DOVER - Once again, pizza lovers have the opportunity to sample the best slices from Seacoast restaurants to pick a winner while helping raise money for the Children's Museum of N.H. this evening.

Hundreds of slices with from nine vendors will fill the museum at 6 Washington St. during the fourth annual PizzaFest and silent auction, which is scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The following restaurants plan to participate: Goodfellas Brick Oven Pizzeria in Somersworth, Kendall Pond Pizza II in Dover, La Festa Brick & Brew Pizzeria in Dover, Papa Gino's in Dover, Papa Jay's Pizzeria in Dover, Raider Laser Center in Newington, The Spaghetti Stain in Dover, Terra Cotta Pasta Co. in Dover and Kittery, Maine, and Uno Chicago Grill in Dover.

In addition to traditional pizza, participants can enjoy trying some slices of French bread or flatbread pizza, according to Heidi Duncanson, director of marketing at the museum.

Duncanson said the variety - from plain cheese to french fries or peach cobbler pizza - will offer people plenty to get excited about.

"My favorite flavors last year were honey barbecue chicken and the seven-layer-bar dessert pizza," Duncanson said.

While the slices are thin, participants must pace themselves in order to choose their favorite flavors for Kids' Choice and Grown-Ups' Choice.

Meanwhile, a team of judges will select the pizzas with the best crust, most creative toppings and for best overall pizza

This year's judging panel includes: chef and cookbook author James Haller of Blue Strawbery fame, Brenda Gaudet from Northeast Flavor magazine, David Flood from N.H. Seacoast TV, Slice of NH pizza bloggers Andrew Toland and Deidre Ashe, and community judge contest winner Caroline Carter, a high school student from Dover who is Miss Strafford County Outstanding Teen.

The event is sponsored by D.F. Richard and Smuttynose Brewing Co., the first beer sponsor, which will offer adults Old Brown Dog Ale, Finestkind IPA and Star Island Single varieties to accompany the pizza.

Some of the items in the silent auction include: a fire engine ride for up to three people from Dover Fire and Rescue, a framed autographed movie poster from Adam Sandler, Attitash and Pat's Peak lift tickets, a gift certificate from Conway Scenic Railroad for two adults and two children, original art and handcrafted jewelry, glass holiday ornaments, restaurant gift certificates and event tickets.

For those registering in advance, the cost is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 4-10 and free for anyone 3 and under. Tickets will also be available at the door for $12 each.

All proceeds from the event benefit the museum's innovative education and outreach programs.

For more information or to reserve tickets for PizzaFest, contact the museum at 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.

- - - - - - - -

John Quinn may be reached at jquinn@newstote.com.