Star fire department fundraiser serves up more than barbecue ♥

Published in the Courier-Tribune on September 10, 2011

by Hugh MARTIN

STAR — People from the town of Star and surrounding areas always look forward to the annual Star Fire Department Barbecue Supper and Auction.

The wait is over. The event is today from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Star Fire Department, 454 S. Main St. The volunteer firemen will begin dishing up plates of delicious pork barbecue and all the fixings, prepared by the firemen themselves, beginning at 11 a.m.

This third annual fundraiser for the department isn’t just a once-a-year project. It is actually a year-around effort to collect unique items to be offered at the 6:30 p.m. auction sale.

Joe Parsons of Sandhill Auction Service in Jackson Springs gives the firemen a hand by conducting the auction, which this year includes well over 100 items.

The auction items will include a special pre-sale of a STARworks Glass pumpkin, an advance look at the type of work to be sold in October at STARworks, and more than 50 pieces of pottery donated by Seagrove-area potters.

“The local potters are always good to us,” said fire chief Wesley Brown. “We have a wide variety of pottery items that range from everyday use to collectibles.”

Included in the sale will be some items turned and signed by the late Nell Cole Graves, whose work is highly collectible among those who realize the value of her pieces.

Residents have brought in items to auction. Household items, tools, clothing and much more will be sold. A picnic table and a piano will be bid.

Brown ticked off some of the other items to be auctioned, including a bicycle, glider swing, composite outdoor rocker, yard swing, bird bath, George Foreman grill and lawn ornaments.

There will also be a Capel rug, a shirt autographed by NASCAR legend Richard Petty, home décor pieces, firewood, art prints, Christmas decorations, baked goods and plants.

Certificates for oil changes, golf rounds and merchandise or food from area businesses and restaurants will be on the block.

You can also try your luck by purchasing chances to win a Beefeater gas grill, donated by VanDerveer Gas, or a custom-made cedar chest.