In 1971, Steve Gaudette was a 21-year-old, first year volunteer fireman participating in his first Southport Firemen’s Auction. Now he is in charge of the annual yard sale which runs in conjunction with the annual auction now in its 65th year. Each auction and yard sale have a familiar format, one which includes donations, sales, volunteerism and a strong sense of community.

For Gaudette, all of these factors are important in the event’s success each year and keep people coming back. “This is our only fundraiser of the year. It helps us buy equipment for the department which saves the town money,” he said. “The whole community gets involved which makes it fun, and why we all participate every year.”

Fire Chief and part-time auctioneer Gerry Gamage reported the annual auction has raised over $500,000 since it began in the mid-1950s. In 1990, the auction was renamed to honor longtime fireman Carl Pierce. Gaudette described the yard sale as smaller scale items like tea cups, bowls and plates. The auction had larger items like couches, table and chairs and a 1971 Lincoln which brought the highest bid, $2,100.

Gamage welcomed the public to the auction and thanked them for returning after a one-year absence due to the coronavirus. Each year, the auction draws a big crowd of local and summer residents and others from the surrounding region. Adam Climo is an island resident who returned home this year after living in Cincinnati, Ohio. At 31, Climo proudly reported he has been to 31 Southport Firemen’s Auctions. This year, he attended with his wife Eden and an 11-month-old son, Griffin. The Climos made three trips to the yard sale Aug. 21 prior to attending the auction.

“We just bought a fan for $1,” Adam Climo said. “Earlier, we bought some oars, weights, yoga mat and a baby life jacket. W e love every aspect of the auction. Probably because it’s more like a festival than anything else.”

This year, the auction sold nearly 500 items, according to Gamage.