Shrine festival ends with gala

The Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights will conclude with its annual Festival of Lights Gala Banquet and Auction on Jan. 8 in the Shrine Pilgrim Center on Swann Road in Lewiston.

Funds raised from the event will benefit the shrine's ongoing expansion and renovation project. The gala consists of a wine-tasting followed by dinner catered by the Como Restaurant. During the event, a silent auction and basket auction will feature nearly 300 prizes, including small electronics, DVD players, diamond jewelry items, collectables, tools and gift and restaurant certificates. A full Lennox Nativity set, donated by Regina Heffler, is a major prize.

Tickets are $45 and can be obtained at the shrine office by calling 754-7489. Deadline for reservations is Friday, Dec. 31.

A preview event is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 7, from 11:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. There is no charge to attend the preview event, other than for auction basket tickets. The shrine cafeteria will be open and feature fish fry dinners and other menu items.