The annual Chester County 4-H benefit auction will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Romano 4-H Center, located at 1841 Horseshoe Pike (Route 322), Honey Brook. Items on the auction block will range from antiques and farm products to collectibles, artwork and tools.

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.

Fresh produce will be offered in the live auction, as well as wheat straw, fine art, pet food and more. "There is always mushrooms and mums donated by local farms," noted Extension educator Audrey Reith, one of the event organizers. "That is a big highlight of the night; everyone comes out for the mushrooms."

The silent auction will feature many products and services donated by local residents and businesses. 4-H youths will also create themed gift baskets for the silent auction. "It's a tradition that the clubs each put together a basket with a theme. We get everything from barbecue and baking (themes) to Movie Night and Family Game Night," said Reith, who is also the leader of the SPARKS 4-H Ag Club in West Grove.

She added that a lot of the smaller items donated by the public are placed into themed gift baskets as well, such as handmade soaps and glassware.

Additionally, 4-H youths will provide assistance during the auction, serving as runners and helping display items for auctioneer Bill McCauley. "He volunteers and graciously gives us his time and helps support the program," Reith noted.

Pork barbecue and macaroni and cheese will be offered for sale during the auction, as well as coffee, beverages and other snacks.

Organizers are seeking donations for the auction. Especially needed are larger items for the live auction. "We take gift certificates, antique furniture, one-of-a-kind paintings or handcrafted items," said Reith. "We need large-ticket items. For example, we had someone from a local business who mentioned donating a large barbecue grill."

People may drop off items at the 4-H Center from Wednesday through Friday, Sept. 21 through 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers are also needed to provide assistance on the day of the auction. Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Amy Pippin at amygracepippin@gmail.com or Reith at alr5762@psu.edu.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to help support the cost of maintaining the Romano 4-H Center, which is free to use for all the 4-H clubs in Chester County. The 4-H Center is also the location for the annual 4-H Fair, and it is available for summer show specials, showmanship and judging clinics and project workshops that include sewing, photography, cooking, woodworking, robotics, engineering design challenges and more. The Romano 4-H Center also has the facilities for beef, sheep, swine, dairy, goat and horse shows to take place.

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