Lights Out! Auction scheduled for Sept. 15

Saturday, August 25, 2007 12:17 AM CDT

Journal Times staff

RACINE — On Sept. 15, it will be lights out in Downtown Racine as the lighthouses of "Lighten Up! In Downtown Racine" go on the auction block. The Lights Out! Lighthouse Auction will be held at Memorial Hall, 72 Seventh St. The public is invited as Downtown’s public art pieces are auctioned to the highest bidders.

Do you have a favorite lighthouse? Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Log onto http://www.racinedowntown.com/PicturesofLighthouses.html to vote for your favorite. The artist of the top vote-getting lighthouse will win a $100 downtown gift certificate. The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at the auction. Votes can be cast through Sept. 12.

On Sept. 15, prior to the voice auction, cash prizes will be awarded to the artists of the top three lighthouses. They are:

n First Place (winning $3,000) — Children! Shining Lights of our Future. Artist: Cathy McCombs and The Prairie School Third Grade Children. Sponsor: Gene Johnson.

n Second Place (winning $2,000) — Calling All Ships. Artist: Diane Soller of Racine. Sponsor: Racine Heritage Museum.

n Third Place (winning $1,000) — Get the Drift. Artist: Jeff Levonian of Racine. Sponsor: Dimples Fine Imports.

Doors open at 3 p.m. for a preview of the lighthouses and the start of the silent auction.

Admission is $3. Food and refreshments will be sold and there will be live entertainment.

Advance bid numbers for the voice auction are available at the Downtown Racine Corporation office, 425 Main St., beginning Sept. 4.

For anyone not able to attend the auction but who is interested in bidding on their favorite lighthouse, proxy bidders will be available. For more information on this service, call the Downtown Racine Corporation at (262) 634-6002.

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