Bob Dorest, Ed Paxton, Dennis Doan and John Treat took quite a bit of time making this sign, which will reside on Placida Road just off-island until the festival takes place.

A number of specialty items – ranging from tickets to the daytime television show “The View” to trips, works by well-known artists and gourmet dinners – will be among the items featured at the live and silent auctions at the annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowninshield Community House and nearby grounds.

The Strawberry Festival is held annually by the United Methodist Women to raise money for women and children in need.

Along with the auctions, the event includes the Bargain Room where hundreds of good deals are available. A specialty Boutique Shoppe offers one-of-a kind items at reasonable prices. Shell-themed craft items made by local artisans also are available.

A “dazzling dig” for adults and children offers a chance to win jewelry. Strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits, hot dogs and brats and bake sale delicacies are among the attractions of the festival, which was first held more than 20 years ago.

“The live auction is back after a two-year hiatus,” said Kathi Hustedt, 2013 Strawberry Festival chair. “We have some really unusual items, such as four tickets to Emmy-winning daytime program, The View, packaged with a cast ‘meet and greet,’ dinner for four at the Palm and hotel accommodations, all in New York City. Some of the island’s best cooks are also offering dinner packages and we have wonderful artwork.

“In all, we will have 10 outstanding items for the live auction and nearly 50 unique silent auction offerings. We are very excited that generous donors have made these items available to the public as a way of benefitting many charities and making this a very fun event.”

Items on the auction block will include:

• A week in a historic flat designed in the 18th century in beautiful, romantic Bath, England; sleeps three
• A two-night stay for two people at the Gasparilla Inn, and two rounds of golf with a cart and a dining gift certificate for $400; must be used in the spring of 2013
• Four VIP status tickets for “The View” TV show in New York City, and accommodations at the Algonquin Hotel for two nights, and four dinners at The Palm restaurant
• An original oil painting by Jane Carlson
• Dinner for eight people in your home or his, by Tim Dumas, known for his Cajun dishes. You can enjoy a Louisiana dish or work with Tim to create your own menu. Alcohol is not included
• Dinner for six people at the Boca Grande Club with two bottles of house wine
• A pastel original painting titled “Garden with Cactus” by Wini Smart
• A week at the incredible Boat House in Naples, designed by architect Dwight Oakley
• A beautiful piece of art by Utah-based artist and sculptor Stacy Phillips
• Photographic services, including an outdoor portrait session and one 11 x 14  “watercolor” photo by Heidemarie Burke
• Golf and lunch for four at Coral Creek Club

There are rumors a kids’ area will be provided this year as well, including face painting, balloons, games and more. Keep reading the Boca Beacon for more information.

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