Spring is here. The weather is changing. It’s time to plan a last celebration before the hustle and bustle of graduations and summer activities hit.

That’s what St. Theodore Catholic School has done with “The Fabulous Fiesta,” its annual auction extravaganza scheduled for April 25 at the Albert Lea Armory.

“We’re going to get the whole Albert Lea and Freeborn County community together,” said Russ Nemec, a member of the marketing and entertainment committees.

This year’s theme was suggested by one of last year’s school graduates and organizers have been coordinating decorations and food to go with it.

“If people feel like wearing a sombrero, they can do that,” Nemec said. Otherwise, they should dress in whatever makes them feel comfortable.

The food is always one of the big highlights of the event. This year, there will be a taco bar, authentic tamales, chips and salsa and cheese dip, veggies and dip, frozen fruit cups and an array of desserts, including sopapilla cheesecake. A cash bar will also be available.

People will find the armory transformed with paper flowers, pinatas and more.

A silent auction kicks off the evening at 6:30 p.m. and a live auction, with auctioneer Hugh O’Byrne, starts at 8:30 p.m. The auctions feature merchandise and services, all donated by school families and area businesses.

“Hugh knows how to make it fun,” said Nemec.

Some of the auction items to be featured this year include: gift baskets, gift certificates, autographed photographs, paintings, prints, appliances, tools, T-shirts, sweatshirts, theater and museum tickets, overnight stays, cookbooks, jewelry, furniture (including an Amish rocking chair) and books. There will be two processed half-hogs, dinners, scrapbooks made by the classes at the school, Twins tickets, St. Paul Saints and Vikings tickets, tailor-made desserts of the month, decorative items, toys, quilts, tools, restaurant certificates, a deluxe Wenger music stand, rounds of golf, golf clubs, pillows, the head table for next year’s auction, front-row pews at Easter and Christmas services at St. Theodore Church, and much more.

“We had almost 300 items last year and we will be close to that again this year,” said Jennifer Stensrud, who chairs the auction items committee with her husband, Tom. “Items are still coming in.”

Even though the economy isn’t as good as it was a year ago, people are still being generous. “Thanks to local merchants who were still willing to donate,” Nemec said. “People here are always willing to pitch in and help each other out.”

Anyone who still wishes to make a cash-deductible contribution may do so by dropping off items in the school office.

With items selling for just a few dollars on up, there is truly something for everyone on the auction, the couple said.

The Hot Tamale Raffle will also be held that night. Tickets for the raffle are $5, with the top prize of $1,000. Raffle tickets are available at the school office, from school families, after weekend Masses at St. Theodore Catholic Church and at the door.

“With the economy the way it is, cash is a great prize,” Nemec said.

Uptown Sound will provide the entertainment and will stay after the auction if anyone wants to dance.

Advance admission is $15 per person and includes a bidding number, food, desserts, entertainment and auction item booklets. Admission for eight and a reserved table is $120.

To reserve admission packets, call the school office at 373-9657. Ticket prices at the door will be $20 per person.

Nemec stresses that the event is for the whole community, not just school and church families.

“It’s a fun thing to do on a Saturday night,” he said. “It’s a reasonable evening of food and entertainment, and it’s for a good cause.”