CEDAR KEY

The parking lot at the Cedar Key Community Center was full to overflowing Sunday at 3 pm. Cars, trucks, bicycles, tricycles, and golf carts galore made their ways to the Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction.

The purpose of the annual affair, states the Chimer, was to “raise funds to keep the Welcome Center open year-round.” The day’s mantra was, “Bid often, bid high, and have fun!” Last year, states the Chamber listing of auction items, the Welcome Center provided information and assistance to nearly 13,000 visitors. Thus far this year, three-quarters of the year through, the Center has already assisted 10,000.

The preview of auction items began at 3 pm; the actual auction began at 3:30 pm. Nearly one hundred individuals took part in the affair, nearly three quarters of them visitors to the island. Cookies and pastry tidbits, soft drinks, and wine pleased the palates of purchasers.  

Items included a vast variety of items, totaling 60: boat trips and tours, restaurant meals, NASCAR memorabilia, haircuts, tackle boxes, fishing poles, cocktail party kits, pictures, chairs, and quilts.  By day's end, all items had been auctioned off and carted home. 

The Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, volunteer positions, include: President Caryn Stephenson, Vice-President George Oakley, Treasurer Dennis Gill, Secretary Santa Blouse, Directors Ian Maki, Lisa Barrett, and Mendy Allen. The two Welcome Center Directors Sue Colson and Nancy Sera operate the Center. 

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