Annual Charles L. Hutson auction set for tonight

About 150 people are expected to attend tonight's 22nd annual Charles L. Hutson Auction in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Started by the late Charles Hutson of Hutson's Fine Furniture, the goal of the auction is to raise money for Old Town Cape. Last year an all-time high of $25,000 was raised in the silent and live auctions.

"We say we're a volunteer-driven organization," said Old Town Cape executive director Marla Mills. "This is a good example of that. Charles Hutson was an instrumental part of downtown who started the auction and this is an example of his desire to contribute to fundraising for this area."

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cash bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres in the Riverview Room at Buckner Brewing Co., 132 N. Main St. Those in attendance will have until 8 p.m. to bid on items during the first silent auction. Two other silent auctions will end at 8:30 and 9 p.m.

The live auction will then begin and last until about 10 p.m.

More than 100 retailers and individuals from the downtown area and other parts of Cape Girardeau have donated items for the auctions. These include artwork, antiques, furniture from Hutson's, jewelry and gift certificates.

As in the other auctions, the event will also feature live music. This year's theme will be Cinco de Mayo.

"This is a very social event," Mills said. "It's a great auction and gives a really good taste and flavor of the downtown area."

Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the door. For more information, call 334-8085.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

418 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO

132 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, MO