The Manteno Oktoberfest for 2020 has been canceled for the first time in the event’s 23 year history. The 2020 Festival had been scheduled for September 24th to the 27th.
The cancellation was agreed to unanimously by the Chamber of Commerce Board, Village of Manteno and Manteno Police Department. The announcement was made in a press release Wednesday.
The cancellation came in part due to the lack of inspections and permits needed to operate the fest, including special event retail liquor licenses normally issued for Manteno Oktoberfest through the Illinois Liquor Control Commissioner. Additionally, under the current Phase 4 guidelines, no Amusement Attractions inspection is allowed through the Department of Labor, preventing such attractions from operating.
The Fest is run annually through the Chamber of Commerce, which partners with a variety of civic and philanthropic organizations throughout the community.
“Not having Manteno Oktoberfest means not allowing these organizations to give back and pay it forward in the same manner they have in the past.” President and CEO of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce Sarah Marion said Wednesday. “We are undoubtedly disappointed for this and for many other reasons.”
It’s the second year in a row the festival has had it’s difficulties operating.
Last year’s fest was postponed after damaging winds came through Manteno damaging several festival structures on Main, First and Second Streets including the entertainment tent, First Street dining tent and vendor booths. The festival was saved thanks in part to the Village of Bourbonnais assisting in the cleanup.
The Chamber of Commerce does plan on hosting its annual Garage Sale Days, scheduled for September 25-27 and a Lighted Golf Cart Parade on September 26.
