When Manheim Christian School hosts its annual Benefit Auction & Family Fun Days, the event will celebrate a milestone year.

"We have some exciting additions this year to celebrate our 50th auction anniversary, including live music from Jess Zimmerman & Family Band and fireworks on Friday evening," shared Jen Kosydar, events coordinator and committee co-chair for the festivities. "With merchandise to bid on, fun activities for the kids and a selection of food trucks, there's something for everyone to enjoy!"

The event will take place from 3:15 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 24, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the school, 686 Lebanon Road, Manheim.

The festivities will begin on Friday with a pork barbecue dinner available for dine-in or drive-through pickup from 3:15 to 6:30 p.m. The meal will include Peters' BBQ pulled pork, a baked potato, applesauce, a pickle, a homemade roll, a dessert and a drink. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling the school at 717-665-4300. Limited meals will be available on the day of the event.

At 4 p.m. on April 24, a silent auction will begin, and it will run through noon on April 25.

Along with the barbecue, the event will feature a variety of food for purchase.

Participating food vendors will include Ezzy Eats, serving Mexican food; Mill 72 Bake Shop & Cafe, serving donuts and drinks; Manheim Christian School, selling chicken Caesar salads, chili and hot dogs; Old Road Pretzels; Fry Shack; Blazin's J's; and Penny's Ice Cream Truck.

Friday's activities will include a concert by Jess Zimmerman & Family Band from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a class projects and special experiences auction beginning at 7 p.m.

"Each class helps to make at least one project to be auctioned off on Friday evening, including the 'Seed to Sow' project where each fourth-grade student is given $10 to use toward creating and selling a product to sell in the month leading up to the auction," Kosydar explained. "Each product is then auctioned off that evening."

Friday's activities will conclude with fireworks at 8:45 p.m.

On Saturday, live auctions will start at 9 a.m., including categories such as tools and outdoor products at 10 a.m., general merchandise and gift certificates at 11 a.m. and special features at noon.

An alumni group photo will be taken at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and a police and K9 display will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Children's activities, available by donation, will include inflatables, a petting zoo, barrel train rides, face painting and games. Most activities will run from 9 to 11 a.m., but the inflatables will operate until 3 p.m.

A Kids' Glow Dance Party will be held in the gym at 12:30 p.m.

Kosydar encouraged support of the event, which in turn supports the school. Proceeds help to make Christian education affordable to more families, as well as purchase new technology and fund essential building projects.

For more information, visit https://manheimchristian.org.