German-American folks throughout Illinois come together as the American Aid Society of German Descendants to celebrate all things German culture. To share their heritage, they host events showcasing German music, history, folk dancing, and food. And no festival encapsulates all of those aspects better than Oktoberfest. They pay tribute to the original Munich Oktoberfest with a fest that rages on for three weekends. Throughout the festivities, they welcome to the stage German folk dancers in traditional garb and a drum and bugle corp as revelers indulge in sausage and beer—the only items on the German food pyramid.