The central peninsula is preparing for a mouth-watering event this weekend: the Soldotna Pie Auction.

The Great British Baking Show-esque event showcases local culinary talent and garners lively public interest, Shanon Davis, executive director of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday.

“It’s a spectacle to a degree,” Davis said. “It’s a fun space, it’s a fun spectacle.”

The auction serves as the chamber’s most lucrative fundraiser of the year, with many of the proceeds designated for the Frozen RiverFest, Soldotna Progress Days, the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series, and the organization’s scholarship program.

Local gourmet bakers — professional or not — compete for best dessert during the auction, while onlookers bid on their favorite pies.

“We reach out to people who aren’t just bakers in the community,” Davis said. “We say ‘local gourmets.’”

She said 26 bakers were entered to donate an elaborate pie display for Saturday’s event, which starts at 5 p.m. at the Sterling Community Center. In addition to pies, the night includes a catered dinner, a variety of games and raffle prizes worth up to $1,000.

“We have phenomenal prizes. We have phenomenal desserts,” she said. “It’s going to be a nice big venue and the decorations are going to be outstanding … so we would love to see you there.”

To view ticket availability, visit the Soldotna Chamber website. Individual tickets are $50 and a table of six is $350.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.