DEWITTVILLE – St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual youth basket auction Sunday at YMCA Camp Onyahsa in conjunction with their annual parish picnic celebration.

The auction will be take place immediately following the 10:30 a.m. lakeside worship service and will include a “live” auction conducted by local charity auctioneer Campbell Dawson, as well as several silent auction offerings. A pot luck picnic and family-based games and water activities will follow the auction.

The public is invited to attend all or part of the day’s festivities. There will be no cost, although participants who wish to stay for the picnic are asked to bring a dish to pass and table service. St. Luke’s will provide beverages, hot dogs and condiments. Participants are also encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets, swimwear, towels and water shoes. Lakeside activities will include swimming and kayaking. A certified lifeguard will be on duty. Camp Onyahsa is located on Chautauqua Lake at Dewittville, across from Cadwell’s Cheese House, about 2.5 miles from Midway Park.

“The basket auction has historically been held earlier in the year in the church undercroft.” said the Rev. Luke Fodor, St. Luke’s rector. “It is always a fun event that garners quite a bit of participation, but this year we decided to change things up a bit. Since St. Luke’s annual picnic and worship service have always been a time to celebrate our young people and youth, we decided that it only made sense to have the auction that day. In addition to the auction we anticipate an enjoyable day on the lake with family and friends. Worship and fellowship in a beautiful outdoor venue … what more could you ask for?”

The youth basket auction is an annual event at St. Luke’s. Proceeds from past auctions have been used to help pay for youth programs, including local and regional mission and outreach events.

Organizers of the event are seeking donations from local businesses to be included in the auction.

Potential donors are asked to contact Danica Olson-Walter, director of children’s and youth ministries, at danica.olson@stlukesjamestown.org.

“Whether you’re thinking about coming to church or just want to get your kids involved in some good old-fashioned fun, St. Luke’s parish picnic and youth basket auction is great place to start,” Olson-Walter said. “As a newcomer myself, I can tell you that I have never felt as welcome as I do at St. Luke’s. We hope to see you there!”

There will be no regular Sunday service at St. Luke’s in Jamestown on Sunday. Parishioners and visitors are encouraged to attend the lakeside worship service at 10 a.m. In case of rain, the service and auction will be held inside Camp Onyahsa’s Main Lodge. For more information, call the church office at 483-6405.