Habitat for Humanity of Simpson County will soon break out a new fundraising event to boost its efforts to build homes for the county’s needy families.

Alan Bush, executive director of the county’s Habitat for Humanity chapter, said he hopes the event, known as All American Hometown, will occur annually.

“We do try to do something to give back to the community because the people of Simpson County are very generous to us,” he said.

All American Hometown, which will be from 5 to 8 p.m. June 29 on the Franklin square, will feature food, ice cream, music, kids’ activities like face-painting, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and a live auction, Bush said.

The event will be the group’s biggest fundraiser, he said.

Habitat wanted a fun event to help raise funds to build a home for a local family in need, Bush said. All proceeds from the event will go toward reaching a fundraising goal of $80,000, which the group needs to build its next house, he said.

When asked, Bush wouldn’t say how much money Habitat still needed to reach its goal, but he said the group had recently received roughly $15,000 in community donations.

“We’re very close to having enough money to build,” he said.

Bush said he wants to begin construction of the house, which will be Simpson County Habitat’s 28th home since the group was founded 21 years ago, in the fall.

While most All American Hometown events will be on the square, the auctions will be in the First United Methodist Church’s gym just off the square.

Some of the more notable items available at the auctions include grills, a kayak, a mountain bike, collectible coins, a “pristine” 1969 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card and sports memorabilia signed by John Calipari, Bobby Petrino and Mark Stoops, Bush said.

Ida Harris, a member of Habitat for Humanity of Simpson County as well as the church, said she got the church involved because its central location makes it an easily-spotted landmark for locals.

“Location is a big part of it,” she said. “If you can’t find the church, you can’t find Franklin.”

She said she’s expecting a lot of interest in the event.

“It’s brand new and people will be wondering what it is,” Harris said.

Previously, Habitat for Humanity of Simpson County’s main fundraiser each year was a breakfast where donated food from the community was served. That event was discontinued after last year’s breakfast because the group thought it was time for something new, Harris said.

All American Hometown aims to offer a fun experience for the people of Simpson County, she said.

“This time of summer, you’re looking for something a little different,” Harris said. “You’re maybe a little tired of seeing baseball games and swimming.”