Chamber gears up for auto auction

POULSBO — Cars and tune-ups go hand-in-hand as mechanics do their best to make vehicles run at their optimum level — something that could explain the changes to the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce’s second annual auto auction.

While last year’s inaugural event was held in November in the Northwest Design parking lot on State Route 305 and Hostmark, the 2005 sale will drive down the road to Clearwater Casino.

“We’re trying different venues and want to keep it as family-friendly as possible,” explained Kevin Hogan of Liberty Bay Auto Sales, who is spearheading the Aug. 30 auction.

The casino has plenty of room for the event, which is expected to have about 30 vehicles and should draw from visitors going to the casino, he said.

“We’re going to have food and live entertainment and we’re going to keep it as festive as possible,” Hogan said, noting that most of the vehicles should sell for between $500 and $3,000, but they could go for more, depending on the attendance.

“We’re really hoping that at least 100 people attend, because it wouldn’t be good to have 30 vehicles and only 20 purchasers,” he said.

This year’s auction currently features a mix of family vehicles, trucks and mid-sized sedans.

“We’ve got a lot of nice Hondas and a couple of Toyota Corollas as well as some minivans and pick-up trucks,” Hogan said. “We’ve got something for everyone.”

However, the crown jewel of this year’s event could be a 1972 lime-green and cream Dodge Dart complete with a V-8 engine, he said.

“It’s all original and has been sitting in someone’s garage,” Hogan explained. “It’s just an example of the types of cars you sometimes find at events like this.”

While the Dart could be the most unusual vehicle at the auction, Chamber Executive Director Stuart Leidner said there are several vehicles that should bring in the bidders.

“We’ve really received several quality vehicles for this year’s event, so we’re expecting to have a great time,” Leidner said.

In addition to a wide selection of cars, vans and trucks, the event will feature a barbecue and live band providing entertainment throughout the evening. Proceeds will help the chamber continue its ongoing mission of serving the local business community, Leidner explained.

“It could go to marketing or it could to go future business training for our members,” he said. “It should be a great time.”

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