CARLSBAD - Tuck your thumbs into your armpits, flap your elbows, and oompah your way through the Chicken Dance to help Carlsbad celebrate the 25th annual Octoberfest today.

The family celebration of bratwurst, polka music and beer begins in Holiday Park at 1 p.m. with the MiraCosta College Windjammer band, followed at 2:30 by the Pacific Coast Community Band. The German oompah band, Roger and the Villagers, will take the stage at 5.

The free event features activities for children including a pumpkin-decorating contest, facing painting, clowns, and much more. Winners of the pumpkin-decorating contest for children from 5 to 15 will receive $25. Pumpkins for decorating or to take home will be on sale at the Octoberfest.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club, the festival has raised more than $600,000 for local charities since 1982. This year, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and the Woman's Resource Center will each receive 25 percent of the proceeds. The two rotary clubs will split the other half to support other local charities, scholarships and other club projects.

Volunteers will serve the traditional German meal that includes two German sausages, potatoes, cabbage and a roll. Tickets are $10 and are available at the event or at Al's Cafe in the Village, the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, the Women's Resource Center and the Carlsbad Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information, call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at (760) 434-6093 or visit www.rotaryoktoberfest.org.