If you like riding bicycles, walking in the name of a good cause, or dancing to polka music and eating German food, this weekend in Lawrence was made for you.

As many as a thousand bicyclists from five states are expected to take part in today’s 36th annual Octoginta event organized by The Lawrence Bicycle Club. Bicyclists will tackle either a 40-mile or an 80-mile ride around Clinton Lake and through Douglas County.

Along the way they will enjoy a full breakfast that includes scrambled eggs and French toast followed by a lunch of minestrone soup.

“We joke that if you’re doing the short route you can actually gain weight even though you are riding a bicycle,” said Randy Breeden, president of the bicycle club.

Frank Palcher, a member of the Ed Grisnik band, plays accordion at St. John's Oktoberfest. He took several requests for polka songs from the couples dancing under the tent. The event ran most of the day on Saturday.

About 50 bicyclists used Saturday as a warm-up to today’s ride when they took part in a leisurely 40-mile ride through Lawrence and rural Douglas and Leavenworth counties. It was the first time Becky White, of Baldwin, and Scott Schwartz, of Overland Park, had ridden in the event.

Riders participating in the 36th annual Octoginta start down Massachusetts Street Saturday for the Tour de County. Today's ride, sponsored by the Lawrence Bicycle Club, includes 40-mile and 80-mile routes.

“We just thought it would be fun,” White said.

Overcast skies gave way to a little sunlight later Saturday and then a few showers but the threat of rain didn’t worry the riders.

“I’m just glad it’s not windy,” Schwartz said.

Today’s 80-mile ride through northeast Kansas begins at 8:30 a.m. at South Park. All riders must register before then.

The Saturday afternoon rain failed to deter hundreds from dancing to polka music under a tent and sampling German food and beer at the Oktoberfest at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Jim Brooke and Lene Brooke take a spin around the dance floor under the tent at Oktoberfest, held at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1234 Ky.. The couple said they loved dancing to the polka music and attend the event every year.

While wearing his lederhosen, Michael Lechtenberg, of Lawrence, parked himself next to the grill and munched on a sausage. Saturday’s festival put him in the mood before his trip back to Germany this week to visit friends, he said.

“Oktoberfest is just a good time to be with friends, meet new friends or send friends away,” he said.

And a fireworks show in Lawrence went off without a hitch Saturday night.

About 300 people attended the Light the Night fundraising walk at South Park, which culminated with the show in the sky.

“We had a little scare earlier with the rain, but we are excited about the turnout,” said Lezlie Stratman, campaign manager for the walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Mid-America Chapter.