HUTCHINSON — An opportunity to offer a chance for change is the purpose of the annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale scheduled April 11 and 12 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. The event raises funds for Mennonite Central Committee, a world relief organization (mcc.org).
This annual event features five diverse auctions, a children’s activity center, international and local crafts, a cafeteria style meal served Friday and Saturday feature traditional Mennonite foods. Around 70 Kansas Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish congregations join together to organize, donate items and funds to make the sale possible.
In 2013, KMRS donated $500,000 to help MCC respond to basic needs and work for peace and justice around the world.
A 5K Run for Relief is scheduled Saturday morning at 8 a.m. at Rice Park (off the fairgrounds.) Entry forms are available at www.kansas.mccsale.org or contact Angie Teeter at 620-327-4434.
KMRS begins at 4 p.m. Friday with food service in all buildings including Feeding the Multitude, featuring Russian-German and Swiss Mennonite foods, in the Cottonwood Court. Auction items open for viewing at 4 p.m. along with the sale of priced items. The General Auction starts at 6 p.m. in the Sunflower Building North. The sale continues on Saturday with breakfast service starting at 6:30 a.m. Sale of priced items starts at 8 a.m. The Silent Auction starts at 8 a.m. while the General and Quilt auctions start at 8:45 a.m.
The Friday night music program features Kids Jam from Journey Mennonite at 6 p.m. and “The Book of JEBB” at 7 p.m. in the Meadowlark Building.
The sale is the second largest annual event scheduled at the Fairgrounds.
Admission and parking are free.