If you plan on attending the seventh annual Oktoberfest today, it would be wise to bring an appetite.

Because there will be German food and plenty of it.

On the menu are bierocks made by a church group in Hays; pork schnitzel pounded thin, breaded and fried; grilled bratwurst and hot dogs; and glüewein, a hot, spiced German wine.

Participants at the event, sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1234 Ky., can wash down the feast at an outdoor beer garden, and then work off the hearty fare by dancing to authentic German music.

“This is our seventh year, and every year it’s really grown. We started out in a very small tent in the grass parking lot between the church and the (St. John’s) school,” says Tim Keller, Oktoberfest chairman.

“But we had such a big crowd the first year, and we had so much fun, we decided to continue it. Last year, I think we served over 2,000 people.”

Though homemade German dishes are an undeniable attraction, they are not the event’s only appeal.

Oktoberfest will start with a Polka Mass at 4:30 p.m., featuring polka music, a choir and songs sung in German. It’s a good idea to arrive early, because the sanctuary always fills up fast.

“People come from all over — Kansas City, Leavenworth — to go to the Polka Mass,” Keller says.

There will be a traditional, German sing-along, led by professor Bill Keel of Kansas University’s German department.

More live music will be provided by the Ed Grisnick Orchestra, which has performed at every Oktoberfest, and Kansas City Liederkranz, a choral group.

Other highlights of the event are the crowning of a polka king and queen, based upon dancing ability and the best, traditional German attire.

Many participants look forward to a dance with the Rev. Charles Polifka, pastor of St. John. Polifka, a native of Hays, which has a strong, German influence, is a longtime polka aficionado.

It takes a crowd of volunteers to put on Oktoberfest.

“I’ll bet we have close to 100 when it’s all said and done. Anytime you try to feed that many people, it’s a whole church effort,” Keller says.

What will Keller’s volunteer duties be that evening?

“Hopefully, I’ll be dancing with my wife — in between putting out fires and helping wherever I can.”

Oktoberfest serves as a fund-raiser for St. John parish, according to Keller, but that’s been overshadowed by the fact that it’s become a “must” on the social calendars of Lawrence residents.

“We’ve always just wanted it to be a fun, community event. That’s our goal. We do raise a little bit of money, but that’s not our primary focus,” he says.

“We have people who keep coming back. They like the festive atmosphere, the music, having it outside. It’s a great evening.”