ELBERTA, Ala. — Area residents can embrace the German life this weekend, even if they’re not German at all, during St. Benedict Catholic School’s 40^th annual German Festival.

The day-long event that benefits St. Benedict School is set for Saturday at the school, located at 12786 South Illinois St. in Elberta.

Presented by the school’s parent-teacher organization, the St. Benedict German Festival includes a 1 p.m.-3 p.m. rummage sale and a vendor market that features arts and crafts, plants and gift items. Plus, live entertainment will be provided at the gazebo and a raffle will offer chances for a Jeep Wrangler, $20,000 or additional prizes.

But that’s not the only way attendees can win. The festival will also include a split-the-pot bingo game.

“No electronic machines, no raids,” the event’s Facebook page states. “We play real, old-fashioned bingo.”

Children’s activities will include inflatables, games and craft projects.

Plus, the festival will sport food items true to its namesake, with such delicacies as sausage cabbage rolls, goulash and potato salad. Additional foods will be available at a sweet shop, such as whole pies, cakes and pastries, which attendees can take home.

The event even offers something for running enthusiasts. Coinciding with the German Festival is the school’s 15^th annual Raven Run, in which a 5K Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m., and a 1-mile fun run starts at 9 a.m.  Registration for the 5K is $20 and will be held 6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m., and fun-run registration will be 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m and will cost $15.

Following the races, an award presentation will be held at 9:45 a.m., with recognitions for overall male and female winners, among others. Race participants will also receive a commemorative T-shirt.

According to Keiser, Saturday’s festival will be quite a milestone.

“It’s the 40^th annual one,” she said in a phone interview. “This is a big year for us.”

Keiser explained that the festival was established in 1972, with the theme inspired by school members’ heritage.

“The school has been built from traditional German families,” she said.