With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the Lumberyard Arts Center is holding its annual Chocolate Auction, offering the community a chance to stock up on sweets before Valentine’s Day arrives. Doors will open at noon on Sunday, Feb. 7, at their location on High Street in Baldwin City.

The event will begin with a silent auction at 12:30 p.m. and will move into the live auction at 2 p.m. As the day is meant for the whole family, a special children’s table will have a silent auction just for kids.

Donations of auction items will be accepted at the Lumberyard from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, and also from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on the day of the auction.

Though this is the 28th year the auction will be held, originating as a way to raise money for scholarships for Baldwin City High School seniors interested in pursuing a higher education in art, this will be the sixth year the Lumberyard Arts Center is in charge of hosting and planning the event.

Connie Deel, Baker’s chief human resources officer, will oversee the event and thinks that it is a great place to find unique gifts for that special someone on Valentine’s Day. According to Deel, th event will offer “paintings, photographs, ceramics, stained glass, woodworking, fabric art, chocolate, baked goods, jewelry, more chocolate, children’s tables and refreshments.”

Though admission is free, a suggested donation of one dollar is requested. All proceeds will benefit the LAC Scholarship Fund and other art-related activities in the future. Deel encourages all members of the Baldwin City community to attend.

“The entire community is invited for a fun afternoon of great refreshments, art, community and fellowship,” Deel stated in an email interview.

For anyone interested in attending, The Lumberyard Arts Center is located at 718 High St. in Baldwin City. For any questions or comments, contact the center at [email protected] or visit their website at www.lumberyardartscenter.org.