Solos, duets and some five-part singing are planned in three sets between art auctioning by Clyde McGeary and antique auctioning by Nevin Fahnestock. A pair of axe casting molds from a former Lewistown business is attracting attention among auction organizers. Donated by friends of hotel owner Jane Scott, the pieces come with a letter of authenticity. The locks in the painting are from the Pennsylvania Canal. It's a very historic structure.
Many more paintings are on the block, donated by arts council member artists and collectors.
Antiques range from Depression and carnival glass to a large wood and glass display case, mahogany corner shelf and a dovetailed dough tray table. Among the dozens of silent auction items are preserves, pickles, soups, champagne and theater tickets. A Thanksgiving dinner basket comes complete with a coupon for a turkey from Perry County's Hoover Farm. Proceeds benefit adult and children's programming at the nonprofit arts council with galleries and offices on the square in Newport. Attracting up to 8,000 people to Little Buffalo State Park near Newport every third week in September since 1983, the festival boasts musicians and other entertainers, a juried arts show, crafts, ethnic foods and hands-on crafts.