35th auction and barbecue planned

"Change is good sometimes," said Kevin Nofziger, stewardship director with Fairmount, referring to the change in the menu for Fairmount's 35th annual auction and barbecue. Traditionally - going back to the first event - chicken barbecue meals have been featured, but this year pork barbecue meals and sandwiches will be sold alongside a variety of other tasty favorites.

The 2024 fundraiser, which benefits the organization's Sharing Fund, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at New Covenant Mennonite Church, 529 E. Farmersville Road, New Holland. The event will feature auctions, children's activities, and more.

As in the past, the benefit will kick off at 6:30 a.m. with a country breakfast including homemade doughnuts. A flea market will open at 6:30 a.m., as well, and auction registration will begin at 8 a.m. The sounds of the Reclaimed Men's Choir will be heard at 8:30 a.m.

During COVID-19 restrictions, auction items could be purchased online at http://www.FairmountHomes.org, but this year, the only items to be sold online will be pieces of furniture.

Children's activities, which will include rides and games, will start at 9 a.m. The popular candy drop from a helicopter will be held at 10 a.m., weather permitting. "The candy drop is huge," noted Carol Swailes, Fairmount public relations coordinator, who added that helicopter rides will also be available this year.

The live auction will open at 9 a.m., and a number of items will go over the block, including more than 35 quilts, about 130 themed baskets, specialty items, lawn furniture, and plants. Nofziger pointed out that a highlight of the auction will be the bidding for a green 1930 Model A coupe with a rumble seat.

The silent auction, which will begin at 9 a.m., will feature Dining for Dollars, a variety of meals donated to benefit the fund. "Tickets for the Harvest banquet (are part of Dining for Dollars)," stated Swailes, who added that tickets for the annual dinner sponsored by the Farmcrest Community Room committee that are not sold will go over the live auction block.

Pork barbecue meals and sandwiches will be available for purchase beginning at 10 a.m. Drive-through pork barbecue will be available at 10:30 a.m. Other food items that will be featured include iced coffee, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ham and cheese sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches, California burgers, french fries, fry pies, and soft ice cream.

The 2023 auction brought in more than $140,000 for the Sharing Fund, which helps cover the $3 million gap between care that is compensated and the actual cost of care Fairmount provides. More information about the event may be found at the aforementioned website.