BATH — Winter fun will help benefit a local group next week.

The Neighborhood United Church of Christ is hosting a Winter Carnival fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 23, to benefit the Neighborhood Café and open Mic. The festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m., with a gumbo dinner, followed by an open mic. Later in the evening, John Stenquist will be creating “Art for Fire” in the parking lot.

The Neighborhood Café is a group of volunteers that gather every Tuesday to create a free meal for anyone who comes through the door. Its mission is to feed all hungers, realizing that there is a hunger for relationship, in addition to physical hunger. Community is built while cooking and serving a meal together.

On any given Tuesday, between 50-70 people are served a home-cooked, nutritious meal. There is no charge for the meal, but donations are accepted and appreciated. While the Neighborhood UCC supports the Café, all of its food is bought through Good Shepherd Food Bank, through donations and fundraisers. All are welcome to come on any Tuesday for a meal and community.

Open Mic takes place the last Friday of every month. It is an opportunity for anyone to come and show their talent, and all artists are welcome, including singers, storytellers and poets. Doors open at 6 p.m. and light refreshments are served.

Stenquist’s “Art for Fire” is performance art where he sculptures wood with a chainsaw. He then lights it and, as it burns from the inside out, the fire competes the art as the coals glow through the cutouts.

There is no charge to attend the carnival, but donations will be gladly accepted at the door.