The grounds of Our Lady of the Lake will be busy this weekend as the parish celebrates with a pair of seasonal festivals.

The weekend kicks off with a free Kinderfest on Friday night featuring rides, carnival games a dunk tank, live music and entertainment for the entire family. Kinderfest takes place from 4-9 p.m. at the church, located at 32 Lakeside Ave. in Verona.

On Saturday, the third annual Oktoberfest kicks off at 6 p.m. with the ceremonial tapping of the keg. Festivities continue until 11 p.m. Officials expect as many as 2,000 people.

The celebration will include traditional German foods — including various wursts, pulled pork, roast turkey, potato salad, German chocolate cake, craft beers, wine, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Live music, entertainment, raffles and a tricky tray.

“Its a great event to bring everyone together to enjoy music and something that is very unique to the community where we get to celebrate, fall, each other and the community,” said Paul Pak, head of the Oktoberfest organizing committee. 

This is the only Oktoberfest celebration in Verona or any of the surrounding towns, he said.

Oktoberfest tickets for those 21 or older are $70. If any tickets remain, they will be sold at the door for $75.

Oktoberfest has raised between $70,000 and $80,000 in each of its previous years.

Proceeds from both events will go to Our Lady of the Lake's outreach programs such as the high school Youth Program and Our Lady of the Lake Elementary School. Proceeds from previous years has been used to fund service oriented projects such as volunteer work in soup kitchens as well as a trip to New Orleans to help build houses.

Tickets for Oktoberfest can be ordered online or purchased at the Our Lady of the Lake Rectory. A limited number of reserved tables for 10 are available as well. For more information call (973)-239-5696.