The tuba’s pulsing “oompah” sound provided a reliable beat for the 20 adults and children dancing to the scattered light melody of the “Chicken Dance.”

A hundred others laughed and watched the fun Saturday afternoon at South Park as they munched on their bratwurst, bierocks and sauerkraut.

This year the “Oompahfest” put on by Immanuel Lutheran Church and University Student Center was more than just German food and dancing.

The church members will donate the day’s proceeds to Habitat for Humanity, the charitable home-construction organization, said Vern Bartels, the event’s chairman.

Saturday was the sixth annual family festival that includes German food, music, children’s games and other traditions.

“It’s kind of an opportunity for the community to get to know about Immanuel Lutheran. At least so they recognize us,” Bartels said.

The church has worked with Habitat for Humanity for several years and decided to donate the festival proceeds to the cause because Thrivent Financial for Lutherans matches the donations sevenfold.

Betty Jo Simon, of Overland Park, performs on the accordion with her fellow Festhaus-Musikanten band members during the Oompahfest at South Park, 12th and Massachusetts streets. This marked the band's third performance at the annual festival. Saturday afternoon's event featured authentic German food, music, beer and clothing.

“It will be a big boost to what we raise,” Bartels said.

Members of Blautaler Schuhplattler of Kansas City, a group that celebrates German and Bavarian heritage, dressed for the occasion in lederhosen and other styles.

“This is always a great time – the music, the crowd,” said Steve Pearson with Blautaler Schuhplattler.

Members of the Festhaus-Musikanten in the Kansas City area provided the music.

The church served 1,100 people in the food line Saturday, Bartels said. Church members were pleased with the turnout despite a busy day in Lawrence including the Band Day parade, Kansas University football game, the Monarch Watch open house, Haskell Indian Art Market and the “Jericho” television promotion by CBS.

Fundraising totals were unavailable Saturday night, but Bartels said the event typically brings in between $3,000 to $4,000.