3 hockey sticks, roller skates, and an electric typewriter

These are just a few things that we scored this weekend at our annual Rotary Auction. Once a year, usually the last weekend in June, our bucolic island is transformed by a rummage sale of colossal proportions.

Camping tents, kitchen cupboards, record albums, costume jewelry, snow skis, double strollers, wheelbarrows, baby clothes, floor lamps, picnic tables, sewing machines, 10-speed bikes, lacrosse sticks, terra cotta pots, sofas, outboard motors, antique trunks, tupperware, How-To books, fish tanks . . .

Here is a short video that I shot, just as they lowered the ropes and let people rush in. Keep in mind - this was just one small section of the sale. It spreads across the entire campus of the middle school, including both parking lots, soccer fields, and in the classrooms and gym.

Bed frames, wicker baskets, stop watches, sleeping bags, used cars, vacuum cleaners, red wagons, computers, soccer cleats, Disney movies, fine china, chain saws, washing machines, electric woks . . .

I don't know what amazed me more - the quantity of stuff that was donated, or the quality. Sure, there was a lot of junk donated. I heard more than one person comment that the Rotary Auction is the annual event in which islanders trade their junk for other people's junk, and pay Rotary for the privelege.

But I was also very impressed with the GOOD stuff that was donated. There was a practically new microsuede sofa/armchair/ottoman that was up for silent auction. We bid on it, but didn't win. There were gorgeous antique tables, mirrors, etc. There was art work, patio furniture that looked new, designer clothes . . .

I suppose it helps that many people on this island have more money than God (to quote Steel Magnolias).

Here are some pictures that I found on-line of the auction. Again, this is seriously just a small portion of what they had there!