EDGEWATER — A new fall festival chock full of brats, pretzels, music and more kicks off in Edgewater this weekend.
Known as Senntoberfest, the event runs from noon-7 p.m. Saturday and will feature food and drink, a costume parade, bounce house, face painting, hay rides, carnival games, a haunted garden, live music, dance lessons and an obstacle course from the National Guard.
A kids' costume parade at noon gets the event rolling from the Senn Playlot to the rest of the festival at Senn Park at Ridge and Clark.
In true fall festival fashion, the Senntoberfest will also offer hot dogs and bratwurst from Patio Beef and Vincent Restaurant (grilled by renowned French chef and Senn parent Dominique Tougne of Lincoln Park's Chez Moi) and pretzels from La Fournette in Old Town.
Though the event was originally slated to include a beer garden, Ald. Harry Osterman's (48th) office said it was unable to secure a permit for one at the last moment.
A $5 donation is suggested for entrance, or $20 for families, with 100 percent of proceeds going to benefit Senn High School, which will also be open for tours throughout the day.
The event is not only meant to celebrate the changing of the seasons, but showcase the neighborhood high school, as well.
Its ROTC Color Guard will lead the costume parade from the playlot to Senntoberfest, and student ambassadors will take interested community members through the bellowing halls of the historic high school at 12:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. for a look around.
The school will also feature a rock band made of student musicians, and student volunteers will conduct dance lessons for kids.
