PORT TOWNSEND — The auction of things Fort Worden State Park visitors left behind is a little-publicized annual event in one of the standard pre-war white buildings that dot the campus near Port Townsend, and the attendees tend to trickle into the room in twos and threes.
There’s not much noise because it’s a silent auction, unless you count Grace Ehresmah, 2 1/2, who was given to squeals and babbles at opportune moments.
A bright blue Find Me Play Tunnel offered the perfect opportunity as Grace tested her capacity for risk, Mom at one end, Dad at the other.
Abandoned objects
Kim and Carl Ehresmah of Belfair snatched up the tunnel — which some other parents had left behind — as soon as they walked in the door Saturday.
“We were up here camping, and they gave us a flier,” said Kim, explaining how she knew about the auction.
They got the tunnel without a bid. It was one of many items available for just a donation.
Grace seemed to think it was perfect. Or maybe the giant exercise ball next to it was perfect. She couldn’t decide as she scampered between the two.
Both were off in the corner of a big room filled with things others had abandoned after staying at the campground or the officer’s quarters or the dormitories that support the thousands who visit yearly — some for peace and tranquility at the beach, others for the shows, festivals and workshops that go on year-round.
One girl’s treasures
Grace had found her treasures, but there were tables of others — clothing, bedding and linens, corners with bicycles and wagons, boxes stuffed with dozens of children’s plastic beach toys.
Saturday was the second such auction at the fort.
Last year, 30 bidders paid $400 for the items, said Kate Burke, parks manager.
The money is put to good use toward programs at the fort, she said.
Leftovers from the auction — and there are always plenty of those — will be put to good use, too.
They are donated to the city’s local free store, where people in need can find things like warm sweaters, heavy blankets and kitchen items.
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Julie McCormick is a freelance writer and photographer living in Port Townsend. Phone her at 360-385-4645 or e-mail juliemccormick10@gmail.com.