Hinkletown Mennonite School (HMS), 272 Wanner Road, Ephrata, will host the 44th annual HinkleFEST and Benefit Auction on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11 and 12. The theme is "Homegrown Treasures." Events will take place rain or shine.

The festivities will begin on Oct. 11 with a new Makers Market from 4 to 7 p.m., showcasing the handcrafted products and services of local HMS alumni. Featured small businesses will include Fiddle Creek Dairy, which sells homemade yogurt and dairy products; Freckled Pear Company, custom jewelry; Guichang Garden, plant accessories and decor; Landon's Gardens, flowers and plants; Reclaimed, custom signs; Rosie Red Clay, handmade earrings; and the Lancaster Stroopie Co.

In the evening, families can participate in the HMS Chicken Chase Fun Run running alongside HMS' chicken mascot. For dinner, guests can receive a Lancaster County pork barbecue meal and a whoopie pie from 4 to 7 p.m. Kids may enjoy KidsFEST activities from 5 to 7 p.m.; KidsFEST will include a bounce house and large farm equipment to explore, along with cotton candy and a candy drop from a bucket truck. Throughout the evening, adults can take a sneak peek at the treasures that will be for sale the next day.

The auction on Oct. 12 will begin at 9 a.m., led by Martin & Rutt Auctioneers. Breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee will be served beginning at 8 a.m. Festival foods will be served all day, including fresh-baked apple dumplings, available with or without soft-serve ice cream. The dumplings are handmade by parents of Hinkletown students. Kids' activities will be provided from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An all-day pass will allow children to participate in pony rides, barrel trains, the petting zoo, and more.

The benefit auction will feature Lancaster County products, such as locally grown and sourced food, regionally unique experiences, and the goods and services of the local business community. It will also feature vacation packages, cabin rentals, home and garden items, and golf certificates. HMS students have created projects to sell, including homemade ice cream, salsa, and canned goods from the HMS garden. More details are available at http://www.hinkletownschool.org/HinkleFEST.

The HinkleFEST and Benefit Auction is one of the most significant community events for Hinkletown Mennonite School and supports the school's mission to provide excellent Christ-centered education for more than 280 students. For more information about HinkleFEST and the school, visit the aforementioned website or call the school at 717-354-7100.