The Heritage Square Historical Society invites the public to enjoy the third annual Wine, Brews & Silent Auction Thursday, May 4, from 6-9 p.m. 

HSHS President Elaine Kennebeck said this year’s silent auction is bursting with steals, in part because it was originally scheduled for last October but was delayed due to Hurricane Matthew. With the extra months, extra items have continued to accumulate, totaling over 250 pieces, according to Kennebeck. 

And the items are not yard sale fare. A 50-inch Smart TV will be up for nabbing. There will also be a huge assortment of gift certificates from Fayetteville’s finest restaurants and entertainment venues, from Bonefish Grill to Roland’s Dance Studio, along with specialty wine and pet-themed gift baskets. Rounding out the huge collection are all kinds of original artwork, vintage and new jewelry, antiques and furniture, chinaware, lamps, quilts and pillows. 

The HSHS usually starts bidding at about 40 percent of the value of an item. So, for a $400 item, the bidding would start at around $150 — and Kennebeck said she’s never seen anything at their auctions sell for more than the actual value. More likely, she said, is that a buyer could get the item for the starting price or very close to it, due to there being so many items in this sale. 

Kennebeck said one of the most perennially enjoyable aspects of the evening is the food and drinks. Large tents are set up and attendees enjoy unlimited food and drink as they participate in the auction. 

The $40 ticket required for admittance covers unlimited top-shelf wine, assorted brews and ales, and food catered from Fayetteville’s finest dining establishments. Gourmet desserts will be provided by The Sweet Palette, New Deli and more, including an array of homemade desserts. 

Live music provided first by a Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra quartet and later by Paul Saunders Jazz Group will add to the festive atmosphere.

All proceeds from this event will be used to help maintain and preserve Historical Heritage Square, which is Fayetteville’s largest historical property. Two of the three buildings on this property, the Sandford House (dating back to 1797) and the Oval Ballroom (1808), are open to the public for their enjoyment and education. 

Kennebeck said one of the Society’s current goals is to put an education center in the Sandford House. “There are so few historical properties left in this city … it’s important for our school children,” she said. “Our goal is to take things out of the archives and have them framed so school children can come and have a tour of the grounds and see how people lived back then.” 

Bidding stops around 8:15 p.m., and the event technically ends at 9 p.m., “but really there’s no deadline … typically it’s way after 9 p.m. that anyone leaves,” said Kennebeck. “People just stay, and it’s great. Come and have a good time!” 

The Wine, Brews & Silent Auction will be held at Heritage Square, 225 Dick St, May 4 from 6-9 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, call
(910) 483-6009.