It's as old as the institution itself, it's the school's biggest fundraiser, and fundraising provides for one-third of the operating budget. The meaning of Hinkletown Mennonite School's (HMS) upcoming event can't be overstated.

In much the same way that the importance of fun and community should not be undervalued.

"Yes, it's our largest fundraiser, but it's also our largest community event," said Maria Chase, the director of advancement for HMS. "It's people serving alongside one another. The auction is as old as the school, and its tradition has been maintained. We feel very tied to our community, and we want to support local businesses because they support us."

HMS will conduct its annual HinkleFEST and benefit auction on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, on its campus located at 272 Wanner Road, Ephrata. Generally speaking, the HinkleFEST part of the event will be conducted on that Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and the traditional-style, non-silent benefit auction portion of the fundraiser will be held on Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

But that festive, community feel will persist throughout the entire weekend.

The HinkleFEST and benefit auction, which is free to attend and open to the public, will be held rain or shine.

"It's very family friendly. It's very community-oriented," said Chase. "It's kind of like all hands on deck for us as a school community. It's also somewhat of a homecoming for our alumni. It's a wonderful time for our community to come alongside of the school."

As part of HinkleFEST, there are numerous fun and entertaining activities planned, including bouncy houses, a straw playground, barrel train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting. The school will also introduce its new mascot, the Hinkletown Hawk, and joining that celebration will be the mascots of other local businesses.

The event will also showcase contributions made by local dairy farmers and share the wares of HMS artisans at a maker's market.

Food offerings will be served from the school's gymnasium and will include pork barbecue, hot dogs, fresh-cut french fries, fresh cotton candy, breakfast sandwiches, doughnuts and coffee. Oh, and don't forget the savory homemade apple dumplings.

"We're providing a fun event for the community to come out and enjoy," said Megan Chambers, HMS' director of enrollment and a resident of New Holland. "We want everyone in the community to come out. It's homegrown fun."

Friday evening will provide individuals an opportunity to preview the items that will be up for bid during the next day's homegrown treasures-themed auction, which will be presided over by auctioneer Mike Martin. There will be a couple hundred items auctioned off from categories like home and garden, meat and local foods, special certificates, vacation packages, family and fun and home interiors.

In addition, each grade at HMS will provide special handmade projects that will be made available for bids.

Some of the auction items can also be previewed online at http://www.hinkletownschool.org/events/hinklefest/showcase.

School officials are hoping to realize $95,000 from the event, and those proceeds will help fund a new electronic scoreboard for HMS' soccer field. In the past, the HinkleFEST and benefit auction proceeds have helped the school purchase a kiln, a greenhouse and new playground equipment.

"It's a very important part of our fundraising efforts," said Chase, a resident of Eden. "It bridges the gap between education and families, and it helps keep the school as affordable as possible. We use the money raised to fund our school year."

There are currently 293 students enrolled at HMS. The school employs 55 workers, 25 of whom are teachers, as well as aides, administrators, office staff and bus drivers.

In 1980, eight Hinkletown-area families pooled their resources and talents to establish Hinkletown Mennonite School. In that same year, a benefit auction was started to help financially support the endeavor.

"This is our 45th auction, and the first one was held right before the school opened," said Chase. "(The founders) were raising funds for the start of the school. The auction is as old as the school. The auction played a pivotal role in the opening of the school. They were able to purchase chairs and desks from the first auction."