Fest scheduled to coincide with Blue Ball Days

It started when PA Auction Center began renting yard sale and craft sale spaces in conjunction with Blue Ball Days. "Leon (Stoltzfus, part owner of the center) mentioned that we could make it bigger and get the community involved," said employee Jocilynn Vanleer, who noted that visitors would get an opportunity to see and learn about the auction facility.

The first PA Auction Center Summer Fest will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, in the parking lots of the building located at 1141 Wea-Wit St., East Earl. Music, games, prizes, and giveaways will all be part of the event. All proceeds will benefit CrossNet Ministries, Garden Spot Fire Rescue, and New Holland Ambulance. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item that is not out of date to donate to the CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center.

The event will open at 7 a.m. with yard sale and crafter tables in the parking lot closest to the building. In the parking lot across the street, W Donuts will offer doughnuts and coffee for purchase from 7 a.m. until they sell out.

DJ Allen will play family-friendly tunes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free activities for children, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include a bounce house and face painting. "Games (for children) are based on the auctions we do here," explained Vanleer, who noted that a kitchen area will be set up to reflect the restaurant auctions held regularly at the venue. "For the coin sales, we will have a dime toss game," Vanleer noted, adding that a balloon game involving toy guns will represent the firearms auction.

From noon to 3 p.m., a dunk tank will give area residents the opportunity to dunk community leaders, including both the principal and assistant principal from Blue Ball Elementary School and a Garden Spot Fire Rescue firefighter, along with two of the owners of the PA Auction Center.

Food truck Castanedas sells items with a Mexican flair. Midileos will sell cheesesteaks, cheeseburgers, and french fries. Both food trucks will both be on-site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To help raise funds, a Chinese auction will be held during the event. "We are accepting donations from local businesses for the Chinese auction," said Sharon Groff, a member of the PA Auction Center office staff.

Readers who would like to rent a yard sale spot or who have questions may call 717-687-7018 or email Jocilynn@paauctioncenter.com. The event will be held rain or shine. Updated information may be found by searching for "PA Auction Center" on Facebook.