Silent auction items needed for LaCrosse Farmer's Fest­

As plans are coming together for the annual Farmer's Fest in LaCrosse June 18, event organizers are seeking silent auction items.

“We had a big year last year, and we're hoping for an even bigger and better year this year,” said Carol Cauley, one of the organizers of the silent auction.

Cauley said all proceeds from the silent auction will be used to pay for operating costs at LaCrosse Community Pride buildings.

She noted LCP lacks other income for operating the buildings.

The silent auction process will go toward things such as insurance, electricity, water, sewer, garbage, taxes and general repairs and maintenance.

“We're almost to the point of being able to pay for the whole year,” Cauley said. “Dollar wise, just a couple thousand more. The silent auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we're still not quite there for the whole year, but we're getting there. It's getting bigger and bigger each year.”

Cauley said items donated in the past have included such things as baskets, cookies of the month for an entire year, trips to Mariners' games, Seahawks' games or Spokane attractions, kids' toys, gravel, beef, hogs and WSU fireplaces donated by McGregor's.

“We really have a variety of stuff,” she said.

Cauley said the auction includes a specific section just for kids to bid on.

“Every year, we get a following of kids who come with their parents,” she said.

New attractions will be at the festival this year. Sharon Schlomer told the Gazette there will be a float contest with the winner receiving a $100 prize. The only rule for the contest is that the float must be on wheels. Judging is slated for 9:40 a.m. during the grand parade lineup June 18.

Also, a build-a-scarecrow contest has been added. Those interested can design and build a scarecrow to be displayed at the park June 18. People can vote by purchasing tickets and dropping them in the bags on each scarecrow. At the end of the day, the scarecrow with the most tickets will win. One ticket can be purchased for 25 cents, six for $1, 35 for $5 and 75 for $10, Schlomer said.

Schlomer also said café proprietors Ty and Kristl Tyler plan to have the café open all weekend for the Farmer's Fest activities.

To donate an item to the silent auction, contact Cauley at 509-549-3499 or contact Lois Startin.

Donations can also be mailed to LaCrosse Community Pride, Box 321, LaCrosse, 99143.