Lobster trap tree buoys now up for auction
Stonington — The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce has opened up auction bidding on 113 of the 360 painted buoys that decorate the lobster trap Christmas tree at the Town Dock.
The 25-foot-tall tree, which is made from 378 lobster traps and decorated with lights, has attracted more than 20,000 visitors since it was unveiled on Nov. 27. The tree, which will remain up until the end of this month, recently was recognized by BBC News as "one of the 18 most Amazing trees in the world."
The minimum bid for the buoys, which were painted by professional artists, is $40. Chamber President Lisa Konicki said some already have received bids as much as $300. All proceeds from the auction will be used to make next year's tree larger with more lights.
Online bidding can be done at lobstertraptree.com/buoys-artists. In-person bidding will take place Feb. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary Church. A "Buoy Your Spirits" auction, in which final bids can be made, will take place that evening. Tickets are $25 and registration is available at oceanchamber.org.
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