Friday night, April 18

One of the most eagerly-awaited events of Bear on the Square weekend each year is the Live Country Auction, which takes place in the large Mainstage Tent at Bear Central in Hancock Park on Friday night, the opening night of the festival.

The items to be auctioned will be available for viewing at 5 p.m. with music provided by Greybeard, a local band formerly known as Uncle Daddy. Then, at 6 p.m., the spirited bidding will begin with professional auctioneer Sam Williamson in charge of proceedings.

Each year, the auction features the work of area folk artist Billy Roper, along with the work of other talented local artists and juried artists taking part in Bear on the Square's Georgia Mountain Marketplace. There will also be bidding on gift baskets, services and other products from the local business community. Also included in this year's auction is a new guitar donated by Larrivée Guitars USA.