to support Gorton’s cultural and educational programs. Ann Kiesling Gorton Center’s manager of donor engagement, says they first tried the Oktoberfest format in 2013, before deciding to bring it back in 2024, for Gorton’s 50th anniversary celebration. “Oktoberfest fosters community spirit and engagement through live music, shared dining, and fun activities. It’s versatile and casual and easily held under a tent in our parking lot,” Kiesling said. “This year we are hoping to make Oktoberfest our new tradition, our signature annual fundraiser,” Kiesling added. Saturday’s menu included Schnitzel sliders, beer brats, German potato pancakes, and soft Bavarian pretzels with German spicy mustard. Chicago area band, Die Musikmeisters, provided live music with an Oktoberfest vibe, and two local dance instructors, Brenda Good and Elizabeth Bushell showcased polka and German folk style choreography, encouraging patrons to join in throughout the evening. Dance instructor Brenda Good says she grew up in Lake Forest and has been teaching dance in the area for 25 years. “Many of my early shows and music recitals as a child were performed at the Gorton Center, so it’s fun to participate in Oktoberfest this year,” Good said. Kiesling says at a per-person ticket price of $150.00, rising to $175.00 per-person for tickets purchased after October 1st, approximately 200 guests attended the event. The Gorton Center, according to their website, has served the residents of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region since 1974, offering cultural arts and educational programs for diverse ages and interests. Programming includes film, performing arts, classes and programs for adults and children, camps and workshops and special events. Gorton is a non-profit 501c3 organization, partially funded by the Illinois Arts Council. “While our guests come for the food, music and camaraderie, they leave knowing their support helps sustain the programs and experiences that make Gorton such an essential part of our community,” Kiesling said. The Oktoberfest planning committee, comprising Kim Walters, Trish Sheridan, Kate Hanson, Kristen Lee, and Gillian Goodfriend, all Lake Forest residents, began planning the event in April, led by staff member Ann Kiesling. Oktoberfest committee volunteer Kim Walters says Gorton has had a generational impact on families in Lake Forest. “Since moving to Lake Forest, the Gorton Center has been at the center of the arts and cultural life of my family – I love Gorton so it’s really nice to be able to give something back,” Walters said. Mike and Katie Salgat of Lake Forest also attended on Saturday. “Thanks to the Gorton Center, we can always find the highest quality cultural entertainment — movies, bands, authors, theatrical performances – all close to home and without having to travel into the city,” Katie Salgat said. According to Kiesling Gorton’s Oktoberfest had several sponsors this year: Compass, the Rother Family, Midwest Mobility, and Andra O’Neill with @properties / Christie’s International Real Estate. Kiesling says the proceeds from Oktoberfest ticket sales go back into supporting all of Gorton’s programming. Dan Ranahan and Susan Milanak also attended. “The Gorton Center has become an important part of my life, and tied to the lives of my entire family – very special that next summer Gorton will complete new construction of a patio in memory of the support of my parents, Jack and Charrine Reichert,” Milanak said. Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
