Plans are set for the region’s biggest, most comprehensive Auction and Flea Market taking place Saturday, Aug. 1, on the Boothbay Common.

The Rotary Club’s Charity Auction has been an integral part of the Boothbay Region summer scene for 58 years. Old-timers know that the auction is a haven for bargain hunters and flea market aficionados. They all come to make a deal on items large (boats, cars and furniture) at the live auction, and small (toys, tools and kitchenware) at the flea market. In the past few years, a Boutique of gently-used treasures and collectibles, the famous “Tool Tent” and a Silent Auction of merchants’ donations and gift certificates have added to the fun and helped turn the Auction into the largest, most all-encompassing charity event of its kind held annually in the region.

Once again this year, there will be a Book Tent featuring over 5,000 volumes including fiction, non-fiction, history, Maine interests, children’s books, cookbooks and more.

Once again this year, there will be a Children’s Tent with toys, games, books, baby gear, gently used sporting equipment, and goodies for kids of all ages.

Under the big tent, auctioneer Robert L. Foster will price everything for a quick sale. There will be seating for 500 under the tent, so come early and claim your spot! Then there’s the silent auction, where bidders can choose from items generously donated by local merchants, including gift certificates for boat rides and restaurant meals, savings bonds and gift baskets.

The boutique will offer a selection of fine china, glassware, candelabra, figurines, objets d’art, collectible plates and lots, lots more.

The flea market is a haven for savvy shoppers, who will find everything there, from toys to holiday decorations. Everything will be priced to sell; no reasonable offer rejected.

The always popular Tool Tent will also be returning this year to the delight of do-it-yourselfers across the peninsula! In addition to garden tools, mowers, hand tools, building supplies, new and used sinks and faucets and shower doors, there will be something for everyone’s next project!

The fine folks from the East Boothbay Methodist Church will be staffing a concessions stand with delicious homemade goodies for all.

All the action takes place on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Boothbay Common, rain or shine! The flea market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. The silent auction will be open from 9 a.m. to noon, and the live auction will begin at 10 a.m. and run until noon or when everything is sold.

As always, the best part about the Rotary Charity Auction and flea market is that all proceeds go to support Rotary charities, including the Student Aid Fund and scholarships, the Home Heating Oil Fund and the Food Pantry, local elementary and high schools, Camp Knickerbocker and Y-Arts, Boy and Girl Scouts, and much more!