It will be a night of great food and open hearts Thursday, during the United Way of the Bradford Area’s 27th Annual Pig Roast and Clam Bake.

Held each year to kick off UWBA’s annual campaign, the event is slated for 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Bradford Lions Club on Irving Lane. This year, the atmosphere should be more electric than ever, as UWBA will mark its 100th anniversary in December.

Tickets are $50 per person. This includes the delicious smoked pork and clam bake buffet, dessert and coffee bar and, of course, the beloved corn roast. Guests can choose four beers/seltzers or two wine drinks. Extra drink tickets are available for cash only.

In addition to the mouth-watering food, Dangus Dan will entertain from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and DJ Benzo will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. There will also be silent auctions and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit the UWBA’s 2025 campaign.

The presenting sponsor is Northwest Bank.

Each year, UWBA funds dozens of local programs and services that aim to address health, education and financial stability for everyone. Last year’s efforts helped support more than 40 local initiatives across Bradford, Smethport and Port Allegany. Organizers aim to make an even bigger impact this year.

Sara Lonzi, UWBA executive director, reflected on UWBA’s mission and its impending 100th anniversary earlier this year during the organization’s annual Red Feather Awards.

“The United Way isn’t a building, photo or a slogan,” she said. “It’s you — it’s all of you and your belief that we are responsible for one another.”