Fort Atkinson Senior Center Director Chris Nye will soon hold the gavel as he conducts the eighth annual “Mystery Auction,” according to information recently released by the center.
Bidding will begin this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the center, 307 Robert St., Fort Atkinson.
The event is free to attend and open to the public.
This year, some 80 to 100 wrapped packages are ready for bids, Nye said within the release, further noting that some of the “numbered items” have multiple parts included in the single bidding item, with all of the included items revolving around a common theme.
The items are wrapped to look like Christmas gifts, the release stated, all of which adds to the fun of learning what’s inside.
Nye said he enjoys serving as the man with the gavel and looks forward to keeping the audience entertained, additionally noting that “the event always features some great, brand new items that get sold at super bargain prices.
“Most items will sell for only a few dollars,” he said.
During the bidding process, clues and hints are given to help people imagine what might be inside and entice them to bid. An approximate value of the item also is shared, the release noted.
Those interested in making a bid need simply to raise their hand, Nye said, adding that those who have the winning bid “unwrap their items and display their winnings to the audience.” The reveals are often accompanied with many “oohs and aahs,” he said.
The senior center began holding the Mystery Auction in 2015, Nye recalled, with a pause taken in 2020.
Proceeds raised during the event are put toward the betterment of the center, the director noted.
Additionally, the release stated that “gently used and new items or gift cards” are still being accepted for inclusion in the auction until Thursday, May 16.
Donations for the auction must be items that a person can carry out of the building to a vehicle. The center does not accept items that are large, such as “recliners, dressers, pianos or organs, and other large bulk furniture,” the release stipulated.
For more information about the event or making a donation, contact the Fort Atkinson Senior Center: http://www.fortparksandrec.activityreg.com/.
Gavel in hand, Fort Atkinson Senior Center Director Chris Nye stands ready to begin this, the eighth annual Mystery Auction. The event will be held at the center on Saturday. Contributed photo.
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