A day after a non-profit organization said it would not sponsor its St. Patrick’s Festival this year, another event organizer has stepped up and will host activities.

Phyliss Kern of Kern Entertainment said she will combine a St. Patrick’s celebration with the second chili cook-off and tasting in memory of Arch John Mehaffey on Friday, March 17, in Fountain Park.

After expenses, Extended Hands Food Bank will be the beneficiary of the profits, said Kern. A truck also will collect donations of non-perishable food items for the local food bank.

A $5 admission will allow guests to taste the various chili recipes and vote for their favorite.

Kern is recruiting sponsors. Food booths and vendors are welcome to participate. Beer and wine will be available.

The chili contest is named in memory of Arch John Mehaffey, a former resident who died in 2011.

The Fountain will turn green at noon on that day, according to the town.

Fountain Events, Inc. observed the cultural fest of Irish music, food and beer on the previous Sunday. A $5 adult admission was charged; organizers estimated attendance at 3,800.

Fountain Events notified the town last month that the non-profit group would not sponsor St. Patrick’s activities because a small profit margin was realized after expenses for local charities. The group, headed by Christine Colley, decided to concentrate on Oktoberfest in late September.

“People want it,” said Kern. “It definitely will happen. There will be a good display. At this time, we don’t know the logistics,” she explained.

Assisting her in planning activities, recruiting sponsors and acquiring volunteers is Kathy Martis-Cook. Last year they organized a single-day event on the traditional St. Patrick’s Day. Elks Lodge 2846 assisted in sponsoring the free event. Fountain Events, Inc. observed the cultural holiday on the previous Sunday.

Magic Bird Festivals will debut a Fountain O’Green artisan market on the Avenue of the Fountains for three days, Friday through Sunday, March 17-19. The non-alcohol event will be free.

Promoter Roberta Toombs-Rechlin said 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, holiday-themed vendors, live music and dance performances are planned.