One of the most eagerly-awaited events of Bear on the Square weekend each year is the Live Country Auction. The auction takes place in the large Mainstage Tent in Hancock Park on Friday night, the opening night of the festival.

The items to be auctioned will be available for viewing at 5 p.m. with music provided by BlueBilly Grit, a premier bluegrass band from North Georgia. There will also be food available for preview attendees with catering by Shenanigan’s Irish Pub and Bourbon Street Grille of Dahlonega. Then, at 6 p.m., the spirited bidding will begin with professional auctioneer Sam Williamson in charge of proceedings.

Each year, the auction features the work of area folk artist Billy Roper, along with the work of other talented local artists and juried artists taking part in Bear on the Square's Mountain Marketplace. including artists from the John C. Campbell Folk School, the Marketplace sponsor. There will also be bidding on gift baskets, services and other products from the local business community.

Auction Sponsor is North Georgia Wealth Management Group (www.ngwmg.com) of Dahlonega. Founded by Laura J. LaTourette, CFP®, the independent financial planning practice specializes in serving pre-retirees and retirees with fee-based and hourly financial planning and fee-based wealth management services, including wealth transfer and preservation through wealth structuring, estate planning, investment management and trust services.

Melanie Pruitt, who is auction chair once again this year, said, "As in the past, we need the support of our local merchants, businesses, and community to make this auction a success.  We will begin accepting donations and contributions any time between now and the [preferred] deadline date of Thursday, April 15.” Pruitt urged those planning to provide items for the auction to contact her prior to the deadline so she can get them on the auction log sheet. "If donations are brought in late, it's unlikely we'll be able to get your name and donation on the log sheet for auction attendees and we don't want to leave anyone out, if possible.”

Pruitt, who noted that contributors will receive a receipt for tax purposes, said she can be reached at 706-864-0374 or by email at Melanie.  "We can pick up your donation or you can drop it off at Cranberry Corners, our donation headquarters, and we ask that you include a brief description of the item and its approximate retail value.  She also expressed appreciation to the community for its continued support of the event. “This is what keeps this festival going year after year, and we want to thank you in advance."