MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — The 85th Annual Lawn Festival at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Magnolia Springs, scheduled for May 30, will feature a live auction with the proceeds helping continue the community commitment of this mission-parish.

If you’re the top bidder, you can dazzle your friends with a ruby and diamond ring or totally relax with a 3-day/2-night stay at a world-class Gulf resort. Coastal Auction Co. of Gulf Shores will call the live auction which will include everything from a pool cue and case, to pallets of sod and herbicide, from a back-bay sunset cruise for six aboard the Antares to a restaurant-grade three-door stainless steel countertop refrigerator.

There will be tools, decorative items, lots of gift certificates and special themed baskets that include a serving spoons and plates, personal care items, cookbooks and wine, and, for the kids, stuffed animals and toys.

“A charity auction like this one is a win-win,” says Bill Brennan, one of the auctioneers from Coastal Auction who will be calling the event. “Bidders take home items for less than retail and the money goes to a good cause. Besides, it’s a fun activity.”

The live auction starts at 1 p.m. with items on view beforehand.

For lunch, you can satisfy your appetite with regionally famous Creole seafood gumbo, Cuellar-family tacos, Southern fried chicken, spicy barbecue beef and pork and burgers —along with a bake sale that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

An assortment of refreshments will be available.

There will be all-day bingo in the air conditioned Parish Hall, live music, arts and crafts, reinvigorated kiddie activities, antique cars and tractors and two raffles (one for $1,000 and another for a handmade quilt).

Lawn Festival activities start at 10 a.m., rain or shine.

St. John the Baptist, one of the oldest parishes in Baldwin County, is located among beautiful live oaks off of Baldwin County Road 26, two miles west of County Road 49 in Magnolia Springs.

For more information, contact Wanda Tyson in St. John’s office at (251) 965-7719, from 3-5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.