DANVILLE  Men in lederhosen, wacky beards, projectile contests and beer were just a few of the things to be found at the 75th Annual Danville German Society Elk Toss.

"Welcome everybody to the 2007 Elk Toss," society co-president Karl Shellenberger said at the start of Saturday's festivities. "Prepare to rock!"

Beginning early in the morning, more than three dozen people participated in events as varied as a burger-eating contest and a scrap iron toss. They traveled to Van Wagner's Liberty Township farm from as far away as Boston.

Mike Wilkinson, of Lancaster, took home the trophy in the Elk Toss with a throw of 52 feet, only five off the record.

The Danville German Society's official line is that elk tossing traces its roots to the first German settlers in Pennsylvania.

While it doesn't involve an actual elk, instead using a stuffed facsimile, elk tossing is similar to the discus. Competitors spin in place to build momentum before releasing the elk. All that spinning, combined with good German beer, often makes for an interesting spectacle.

But all kidding aside, the event's primary purpose is to raise money for charity. Mr. Shellenberger, whose prize-winning beard spelled out the word "elk," said the society raised about $1,500 this year for various local charities. That was thanks to its humorous auction, in which random items (a Mexican sombrero, a vanity mirror and a giant beer glass emblazoned with the slogan "I bet you can't" all brought home a good amount) were sold for sometimes hilarious prices. One bidder, for instance, paid $25 for a sombrero.

Attendees of the Elk Toss also donated food to the Danville/Riverside Food Bank and clothing to the Good Samaritan Mission.

"We have a good time, but the charity aspect is serious," said Mr. Wagner, who wore traditional German garb, including lederhosen, a feather-topped hat and suspenders.

People don't necessarily need to be German to participate in the Elk Toss, Mr. Shellenberger said, but many are.

"It's all through word of mouth," he said. "Most everyone that comes is a friend or a friend of a friend. Not too many people show up out of the blue."