HELENA -- Buy a politician, get a free lunch.

There will be several opportunities to do just that during the 16th annual Public Radio Auction to benefit the Last Chance Public Radio Association in Helena.

The auction will be held Saturday night, Nov. 15, at the Myrna Loy Center. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and one of Helena's favorite acoustic bands, the Parlour Pickers, will play throughout the evening. Admission is $10.

This year's event will be a silent auction, except for several breaks for live bidding on lunch with a politician. Auctiongoers will have the chance to bid on gift certificates, eat lunch with a well-known political figure, courtesy of Last Chance Public Radio and cooperating restaurants.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., heads a bipartisan group of good sports who have agreed to donate an hour of their time for lunch with the highest bidder. Baucus won't be present at the auction because of other commitments, but several state legislators will be, including Jill Cohenour, Mike Cooney, Christine Kaufmann, Dave Lewis and Ken Toole.

During the auction, complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Benny's Bistro, Chili O'Brien's Catering, the Staggering Ox and the Filling Station creperie. A cash bar will feature beer from Blackfoot River Brewing Co. and Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. A selection of wines will also be available.

Dozens of Helena area artists, businesses and individuals have donated art, merchandise and services for the fund-raising auction to support public radio translators in Helena. For more information or to make a donation call 443-4284.