HOULTON, Maine — For decades, the Houlton Rotary Auction has been a staple of the holiday season, affording residents with an opportunity to purchase quality items, sometimes at a discount.
And sometimes items go for much more than their anticipated value as people get in a friendly “bidding war” for a particular product.
Rotary President Tracy Rockwell said she continues to be amazed by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who donate items for the annual fund-raising event.
Rotarian Andy Mooers gives a thumbs up to indicate a good bid Monday evening as fellow Rotarian Paul Adams checks the ticket board.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
“Everyone is always so generous with their time,” Rockwell said. “I see quite a few people that do their annual holiday shopping right here at the auction, either for themselves or for others. It’s a great way to support our community. People have a lot of fun going back and forth with the bidding.”
The 64th annual Rotary Radio, TV and Internet Auction wraps up its final night of excitement Wednesday, Nov. 27. The auction runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and is broadcast on WHOU 100.1 FM, and on TV on Spectrum Cable Channel 1302 and Pioneer Cable Channel 100. A live webcast of the auction also can be accessed through www.houltonrotary.org and on the Rotary and WHOU Facebook pages.
In addition to the items being sold in 20-minute segments, there are Wednesday Night Special items that will be featured for the evening. It also is the final night to bid on the Three Night Specials that have been running since Monday. The successful bidders at the close of the auction Wednesday evening will be awarded the Three Night Specials including the camp package from Ward Log Homes.
Houlton Rotarian Leigh Cummings takes a bid over the telephone Monday evening at the annual Houlton Rotary auction.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Additionally, it is the final night for bidding on the Facebook auction items. A complete listing of items for bid can be picked up at area businesses or at the auction room at Watson Hall on Main Street. The list also is posted on www.houltonrotary.org where searches can be done to find a specific item, donors and successful bidders.
Successful bidders can pick up their items at the auction storeroom, located at Watson Hall, during the following hours this week: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-10 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-noon; Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
Friday is the final day to pick up items from the storeroom. The storeroom number is 521-5891. Those picking up their items are reminded to bring a list of their item numbers and amount of bid for reconciliation with the storeroom list. Payments can be made by cash, check or credit card (for purchases up to $1,000) and all items must be paid for in full at the time of pick-up.
Enjoying the first night of the Houlton Rotary auction are, from left, Sydney Rockwell, Chuck Rockwell, Pressley Goodwin and Marie Carmichael.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Pledges will continue to be accepted for the Boy and the Boot Endowment Fund sponsored by the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation.
The winner of the certificate for $500 of product from Dead River Company will be drawn on Monday, Dec. 2. Tickets can be purchased from Rotarians, at the auction room or at the storeroom through Friday. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.
To call in a bid or to make a pledge, call 521-5894 or statewide toll free at 1-844-934-5894.
