An array of Peabody memorabilia, souvenirs, early advertising pieces, architectural salvage, and other items will go on the auction block at 8 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion to benefit Peabody Main Street.

“We have gotten some pretty interesting items,” Main Street executive director Shane Marler said. “We will even be selling a jar of cash that has been donated by several people who hang on to their change. It’s a good sized container. It will be interesting to see what that brings.”

A hog roast prepared by Janet Post and Preston Hodges and their kitchen crew will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the traditional “To-Die-For” dessert auction.

“The point of the dessert auction is for all the people at one table to select a dessert they like and then pool their money and buy it,” Marler said. “But it doesn’t always turn out like that so it is important to choose your tablemates carefully if dessert is important to you.”

Funds raised at the auction help pay for events, promotions, advertising, and expenses incurred by Peabody Main Street Association.

“We always hope that promotions like the Sleepy Creek concert series, the Christmas event, or Operation Celebration will generate enough of a following that we make some money on them,” Marler said. “But the state also requires us to have enough in the bank to pay our bills. Sometimes promotions just barely cover their own expenses. So fund raising events like the benefit auction are necessary for our program to succeed.

“And besides, the evening is just plain fun,” he added.

Tickets to the hog roast are available from any Main Street board member or from Marler at the city building. They are $10 each. There is no charge to attend the auction.

For more information, contact Marler at (620) 983-2174. To leave an absentee bid, contact Susan Marshall at (620) 983-2771.