It’s like the busiest yard sale you’ve ever been to, with a live auction thrown in for good measure.

The 58th annual Rotary Auction and Flea Market takes place this Saturday morning, Aug. 1, on the Boothbay Common. The club is hoping for good weather and eager shoppers. The event is the biggest fundraiser each year for the Boothbay Harbor club, which returns that money back to the community in many forms. The community benefits through the club’s annual scholarships for students, donations to Boothbay Region Community Resources groups, such as the Food Pantry and Home Heating Assistance program, assisting students studying abroad, school and Scout programs, and more.

A lot has changed with the charity event over the years. In its infancy, the club used to hold a lobster bake along with auction. However, the bake took a lot of work, and if it rained, the turnout would be low and the profits would suffer. For the past decade or so, the club has become a bit more organized, offering a flea market, a tool tent, a book tent, a collectibles boutique, a silent auction featuring gift baskets and gift certificates, a children’s tent and various groups have assisted with food and drinks, with their coffers getting a little richer in the meantime. This year, the East Boothbay Methodist Church will be selling homemade goodies.

Word has it that donations have been plentiful this year and there’s a lot of nice furniture being offered at the auction. Auctioneer Bob Foster is a machine at the bidding podium and he has a great sense of humor. He moves a lot of stuff in two hours of work, so if you’re going to find a bargain to fill your den, cottage or home, be sure to show up and be ready to bid by 10 a.m.

The first Saturday in August has become a local holiday of sorts because of the auction. Think birthday and holiday gifts when bidding on items in the live or silent auction. Can’t find a special toy? You might find it on the common on Saturday. Make an offer to the Rotarians working the tents. They’ll listen. You might not get your offer, but, at least give it a try.

The action gets underway at 8 a.m., but we’re sure they’ll be a line of folks with coffee cups in hand ready to invade the flea market much earlier.

Help the Rotary and help the community by spending a few dollars on the Boothbay Common on Saturday. It all adds up.