First, the 3-foot, all-beef patty. Next, the giant pickle. Then a scramble for the over-sized bacon, a dash for the huge cheese, and to top it off, a mother in a full-sized bun leaped for the finish.

The hamburger building foot race was just one of the many events featured at the First Annual Spikes Fest, hosted by the State College Spikes yesterday at the Ashenfelter Multi-Sport Facility.

Spikes Fest, an event that welcomed local families to games, activities and a silent auction, benefits Coaches vs. Cancer, a joint effort of the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches to inform and make a fighting difference against cancer nationwide.

Children waited anxiously in line for a chance to throw a fastball at the speed pitch or to take a swing in the interactive batting cage. Others were strapped into oversized sumo wrestling outfits, ready to battle their siblings or friends. Familiar faces such as Spike's mascot Ike the Spike, the Altoona Curve's Diesel Dawg and McDonald's Hamburglar were also present to entertain the families.

Rick Janac, general manager for the Spikes, saw the event as a great way to expose the team to the public.

"It also gives another option for families to get out of the house on a Sunday -- especially a cold and snowy one," Janac said.

This was the first of what will be an annual event for the Spikes, Janac said. He also hopes to build good relations with Coaches vs. Cancer for future events.

The silent auction featured baseball memorabilia donated by the Spikes, along with other Penn State and entertainment items that Coaches vs. Cancer provided. Items included signed baseballs and bats from Spikes players and other minor league teams.

Baseball memorabilia wasn't the only thing available to bid on. Penn State basketball jerseys, autographed footballs and hats and even autographed photos of bands and comedians were up for auction.

Terry Swanger, a Coaches vs. Cancer committee member, said he was extremely surprised with the number of people who attended yesterday's event and also with the number of items that the Spikes had provided. A portion of the auction will be held and continued at the Feb. 3 and Feb. 7 Penn State men's basketball games at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Along with games and activities, players from the Spikes and other minor league teams made appearances for autographs and photographs.

Josh Bonifay, first baseman for the Houston Astros minor league, was at the event yesterday. "I think it's pretty unbelievable so far," Bonifay said, referring to the number of people who were present. "I think they're doing a great job with the silent auction. It's important to raise as much awareness as possible."