Two Austin groups are coming together this week to raise money to fight cancer and bring a fall tradition back to Austin.

Members of the Thrivent Financial Community and Austin Area Jaycee’s will hold the first annual Oktoberfest event from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Thrivent Financial office of Kathy Wichmann at 1211 Fourth St. NW.

“It’s to raise [money] for the Lyle Area Cancer [Fundraiser],” Thrivent Marketing Manager Michelle Husemoller said. “We’re helping raise the money for that, and the Austin Jaycees Club is helping with us on that with selling some beer and root beer.”

The event will host a polka band and will serve Oktoberfest style craft beers and root beer provided by the Austin Area Jaycees. The members of the Thrivent Action Team will provide the bratwurst, hot dogs, chili and condiments. The event is free will donation. The beer and root beer will be on sale and the profits from the beer will be donated to the action team to then be awarded to the Lyle Area Cancer foundation.

“I think it’s a great event that will make some money for that,” Husemoller said.

Along with fundraising, organizers hope to educate the community on new Thrivent Action Teams, which promote the community to come together for causes, like fundraisers for cancer funds, and to live generously in their communities.

The idea for Oktoberfest came from the staff, according to Wichmann, a Thrivent financial associate.

“It was a staff idea, but we talked about Action Team projects and things that this late in the year you can get a community to rally and support, and I said I missed Oktoberfest,” Wichmann said.

Growing up in Waseca, she recalled always having the festival.

“I haven’t seen one in this area, so it was just trying to bring back the memory of raising my own kids,” she said.

Wichmann was excited for the opportunity for people to donate money to cancer while experiencing one of Germany’s oldest traditions of beer and bratwursts, along with root beer for the kids. It’s also a great way to introduce the community to the Thrivent Action Teams.

“[It’s] a way of getting people in the community involved in reaching your goals and working together,” Wichmann said. “I’m hoping to have just a fun time.”

Cindy Ricke and the Austin Area Jaycees are leading the event and hosting an open invitation to the public to come and enjoy a night of polka music and German celebration of unity and funfair. For more information, contact Cindy at 507-437-6262.