Each year, the Chester County 4-H benefit auction offers people an opportunity to bid on a variety of goods like handmade quilts, artwork and collectibles, as well as fresh items donated by Chester County farms, including mushrooms, pumpkins and chrysanthemums. This year's auction will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 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.

"People start coming in at 3 p.m. to view the silent auction (items) and get their bid numbers," explained Audrey Reith, Penn State Extension educator.

The silent auction will feature many products and services donated by local residents and businesses, including gift certificates. The live auction will feature handmade goods, farm products, antiques, tools and collectibles.

Youth members from local 4-H clubs also contribute to the auction by putting together themed gift baskets. "We usually have a barbecue basket or one with a baking theme," noted Reith.

4-H youths also provide assistance during the auction, serving as runners and helping display items for auctioneer Bill McCauley, who volunteers his time for the event each year. "If you have never bid before, he helps," Reith said. "He makes jokes throughout. He's entertaining. His (catch phrase) is to 'bid high and bid often' because it is a benefit."

The Dairy Promotion Ice Cream and Shake Trailer will be on hand, and there will be a catered barbecue dinner available from the West Grove Diner. "There will be a barbecue meal and some vegetarian options," noted Reich. Homemade desserts will also be available for purchase.

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. "This can be anything from goods and services to golf outings and flatscreen TVs," said Reich.

People may drop off items at the 4-H Center on Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 17 to 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and on the day of the auction from 9 a.m. to noon.

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, which is the site of the annual Chester County 4-H Fair, contains meeting rooms and a large exhibition and activity area, as well as restroom facilities. The building is also used by local organizations, such as a dog agility club.

"The volunteers put in a lot of effort organizing that facility and keeping everything up (to date)," Reith said. "Last year, with an endowment and grant money, we paved the driveway from the road to the center and remarked the parking spots for accessibility. We also (updated) the horse ring and refreshed the sign and (added) new lighting."

Proceeds from the auction will allow for additional upgrades and to pay for costs like electricity with the goal of having local groups or businesses rent the facility for small events or meetings. "We want to continue improvements," added Reith. "We want to keep it operating and keep it a viable center and property that is desired by outside entities. The intent is to keep that revenue going and have (the Romano Center) be a hub in the community."

For more information about the upcoming auction, visit http://www.facebook.com/TheRomano4HCenterofChesterCounty. Those with questions may contact Reith at 610-696-3500 or alr5762@psu.edu. For information about renting the facility, email romano4hcenter@gmail.com.