West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department Auction

By Jaime Thomas

 Antiques, tools, furniture and food—all of it will be for sale next week at the West Pawlet Volunteer Department Auction.

On Thursday, Aug. 29 starting at 6 p.m., members of the community will gather under a tent to bid on a wide variety of goods. Among other bargains will be tables, dressers, mirrors, an old school desk, knick-knacks, glassware, toys and more.

And more offerings continue to arrive every day.

“You never know what types of items you get,” said Tom Collard, president of the company.

He said the event, which is usually well attended, will feature auctioneer Chris Mars, whose father was known Vermont auctioneer Bus Mars.

“Chris Mars has always done a great job—he does a really good job working the crowd,” Collard said. Chief Dave Hosley agreed, saying that Mars is good at “livening things up.”

Officials said Mars’ father “taught his son well the tradition of presenting an entertaining Vermont auction. Chris will use his talent of using rapid-fire, staccato calls to entice folks to purchase the products they know they need to take home with them,” they said.

And to keep bidders full and content there will be food to purchase at the auction. The fire department’s menu includes grilled burgers, hot dogs and French fried potatoes, along with soda and bottled water.

Department members said the auction promises to be a fun evening with good food and bargains all-in-one.

“We try to make it a lighthearted affair; we try to have a good time,” Hosley said.

The event supports the fire department. Proceeds from donated items help the department’s general operating costs and go toward much-needed equipment and training programs, both for new recruits and continuing education for long-time department member volunteers, officials said.

All of the items are available to view starting at 5 p.m. before the auction bidding action begins at 6, and the event will continue until everything is gone.

The department is still accepting donated items, and those who need assistance getting items to the auction site are encouraged to get in touch with the department.

This is the first time the event, which will take place rain or shine at the firehouse, is being held at night.

For more information contact Hosley at 802-645-0158 or Collard at 802-645-0839 or email [email protected].