As in years past, those attending the Tour of Homes special event on April 25, “The Enchanted Evening,” will be able to bid in the live and silent auctions.

Can’t attend the event, but want to bid? No problem. Simply submit an absentee bid form and someone will place your bid for you. Want a chance at winning something special before The Enchanted Evening? Check out the Exciting Extras Auction, where a select number of special items and some “White Hats” will be up for bid. Read on for details and check the Tour website bigcanoetour.org for additional photos.

With the purchase of tickets to The Enchanted Evening special event, attendees were given a detailed catalogue of auction items. There will be 14 fabulous items offered in the live auction, including vacations--Hilton Head, Orange Beach, Salt Lake City, Curacao and Belize; jewelry--a gold and diamond pendant, a gold and diamond Big Canoe Chapel bell tower charm, and (if it has not already sold in the Exciting Extras auction described below) a gold and diamond Cartier watch; home enhancements--a cedar arbor, a 42-inch flat-screen HD TV, complete underdecking, and a home maintenance package; a catered dinner for 12 from The Atlanta Fish Market; plus--20 white top hats to the first 20 guys or gals offering $200 for the honor of wearing one!

The silent auction will have 12 different tables offering more than 175 practical to practically irresistible items! Table 1 will have items to entice women. Table 2 will offer items for men. Table 3 will feature sports and fitness items. Tables 4 and 5 will offer an array of things for the home and garden. Table 6 will include wine and dinning options. Table 7 will feature arts and leisure offerings. Table 8 will have art pieces. Table 9 will have items grandparents will love. Table 10 will have items for pets. Table 11 will offer professional services. Table 12 will feature bears.

For the first time, it will be possible to place an absentee bid for items offered in The Enchanted Evening live and silent auctions. A copy of the catalogue and the absentee bid forms can be picked up during April at the postal facility and the Big Canoe Chapel office. They will also be available during Stand-Around at the Chapel. You can also clip and use the form included in this special edition of Smoke Signals. Bids must be delivered or faxed to the Chapel office. The fax number is 706-268-3489. The deadline for submitting an absentee bid is 4 p.m. April 24.

Exciting extras indeed! Leading up to the April 25 special event auction, a separate “mini” silent auction of nine incredible items will be held. It will also be possible to purchase one of a limited number of “White Hats.” Seven of these items and the “White Hats” are featured in the accompanying photos.

You already may have seen these items on display around Big Canoe along with the bid sheets, if not, look for them at the postal facility on Thursday, April 16 and 23 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. or exercise your right to bid at the fitness center from 9 a.m. until noon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays. Bid sheets will also be available during the Chapel Stand Around on Sunday, April 19 and will show up, unannounced, at other locations around Big Canoe. Final bids for these nine items will be accepted until noon on Friday, April 24 at the Chapel office.