Squad gearing up for annual auction

The Blytheville Emergency Squad is collecting items in preparation for its annual fundraising auction, which will be held Nov. 1 at Walker Park.

The auction, which has existed in some form for more than 40 years, is the group's major fundraising event for the year, according to BES member Mike Godsey, who said the money raised during the auction determines how much the Squad will be able to spend that year on things like equipment and other upgrades.

Godsey said the Squad will be auctioning off a wide variety of items, including tools, toys, home items, gift certificates and much more. New and used items, as well as monetary donations, can be dropped off at the Emergency Squad station, located on the corner of Second Street and Chickasawba.

This will be the second year for the Kids Fest, which will run in conjunction with the auction. Arm bands are $5 and will give kids unlimited access to the inflatables and kids train rides. Godsey said there will be a number of booths open, including face painting and hair art, food concessions and other vendors. Live entertainment will be provided by Randy Harrington and the Southern Tradition Band.

This year, the Blytheville Emergency Squad is also honoring Chuck Wilder, who passed away in September, with the first ever Chuck Wilder Memorial Ride.

"Chuck was a big supporter of the Squad so we wanted to do this for him," Godsey said.

Registration is $20, and there will be People's Choice and Turtle Race contests. For more information on the ride, call 870-278-5605.

Kids Fest will run from noon-4 p.m. A silent auction will be held from 4-6 p.m. with the live auction starting at 6 p.m. For more information on the annual fundraising auction or 2nd annual Kids Fest, call 870-740-2248 or 870-623-0714.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com