The annual Chester County 4-H benefit auction, which will offer people an opportunity to bid on items like artwork, antiques, handmade quilts and collectibles, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Romano 4-H Center, located at 1841 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook.

The event will include a silent auction that will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a live auction at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and all are invited to attend.

The silent auction will feature many products and services donated by local residents and businesses. The live auction will feature fresh produce, plants, fine art, home decor and more.

"We will have lots of mushrooms," said Amy Pippin, 4-H volunteer and leader of the Windy Hollow 4-H Club of Coatesville. "We will have pumpkins and mums. The local feed mills will also donate items."

Youth members from local 4-H clubs also contribute to the auction. "Our clubs put together themed baskets using items they gathered or donated items from their families," said Pippin. "That is a big part of it. People want to buy those items because they know that the kids put time and effort into them."

Additionally, 4-H youths will provide assistance during the auction, serving as runners and helping display items for auctioneer Bill McCauley.

The Dairy Cart will offer milkshakes and ice cream. Other food will be donated and prepared by staff members of the West Grove Diner. "We will have pulled pork, mac and cheese and chili," Pippin said. "They will be available as meals." There will also be a sale of homemade baked goods.

Organizers are seeking donations for the auction, including handmade items, farm products, gift certificates and tools. Especially needed are larger items for the live auction. People may drop off items at the 4-H Center on Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 20 to 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on the day of the auction from 8 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers are also needed to provide assistance on the day of the auction. Those interested in volunteering may contact Pippin at amygracepippin@gmail.com.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to help support the cost of maintaining the 4-H Romano Center, which is free to use for all the 4-H clubs in Chester County. The Romano Center contains meeting rooms and a large exhibition and activity area, as well as restroom facilities. It is used during the annual 4-H Fair, along with the livestock building that houses the swine, dairy and goat exhibits.

For more information about the auction, call the Chester County Extension Office at 610-696-3500 or visit http://www.facebook.com/TheRomano4HCenterofChesterCounty or http://www.facebook.com/chestercounty4H.