Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction
September 11, 2012
As long as there is a minimum of two bidders and one auctioneer, absolutely anything can be auctioned off. That includes the entire Roman Empire, which was auctioned off to the highest bidder in the year 193 A.D. (The winning bidder only enjoyed his purchase for three short months, due to an untimely, and totally unexpected, demise.) The more usual items in today’s auction world include real estate, antiques and collectibles (such as fine wine, classic cars and high-end art), commodities (including produce and livestock), and perhaps the best-known high stakes live auction in our territory, the Fasig-Tipton yearling sales for New York State bred thoroughbred horses. Bring LOTS of money for that one!
Closer to home, and more reasonably priced, the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce has an annual auction coming up September 11, 2012. It’s been going on so long most people don’t remember when it started, and it is definitely an entertaining evening. Most recently the auction has been held at the Shelving Rock Terrace at the Sagamore Resort. There are actually two auctions – a silent auction begins at 5:30, along with the cocktail hour. Participants leave their bids on a piece of paper next to each item, winners are announced at the end of the evening. The silent auction closes at 7, when a buffet dinner is served. The live auction begins at 8 P.M. Andy Pratt, also known as Andy Pratt the DJ, is the auctioneer, and keeps the bids going in a lively manner. The auction ends when the last bid is taken and the last item is sold.
Everyone is welcome to the auction and dinner, and anyone can contribute to the items for sale. Elaine Chiovarou-Brown, office manager at the Chamber, sends out letters asking for donations on August 1, and items begin to come into the office shortly after. Elaine keeps track of who donates what, and creates a list to keep everything straight. Bids are taken on the night of the auction, and the items are paid for later in the week. Members who have helped keep track of the action (follow the money) are Joe Dinapoli, Diane Burk, and Wauneata Waller.
Some of the most interesting and outrageous items for past auctions have been offered by the Indian Tepee Gift Shop: a diving helmet, brass telegraph, and a horse’s head, to name just a few. Happy Jacks donated a riding car last year. One of the best selling and highest bid items is a home-made apple pie made by a local lady who is an “amazing” baker (initials are CS). Only two pies are offered each year, which have brought up to $225. 
Other items usually include gift certificates for resort and cottage stays (some in exotic places), boat and pontoon rentals, cruises, dinners at different restaurants (including a few on a cruise), fishing charters, golf for four (with cart) at the Sagamore, photos of special events, and 100 gallons of propane.
Items you can see at the auction include baskets of different specialties: gourmet foodstuffs, wine, champagne, CD’s, and books; and then there are original pieces of art and jewelry, fishing and garden equipment, crystals, and flowers.
You get a hand-made paddle for bidding along with your ticket for dinner, $30 per person. Approximately 100 people attend, and there are usually 40 or more businesses and individuals donating items – and there is no limit on what those items can be!
Call the Chamber office (518-644-3831) for information and reservations, or contact Elaine by email ([email protected]). Dinner at the Sagamore can be considered an event all by itself, add in an auction where anything can happen, and this has to be a good time!
What’s the most fantastic thing you’ve ever bought (or sold) at an auction?
Penelope Jewell
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