The origin of Forest Park German Fest goes back to 1965. In that year, the Harlem Männerchor and the Forest Park Damenchor (German Men and Ladies Chorus) started a small Oktoberfest on Madison Street in Forest Park. Over the next twenty plus years, the Forest Park Oktoberfest grew into a major three-day event with several large tents, numerous local groups participating and a carnival company with over ten amusement park rides. For several reasons (e.g. economical, lack of volunteers, security), the Forest Park Oktoberfest faded away in the early Nineties.

Over the years, many village residents and officials expressed that they are missing the “Old Oktoberfest”. In late 2014, Peter Herdeg, president of the Harlem German Choir, had a very positive meeting with mayor Tony Calderone and assistant Sally Cody regarding bringing an “Oktoberfest” like event back to Forest Park. In following discussions with Fred Leinweber, President and Pete Mantel, Vice President, D.A.N.K. West it was agreed that their organization would partner with the Harlem Choir to organize a German festival. Since the months of September and October are full of Oktoberfest events, it was decided to have a festival in Spring (e.g. “Maifest”) and so the first new “German Fest” took place at “The Grove”/Altenheim, Forest Park in June 2015.

We look forward to welcoming you to German Fest in Forest Park

Peter & Fred