"Come out for great merchandise, experiences, fun kids' activities and food," said Jen Kosydar, events coordinator for Manheim Christian Day School, describing the 46th annual Benefit Auction and Family Fun Days. "There's something for everyone."

The event will kick off on Friday, April 29, with a dine-in or drive-through pork barbecue dinner from 3:15 to 6:30 p.m. at the school, located at 686 Lebanon Road, Manheim. The meal will include Peters' Barbecue pulled pork, a baked potato, applesauce, a pickle, a homemade roll, a dessert and a drink. Advance tickets are guaranteed until 6 p.m. Limited walk-in tickets will be available. To reserve tickets, call the school at 717-665-4300. Baked goods will also be for sale inside the gym.

A silent auction will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday and will continue through noon on Saturday, April 30. A live auction will begin at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, featuring general merchandise. Friday's activities will also include a welcome by eighth-grade students at 7 p.m., followed by class projects and special events beginning at 7:30 p.m. Class projects from each grade will be showcased, including the Seed to Sow project, where each fourth-grade student is given money to create and sell a product in the month leading up to the auction. Each project will be auctioned off on Friday evening. Other class project items to be auctioned off include a personalized planter, a handmade quilt, yard games and dessert trays, all personalized by individual classes. Friday evening will also feature a Pie in the Face challenge with staff members.

On Saturday, the live auction will begin at 9 a.m. At this time, Achenbach's long johns and coffee will be available for purchase. Also on Saturday, children's activities, including inflatables, a petting zoo, barrel train rides, a giant slide, face painting and games, will be offered. A 10 a.m. auction will feature tools and outdoor equipment, including hunting, camping and fishing items, plus lawn and garden equipment. At 11 a.m., the auction will feature general merchandise and gift certificates. A candy launch will be held at 11:15 a.m., followed by a special features auction at noon, with prizes including tickets to Hersheypark and Sight & Sound Theatres. At 12:30 p.m., Cissy and The Man will provide live entertainment, followed by sports games with Mrs. Shelly at 1:30 p.m. Food items for purchase throughout the event will include Gene Wenger's hamloaf sandwiches, chicken corn soup, hamburgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, soft-serve ice cream and homemade baked goods.

Last year's event raised more than $175,000, Kosydar said, and organizers are hoping to top that number this year. She noted that proceeds are used to make Christian education more affordable to more families as well as to purchase new technology and fund essential building projects.

Times for the auctions are subject to change. For up-to-date information and more details, visit http://www.manheimchristian.org.