Oktoberfest started early this year in Sycamore.

The crowd celebrating Sept. 29, outside Lundeen’s Discount Liquors in Sycamore, 1760 DeKalb Ave., didn’t seem to mind. On Saturday, Lundeen’s hosted their second annual Brew-Ha-Ha, showcasing beers from around the world.

“This is our way of kicking off the fall season,” said Julie Lundeen, who, with her husband, owns the four Lundeen’s in northern Illinois. “We are interested in educating people about beer as a serious art form.”

Under the large tent in the Lundeen’s parking lot, there were almost 300 people, 125 kinds of beers, 18 beer distributors, a polka band and a tub of sauerkraut and bratwursts.

Participants payed $15 for a bottomless glass, but safety was still a concern for those who drank. The Oktoberfest beer guide advised participants to use a designated driver or call a cab.

“I think kids saw ‘$15-all-you-can-drink’ and thought it was like Starbusters’ open bar,” said Pat Hauswick of Cortland. “I’ve tried about 50 beers myself, but I’ve timed it out all right.”

Participants were encouraged to broaden their beer horizons.

“We’re trying to educate the palette people have for beer,” said Diana Rogus, promoter for Goose Island 312 of Superior Beverage Co. “What’s nice is that people can have fun while learning about beer.”

Unwanted beer was poured into the steel “bucket of shame” at each booth if it was too strange for the drinker. Some of the beer varieties were very foreign to the Midwestern beer canon.

They included organic beers, chipotle- or maple-flavored beers and thick, German Oktoberfest beers. The staples of Illinois beer were not present – the only Budwesier available was the Bud Light Chilada and the only Miller product was Miller Chill.

“Everyone does wine tastings, and we just think people should get a chance to try the beers they don’t know,” said Matt Lundeen, son of Lundeen’s owners. “America has one of the most diverse beer selections, and we want people to know about it.”

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