Community members will be able to participate in several games with live music filling the air of the Newman Catholic Center grounds for their fourth annual St. Hedwig’s Oktoberfest Sept. 21 from noon to 5 p.m.

Roy Lanham, the president of St. Hedwig House of Hospitality, said at this year’s Oktoberfest, there will be a historic burning of the mortgage for the house in celebration of paying it off recently. The fest began as a way to benefit and raise money for the house and its expenses.  The St. Hedwig House helps women and children in need with free housing and food.

“Through the generosity of the many benefactors, we were able to pay off the mortgage of the Hedwig house, and so that, to me, is very exciting,” Lanham said.

Lanham said he believed this year’s fest would be just as exciting as ones in the past. He said it was important to know it is predominantly for fundraising.

There will be a $6 charge for the meal of either a brat or pork burger, which will also include a German dessert known as apple küchen.

The festival will even have music, such as the Jay Fox Bavarian Band and the Kinderchoir, which Lanham said he was most excited for.

“It’s fun to see little kids singing and dancing to a few German songs and general children songs,” Lanham said.

The Kinderchoir will sing traditional German songs, but also songs made specifically for children.

There will also be a croquet tournament, which will have a $5 fee to enter, for a prize. The winner will be awarded a wooden shoe.

“It’s engaging for the public and a blast for such an unusual event,” said Lanham.

There will also be a raffle, which will give people a chance to win a BBQ grill, half a hog and a deep freezer. Other games include a bags tournament, bingo, Plinko, pop rings, and more.

Those that are 21 and older will be able to bring beer to a beer garden at Oktoberfest.

      Oscar Correa can be reached at 581-2812 or oacorrea@eiu.edu.