The Lake Vermilion Cultural Center will be hosting it’s first online auction as part of the annual Midsummer Benefit. It begins on Friday, June 6 at 9:00 am and will end on the night of the event, June 14 at 6:00. There are up to 50 Items in the online auction including an exciting selection of services, activities, art, gift cards and gift baskets. The advantage of an online auction is that participants can view the items and make bids even if they can’t attend the event or are outside the area. Participants can view the auction without an account; however, an account is needed for entering bids. Setting up an account is simple. Online payment will be required and will speed up the check-out process. You may find the auction items at www.32auctions. com/LVCC2025. A QR code (pictured) is also available to access the website. The 32auctions website is easy to use and has an abundance of help tools and a demo to guide you along.

The final hour of the online auction will be during the social hour at the Herbert Lamppa Civic Center where final bids can be made until 6:00. A help desk will be available for those who need assistance at the event. Bidders not in attendance can continue bidding during this time. A smaller in-person silent auction with 20 items will be held inside the Civic Center from 5:00 to 6:00. A cash bar will be available for your enjoyment.

Winners may pick up their online items in the Halunen lobby at the LVCC after the Midsummer program at 8:30 pm on June 14. A few items will be available to be shipped at the winner’s expense.

The LVCC is also pleased to announce more live auction items. As previously listed, there will be a one week stay at a French alpine chalet which sleeps eight people. Another one week stay will be offered at La Rocca, a northern Italian bed and breakfast in the wine country near Milan. The ever popular tickets to the the Minnesota Wild will be offered. New this year is a 45 minute plane ride over Lake Vermilion for four people in a classic DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver. There will also be two tickets to a MN Vikings game. Mealey’s in Ely donated another beautiful Amish polywood rocking chair this year. The live auction will be held after dinner with Steve Solkela leading the auction.

Start bidding today (Friday June 6 at 9:00 am) on the online items and check your bids often until June 14 at 6:00 pm. And if you’re attending the gala event get a group together to plan your bidding strategy.