JACKSON, Wyo. -- One of the world's largest elk herds lives at the National Elk Refuge, and nearby Jackson is celebrating the animals with a weekend event known as ElkFest, May 17-18.

The annual festival includes an antler auction to benefit the refuge and several local Boy Scout troops. The antlers are shed by elk wintering at the refuge. Artisans transform the antlers into everything from chandeliers to furniture; others use them as wall decorations. Last year's event sold 5,379 pounds of antlers for a total of $59,748.

There will also be a chili cookoff, music, a kids' activity corner and a crafts sale.

For more information, visit the Jackson Chamber of Commerce online at http://www.jacksonchamber.com.