A full day of pouring rain failed to keep supporters of Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) from showing up to bid high and often at this year’s Preservation Party. Held under a huge big-top tent on the grounds of Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, the sold-out fundraiser was a great success despite the gloomy weather on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Nearly every ticket holder arrived to show their support for local history and to respond to auctioneer Kaja Vielleux’s offers of intriguing experiences. Energetic bidding ensued on a Colonial-style dinner for eight in the courthouse tavern, a flight over the Midcoast, a cruise on a reproduction schooner, several weekend getaways ranging from rustic to glamorous, and more.

But the liveliest bidding of the evening came when attendees found themselves competing for nine fabulous cakes, including irresistible treats such as salted pumpkin caramel cake, chocolate Dubai cake and coquito cake. The cakes sold for hundreds of dollars each and were subsequently shared among the happy guests.

Other income came from donations to help cover many of the essential everyday expenses of maintaining a small nonprofit, from electricity and water to a new stapler for Executive Director Shannon Gilmore. Gilmore said, “I am frugal with the LCHA budget because I want every donation and membership to make the greatest impact it can, so perhaps I have waited too long to replace my broken stapler!”

When the last guest had pulled away and hard-working volunteers had finished stacking up the chairs, Board President Jamey Tanzer announced that the event had brought in nearly $45,000, a true testament to the support of a community that values its history and heritage.

Lincoln County Historical Association is a non-profit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum in Wiscasset. For more information, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org or Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine).