St. Theodore Catholic School is planning an evening of entertainment that’s “Out Of This World.”

The school’s annual auction extravaganza will be held Saturday, April 17, at the Albert Lea National Guard Armory, 410 Prospect Ave.

“Everyone is welcome to come and have a night of fun,” said Beth Manges, president of the St. Theodore Parent-School Association.

“This event not only supports our school, but also all our businesses that have so generously donated to our auction,” Manges said.

This year’s theme was chosen early this winter, and organizers have been coordinating decorations and food to go with it.

Auction-goers will find the armory transformed with lights, stars, flying saucers and rockets.

Some of the “out of this world food” will include veggies and dip, fruit kabobs, cucumber sandwiches, meatballs, chicken wings, barbecued ham, buns, cheesy potatoes, salad and an array of sumptuous desserts, including triple-layer chocolate cake, cheesecakes, rum cake, kahlua cake and much more. A cash bar will also be available.

A silent auction kicks off the evening at 6:30 p.m. and a live auction, with auctioneer Hugh O’Byrne, assisted by Jim Manges, starts at 8:30 p.m.

“I look forward to the auction. It is a hoot,” said Beth Manges.

The auctions feature merchandise and services, all donated by school families and area businesses.

Some of the auction items featured this year include: gift baskets, gift certificates, art, memberships, athletic passes, dolls, books, dinners for groups, Big Island Rendezvous passes, quilts, pet beds, pillows, wine, sunglasses, hair care products, hand-stamped cards, watches, kitchen ware, rounds of golf, baked goods, Lia Sophia and Silpada jewelry, a rosary blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, embroidered towels, stained glass, amusement and water park tickets, half hogs, birdhouses, T-shirts, lunch with teachers, photo frames and portrait packages, collector’s plates, the head table for next year’s auction, front church pews for Christmas Eve and Easter services, batik banners made by the school children, Entertaining at Home and Pampered Chef products, hunting and fishing trips, a piano and much more.

Even with an uncertain economy, individuals and businesses have been very generous, said Neda Johnson of the auction items committee.

“We have everything from $5 gift certificates to $1,500 quilts,” Johnson said. “There is truly something in everyone’s price range.”

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

The Cosmic Cash Raffle will also be held that night. Tickets for the raffle are $5, with a 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.

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 are $20 per person.