Silent auction moves to online

Each year, the Louisiana Forestry Association holds a silent auction in conjunction with its annual convention. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual convention had to be canceled for the second consecutive year.

However, with a mini conference set for Nov. 4, the LFA is setting up an online auction, sort of an abridged version.

Bonnette Auctions is handling the online logistics; all you have to do is click and bid! There will be five exceptional items on the auction block. Bidders will have to create an account, which will include payment information, to bid. Bidding begins 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11 and ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.

Winners will be announced on Friday, Oct. 29. Items will be able to be picked up at the LFA office after the winning bidders are announced or at the Mini Conference on Thursday, Nov. 4 at the Holiday Inn Alexandria — Downtown.

Here are the items up for bid ...

This customized iron fire pit depicts a forest silhouette on two sides and flordelis on the other two sides. It's a beautifully made fire pit ready to help warm any fall or winter outdoor gathering. This item was made and donated by Corey Basco with CBC Welding and Fabrication LLC and is valued at about $350!

This print of a painting by Dewana Troquille, who also donated the print. This blue heron print is the only print that has been made of this original Troquille painting. This original, only print of its kind, is worth more than $200!

This handmade throw quilt is a creation of Claudia Johnson, who made this specially for this fundraiser. It's beautifully handcrafted and looks great as a decoration or will warm you on cool evenings. This creation is valued at more than $200!

This is a cool item for techno-buffs. This foldable drone has an HD camera built in and can be piloted using an app on your iPhone or Android phone. This compact drone valued at more than $250 was donated by Weyerhaeuser.

Family fun with a patriotic twist is this specially made corn hole game with stars and stripes on the beanbags, too! This is valued at more than $200 and includes a handy carry bag to hold the beanbags. This item, valued at $250, was made and donated by T&T Cornhole of Deville.