By Heather Lusk
More than 125 items are up for bid at the annual Sept. 8 Fall Festival Auction, ranging from Oakley sunglasses to Star Wars memorabilia to wine. Items are still being added, and the total might reach 250 before the event takes place at Lions Park.
“A lot come in at the last minute,” said Lions Club member Michael Moran, who is helping direct the auction. “There’s something out there for everyone.”
Bidding has already begun through the auction website Qtego, a technology-based auctioneer. Items are available at a variety of price points. All proceeds benefit the Lion’s Club.
To register to bid for silent auction items, text LIONS to 79230. Anytime an item is outbid, a text alert is sent. Qtego staff will be at the Fall Festival to assist with registration as needed. Bids can be placed through the website at qtego.net/qlink/zlc.php or through the Qtego app.
The Lions Club has used Qtego for the past five years, allowing Lions Club volunteers to focus on other areas of the festival.
“I wanted to make things as simple as I could,” Moran said. “It seems comfortable for us. We know the setup.”
The Fall Festival auction began in the early 2000s, transitioning from a flea market in the 1990s and an antique sale prior to that. More than $10,000 in net revenue has been raised each year through the auction.
“If we could somehow make it up to $15,000, that would be delightful,” Moran said.
Local businesses such as Body Outfitters, Fanimation and Akard’s True Value have donated items. Bidders also will have a chance to bid on Lion’s Park services. Rental of the park’s gazebo, clubhouse and shelter house are up for bid. Sports memorabilia, including an autographed Cubs jersey and items signed by Pacers and Colts playaers.
Items can be viewed in the Lion’s Park Shelter starting 2 p.m. Sept. 8. Bidding closes at 6 p.m. the same day. Payment for winning bids are made automatically through Qtego. Items can be retrieved at the shelter house Sept. 9 between 1 and 3 p.m. or at Carpenter Realty the following week.
