Boy Scouts from the Jackson District helped raise over $76,000 last Saturday, all by auctioning Elk Antlers. What started as a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts has turned into a Service Project and Community Festival.

Eighty percent of the auction revenue is donated to the Elk Refuge, which uses the money to sustain the herd over the winter months. The Scouts have a close partnership with the Refuge and volunteer almost year round preparing for the auction. Volunteers collect the antlers, and then prepare them for auction by matching, weighing and bundling them. The Auction is the highlight of the activities attracting over 125 registered bidders.

Over the years the auction has attracted craftsman and other Vendors wishing to cater to the bidders. Now the Rotary Club sponsors a vendor booth area on the square, and a Old Timer’s Picnic Dinner has been established. The Scouts also use the publicity to promote Boy Scouts, holding their annual Expo at the same time.