Te Puke Baptist Church's Ocktoberfest is just around the corner

Dancers from Fairhaven School at last year's Ocktoberfest.

Te Puke Baptist Church is hosting its 14th annual Ocktoberfest Gala and Fun Run on October 17, with more free stuff than ever.

It's always a day of fun and festivities and, as has become the tradition, it all starts with a fun run.

The run is over a choice of distances, 2.5km or 6km, most of which is off-road, with registration at 8.45am.

Most of the children's activities are free including motorcycle rides, the ever popular puppet show, cookie decorating and sawdust dig. Everyone attending gets their first sausage free thanks to a generous donation from New World.

''Usually we canvass local businesses for items to auction, but this year didn't seem like the right time to ask,'' says spokeswoman Ann Dowman.

Free entertainment includes the world-famous Stupid Robot Fighting, Fairhaven Dancers and, new this year, Te Puke Youth Choir.

Te Puke Area Bagpipers will kick off the event as usual.

White elephant items, books, plants, pre-loved clothes and some interesting craft items will be for sale.

Donated services and activities by church members will be up for grabs via a silent auction.

''A weekend in a bush treehouse is a new option this year with all sorts of services available,'' says Ann.

Any funds that are raised will go toward children and youth programmes in the community and church.

Food options include hogget on a spit, morning tea, butter chicken, popcorn, baked goods and cold drinks.