Chamber revved up for its second annual auto auction

POULSBO — The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce has made its list and checked it twice as it prepares for its second annual auto auction Tuesday evening at the Clearwater Casino.

The group has gathered 27 vehicles, ranging from a near mint-condition lime green and creme 1972 Dodge Dart to a 1999 Buick Century, the newest in the lot, and are expected to sell for prices ranging from $200 to $2,500.

Live music and a barbecue will kick off the event at 5 p.m. with the auction set to begin at 7 p.m.

“We’ve got a nice mix of cars and now we want to make sure we get the people,” explained Kevin Hogan from Liberty Bay Auto, who helped organize the event.

With gas prices climbing ever higher, this year’s auction features a 1995 Ford Aspire, which gets about 40 miles per gallon, Hogan said.

“That should be a real nice commuter car for someone, and we’ve also got three Honda Accords, which will run forever as long as you change the oil,” he said.

In addition to featuring more fuel-efficient cars, the auction has a couple of sport utility vehicles, including a 1990 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a 1987 Chevrolet T-10 4x4 pick-up truck.

All of the vehicles will be available for inspection before the event starting at noon Tuesday, he explained.

“People can come down, touch it, feel it and start it up to determine what it’s worth to them,” he said.

The Clearwater Casino has taken the lead in providing the live music and barbecue before the sale begins, he said.

“The casino wanted to do it and really stepped up to the plate,” Hogan remarked. “It should be a real fun event.”

While proceeds from the event will benefit the chamber, the Olympic College Foundation will receive a boost as well, he said.

“We always try to pick a group or organization that we can help out and this year the board chose that group,” he said.

For people interested in purchasing a vehicle at the auction, Hogan said cash or credit cards are recommended but the chamber might take a local check.

“If it’s a local check and we have somebody who knows them, we might take it,” he explained. “We would hope we don’t get any bad checks.”

Additionally, the state’s department of licensing will be on-hand to help with the paperwork, so buyers can drive their purchases off the lot after the sale, Hogan said.

Chamber Executive Director Stuart Leidner said he is encouraging people to come out and support not only the chamber but the Olympic College Foundation as well.

“We’ve been working at getting a selection of quality vehicles and people will find some really good deals out there,” Leidner said.

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