The Peoria German-American Central Society will host its annual Schlachtfest at Hickory Grove Park (located at 12403 Hickory Grove Rd. in Dunlap) from Noon – 8 pm.  Featuring German music by Ratskellar Brummer’s, Lindenhof Echoes and the C-Notes, there will also be German beer & food, a German Car Cruis’n, nagelspielen, bags, airgun shooting, a kids playground plus a bonfire in the evening plus a Kunst und Handwerk Markt featuring a variety of handmade items from local handicrafters.   Admission is free. For more information, visit www.peoriagermans.net

Schlachtfest  is an old German tradition related to the slaughtering of animals in the Fall before winter sets in – essentially an Oktoberfest held in the country.  This year the event will be combined with a celebration of German-American Day, October 6, and as a kick-off to German-American Heritage month in Peoria.