Before this weekend, Camden resident John Protain had never been to an auction. But on Saturday, Protain placed his first bid ever at the 10th annual Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce Auction.

Protain, 36, was among an estimated 160 participants who attended this year's auction, which was held Saturday evening at The Pines at Elizabeth City country club. The theme this year was "Carnival Rio," an event that included plenty of wining, dining, networking and bidding. There was a large spread of hors d'oeuvres, live samba performances and dancing. And Carolina Carriages of Corolla and Camden provided horse-drawn carriage rides throughout the evening. Tickets for the auction were $35 each, and proceeds will help support the Chamber's annual operations.

(ENLARGE)

Betty Sugg Meggs (left) speaks with Joan Atkinson at the auction, which was held Saturday at The Pines at Elizabeth City.

Staff photos by Justin Falls (ENLARGE)

Mary Leigh Barrett's reflection is seen in a pair of sunglasses up for bid at the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce Auction, Saturday.

Protain, who owns a truck accessories business, placed his first-ever bid on an outdoor seafood cooker that was donated by Albemarle Propane, Ace Hardware and Farm Fresh.

"I was interested to see how (the auction) works," he said of the Chamber's big summer fund-raiser.

Local businesses donated 41 auction lots for the silent auction, and 32 lots for the live auction.

Lots ranged from an overnight stay for two in Elizabeth City at the Hampton Inn to a set of season tickets for each 2009 performance at Encore Theatre, complete with dinner for two before each show. That lot was sponsored by Cypress Creek Grill, Thumpers and Toyoma.

Chamber President Jennifer Palestrant, who organized the auction with Chamber membership chair Kelly Thorsby, said she was pleased with the community's support.

"We're thrilled with the response we got and turnout for such a busy weekend," Palestrant said.

One participant, Lois Sanders, said she saw plenty of interest in one particular lot called, "Embarq on a NASCAR adventure." That lot included tickets for two to the upcoming The Bank of America 500 Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway set for Saturday, Oct. 11.

That package, donated by Embarq and Toyota of Elizabeth City, included an overnight stay at the Embassy Suites, shuttle service to the track, a rental car for the weekend, and an autographed Jeff Gordon die cast car and signed Jimmie Johnson pit cap.

In addition to auction lots, Palestrant said there were a number of financial donors, including Elizabeth City Brick Company — a chief sponsor.

Curtis Chambers of Elizabeth City Brick said he enjoyed sponsoring last year's auction so much he wanted to do it again.

"It gives us a chance to mingle with everyone in the area," he said, adding that he particularly enjoyed the "casual" atmosphere.

Food and beverages were provided by City Beverage, Coca Cola and The Pines. Decorating was by Shindigz Event Planning.

Contact Bob Montgomery at

bmontgomery@coxnc.com