Mennonite Country Auction returns Saturday, Oct. 1

The 39th Annual Mennonite Country Auction and Relief Sale is returning to the local Menno Mennonite Church grounds on Saturday, Oct. 1. The Menno Mennonite Church is located 20 miles west of Ritzville at 1378 North Damon Road.

The auction and sale is held on the first Saturday of October each year, and is one of over 47 relief sales held in the United States and Canada.

The event boasts a unique experience for visitors, including an auction, homemade items for sale and quality homemade foods.

Each year, the most popular foods prove to be smoked sausage, green bean soup, African Groundnut Stew, barbecue plates, Kraut Runza and New Year’s cookies. Other favorite include fresh pressed apple cider and apple butter, both made onsite.

Proceeds from these relief sales support the international relief, development and service ministries of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). MCC was born in 1920 in response to hunger and related human needs brought on by war and revolution in Russia and the Ukraine.

Today MCC has about 1,000 workers serving in some 53 countries, including the U.S., and sends assistance to 70 countries.

MCC’s programs include providing material aid, such as wheat, beans, clothing and medical supplies to meet emergency needs, and agricultural development and water conservation projects to improve life in communities around the globe.

The local sale has contributed over $1.5 million to MCC over the past 38 years.

Admission and parking are free and RV parking is available, without hookups. The day starts out with breakfast at 7 a.m., while booths open at 10 a.m. The booths include international and local crafts, collectibles and antiques, Mennonite information and the Quilters’ corner.

This year the event will host special entertainment. The Gospel singing group, “Bethel Mountain Band”, from Salem Oregon, will be performing at 10:30 a.m.

There will also be a bounce house for the children. Souvenir mugs and bags will be available for purchase.

The auction starts at noon and will feature quilts, wall hangings, afghans, antiques, hand crafted pottery and wooden items and much more. A full list and photos of the auction items is online at http://www.mennomennonite.org/650-2/.

For questions regarding the event, call 509-347-6847 or email [email protected].