The eclectic bric-a-brac, furniture and machinery being amassed inside and outside the Southport firehouse on Hendricks Hill Road will, Aug. 21, be turned in to funds for the fire station and crews. The long awaited annual Fireman’s Auction is back.

The auction was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and this year’s is expected to be bigger and better than ever. “I would say there are more donations,” said Fire Chief Gerry Gamage.“But people are excited by the return of community events. People come from far and wide, some even schedule their vacation time around the auction.” Proceeds from the auction and sales supplement the fire department’s budget.

Donations this year range from the expected furniture, small items, electrical goods, toys and books to a few unexpected treasures. “We have a ’71 Lincoln up for grabs and a 21-foot Proline on a trailer. Plus there’s some nice furniture. Some of the items are still in their original boxes,” said Gamage. But, he continued, the fire crew has not had a chance to go through everything yet. “That will happen Friday, the day before the sale, when we organize everything for the big event.”

The flea market begins at 6 a.m., the yard sale opens at 7 a.m. and the main event gets under way at 9 a.m.

As always, early shoppers can buy breakfast sandwiches at the grill set up in front of the school, and later in the day there will be hotdogs and burgers. Proceeds from the food sales go to Southport Central School.

Donations to the auction are still being accepted. Items may be dropped at the firehouse through Thursday, Aug. 19.