The biggest bargain of the Christmas season is happening tonight, when The Point/ARC of Northern Kentucky auctions nine fully decorated, lighted artificial Christmas trees in what has become an unintentionally secret auction. The trees, decorated by designers and major business donors, have been on display in the lobby of 50 RiverCenter Blvd. - the home of the Metropolitan Club - in downtown Covington.
But the lobby doesn’t have the electrical hookups necessary to light nine trees, plus Victorian-styled lamp posts and huge snowflakes that make up the silent auction display. “The lights aren’t on and no one is really noticing the trees,” said Gay Middendorf, who is on the tree auction committee. The trees have been on display for several weeks but the bid box was almost empty on Wednesday.
Tonight is the auction finale - where the trees will go to the highest bidders at a free reception 7 to 9 p.m. at the RiverCenter. “Nobody knows they’re there,” said Middendorf. “Somebody is going to get a fully decorated, lighted tree for a song.” The bids will start at $400, about what the trees cost without any decorations. The tree decorated by Sterling Cut Glass includes a $50 gift certificate to the store. The tree is flocked white, with crystal beads and etched ornaments.
Metronation, a contemporary home furnishing store in Cincinnati, donated a “Contemporary Christmas” tree, decorated in black, white and silver with brushed aluminum reindeer and stars, and a glittery black star on top. Smith Barney, Thomas Follmer and Cindy Rogers donated the “Victorian Christmas” tree, decked with white wicker sleighs, candies, toys, and wrapped presents. Munninghoff Lange & Co.