Unique items donated for fair fundraiser

Van Wert County Fair news

The Van Wert County Fair will be offering fairgoers an improved selection of free entertainment this year, which is supported by a grant from The Van Wert County Foundation, sponsorships and an annual fundraising auction.

This year’s auction will be held Saturday, July 27, starting at 10 a.m., at the Junior Fair Building on the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Bee Gee Realty & Auction Company is again donating its services to promote and conduct the auction.

An additional quarter auction, to be held Tuesday, July 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Junior Fair Building, is sponsored and conducted by Vickie Schulte and the Van Wert Vendors group. The quarter auction has become very popular in the Van Wert area, and will feature fresh flowers, farm produce, clothing and donations from direct sales vendors and home-based businesses. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for item viewing and paddle selection.

Proceeds from these auctions are used to fund a selection of free entertainment during the Van Wert County Fair. Free entertainment includes a wood carver, Bruiser Wrestling, a kiddie tractor pull and events and performers in the Entertainment Tent.

The July 27 auction has unique items and an unusual selection of other items that are all donated by businesses, individuals and organizations. The donations come from the local area, as well as from all over the United States.

There will be a nice selection of gift certificates and gift cards for personal use or for gift-giving, as well as a variety of sports items and celebrity memorabilia, including equipment, photos, CDs, promo CDs, tickets to sporting events and theatrical performances, and amusement tickets. This is a chance to obtain new merchandise for a fraction of the retail price.

Another unique group of items that will be available are vacation and excursion trips, which also make good gifts. Travel agents offer the trips at a minimum starting price and the price Bee Gee bangs the gavel at represents a donation to the auction proceeds. This is a great opportunity to select an excursion trip or a vacation of a lifetime. Check out the special travel offerings on the websites listed below.
Check the fair website at vanwertcountyfair.com the week before the Saturday, July 27 auction for a listing of the auction items.

The Bee Gee Realty & Auction Company website, beegeerealty.com/bg/auctions.asp?ID=518, has details of the auction items available. Those interested may also may contact the fair office at 419.238.9270 or email vwfair@bright.net for further auction information.

For those who would like to support this fundraiser, donations of auction items are accepted anytime before the auction.  Fair office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5  p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m.-noon. Donations could be tax deductible and a receipt can be furnished. The Van Wert County Fairgrounds, operated by the Van Wert County Agricultural Society, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

“The Van Wert County Fair Board extends a sincere ‘thank you’ to all individuals, businesses, and organizations that continue to donate and support the free entertainment offered during the Van Wert County Fair,” said Gary Showalter, one of the auction organizers. “A special thank you is given to Bee Gee Realty & Auction Company and Vicki Schulte and the Van Wert Vendors for their generous donation of their time and services for conducting the auctions.”

This year’s fair dates are Wednesday, August 28, through Monday, September 2. Advance ticket prices, both season and membership, remain at $18 (equals $3 per day entry) and single-day gate entry has been reduced to $5 per day for the 2013 fair.