ROCKINGHAM — Once you have performed your duty as a citizen on Election Day, you can go shopping at the Rotary Club’s 62nd yearly auction. But be prepared for a crowd — probably much bigger than the one you saw at your local polling place.
The event will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the N.C. National Guard Armory on Rockingham Road and will offer barbecue lunches and dinners, silent and open actions, and the sale of baked goods and small household items.
“We sold out of barbecue last year,” Rotary president George Stone said Wednesday. “It’s a big event, and people are (already) out and about.”
In 2016, the event raised more than $40,000 for charity and scholarships from the thousands who attended, Stone said. This year, the Rotary is shooting for $50,000.
Visitors will have all day to bid on silent-auction items. At 7 p.m., the open auction will begin.
Items available for auction range from golf packages for four at Pinehurst National to “not new but in good shape” items such as lawn mowers and furniture, Stone said.
Lunch and dinner plates of barbecued chicken or pork will be available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. Cost will be $8 per plate, which diners will be able to eat in, carry out or carry about while perusing auction items.
Throughout the day, cookies, pies and cakes will be available for purchase by the slice or whole. Rotary spouses, and local businesses and residents donate the baked goods.
The event’s annual Country Store will offer books, kitchenware and small appliances — with most items costing less than $10.
For the third year, those feeling lucky may buy $5 raffle tickets for a shot at winning $500 or $1,000. Those feeling even luckier may try to win one of the Lucky 4 prizes — cash drawings for $2,000, $3,000, $4,000 or $5,000.
Auction proceeds will go to local nonprofits and agencies in the form of grants next spring. Past recipients have included Scouting and veterans’ organizations, Habitat for Humanity and Toys for Tots.
Those who wish to buy tickets or to donate items to the auction, Country Store or bake sale may contact any Rockingham Rotary Club member.