HAUBSTADT, IN (WFIE) -
For almost 50 years now, Haubstadt residents have been using the proceeds from their annual Sommerfest to invest in their community.
Organizers say about 15,000 people will attend the festival in the next three days.
"We've had years where we've made upwards of $40,000," says Jeremy Overton, a media relations coordinator for the event.
If you're wondering where that money goes, all you have to do is look around town.
"We were able to build a soccer complex, we've also built a playground up there. We put a new façade on the old Haubstadt gym here," says Overton.
Sommerfest organizers also use the money to fund scholarships, and other organizations, but most of it goes into one big annual project.
Last year $50,000 went toward a new library, this year might be the same.
"We're waiting on that grant, and when that time comes I'm sure there are going to be other things that we are going to do for the library, because that's really important to the town," he says.
Haubstadt residents aren't the only community who benefit from the festival.
"Haiti, Guatemala, South Africa and several South American countries."
Kent Scheller organizes an annual 5K race during the festival.
For the past six years he's been collecting shoes during the race and sending them to under-privileged nations. He sends as many as 700 shoes per year.
"Here in Haubstadt they take care of each other well, but they certainly reach out beyond their borders," says Scheller.
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