Food, fun, art and an auction will highlight the Maytown Historical Society's Christmas Gala. The event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 11 N. Queen St., Maytown, beginning at 6 p.m.

This will be the first time the annual event has been held since 2019, said Janie Garber, treasurer of the historical society. "We always have a really great meal," Garber stated, noting that the dinner will be catered by Country Home. The dinner will be served family style and will include tossed salad, stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, beverages and homemade pies with ice cream.

After dinner, entertainment will be provided by artist Elva Hurst, who will do a "chalk talk." "She will create a picture of our choice, and as she is drawing the picture, she will be speaking about it," Garber explained. Hurst is known for her motivational, entertaining and inspiring talks. At the gala, she will complete a farm memories drawing. She finishes her work with a black light and colored light show that brings the work to life. "She'll create a large picture, and then we're going to turn around and auction it off to raise money for the historical society," Garber said.

Additional items to be auctioned off include a table runner hand-quilted by Deb Gepfer and a "chunky blanket," made with thicker, heavier yarn, created by Garber.

"We also have selected a few items from our museum storage, and we're bringing them out for the auction," Garber said. The items will include Maytown pottery and a basket.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Maytown Historical Society's museum and the society's future expansion. "People have been so gracious in donating things to us, and now we need to expand," Garber said, noting that money will also help with the society's operating costs.

She encourages everyone to come to the gala for a fun night out. "It's good food, lots of fellowship with neighbors and the opportunity to support a community organization," she said.

Tickets for the gala will be sold at the Maytown Post Office, 1 W. High St., from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, or may be purchased by calling Linda Good at 717-725-2437. There are separate prices for adults and children, and children age 3 and under may attend for free. Tickets must be ordered by Saturday, Dec. 10.