The Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club is planning its 57th annual benefit auction and flea market, to be held this year on Saturday, August 2 on the Boothbay Common.

This extravaganza includes everything from collectibles to antiques, from vehicles and boats to household furnishings, and from tools and toys to china.

The event, now in its 57th year, draws hundreds of buyers from all over the region and beyond. Part of the reason for its success is that all proceeds from the sale come back to the Boothbay region through myriad organizations that the Rotary Club supports.

Another part of its success is that auctioneer Bob Foster knows how to price items to move!

But we can’t do it without your help: The goods sold at the auction are all donated by our neighbors throughout the region. To make this year’s auction a success, we are currently collecting vehicles, boats, furniture, tools, books, building supplies, fireplace equipment, china and house wares, collectibles, children’s toys, and outdoor furniture and grills.

All gifts are tax-deductible as set by law. If you have it, we think we can sell it!

Unfortunately, there are some items we cannot accept. Below, please find a list to assist in further clarification. Please remember, with any item, the Rotarian conducting the pick-up has final authority.

• Acceptable electric/electronic items:
• Lamps and lighting of all sorts.
• Small table-top stereos, radios, and electronic music instruments in good working order (excluding organs). (If you want to donate a flat-panel TV in working order, please ask your local Rotarian about it.)
• (Laptop computers in most any condition are accepted and forwarded to Grahamtastic, a program for hospitalized children.)
• New, in original package, household appliances.
• Unacceptable electric/electronic items:
• Any and all used 110v household appliances (televisions, microwaves, air conditioners, stoves and refrigerators, toasters, skillets, coffee makers, heating pads or blankets, etc.).
• Desktop computers, printers, scanners, CRT monitors or peripherals of any sort.
• (Flat panel monitors, in working order, are accepted. We sell them on Craig’s List.)
• Acceptable furniture: Most any and all are welcome.
• Unacceptable furniture:
• Sofa beds, futon mattresses.
• Top and box mattresses and all bedding materials and pillows.
• Couches must be very clean and in very good condition, or they will be refused.
• Pianos of all types, and organs of all types.
• Acceptable tools, etc.: Any and all tools, yard implements, boating or golf equipment.
• Other unacceptable items:
• Exercise equipment of any type.

So, take advantage of spring cleaning — and make your garage clean-out tax deductible! Please call our 2014 Rotary Auction Pick-Up Leaders Rick Elder (207-882-8059) or Doug Roberts (207-633-1290) to schedule a speedy and convenient pick up.