Yes, it’s October and that means the holiday season will be here before we know it.

That means shopping. For your consideration: opportunities to browse, bid and buy at two special auctions – and help some very worthy causes close to area citizens’ hearts.

On October 16, the 2nd Annual Safe Harbor Taster’s Dinner arrives at the Southside Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Greenville.

The event, which runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., will feature a delicious array of dishes to sample, live entertainment and fun door prizes. There will also be a plentiful selection of items to bid on during the event’s Silent Auction.

Expect everything from elegant home accessories to yard tools, collectibles, gift certificates from area businesses, autographed footballs and much more, says Sara Jean Atkins of Safe Harbor.

“We are so excited about the items we have to offer our guests this year in the silent auction,” Atkins said.

Some of the most unique items to bid on can be put to use right now. They include a veritable patch-full of hand-painted and decorated pumpkins perfect for the season.

There’s a smiling lady pumpkin complete with a colorful cloth kerchief and cap, and a charming teddy bear pumpkin (both created by Safe Harbor counselor Carolyn Spencer) among the many designs to be offered that night.

“Aren’t these great? Carolyn is so creative,” Atkins says with a smile as she shows off Spencer’s creations.

“And we have more designs being created by art instructor TK Lee and her students at Fort Dale Academy, and Stacey Edwards and her art students at Greenville High. I hear one of them is going to be a peacock pumpkin – won’t that be unusual?”

Other silent auction items sure to bring a lot of interest are the Alabama, Auburn and Troy autographed footballs, back by popular demand.

“These drew a lot of bidders and raised a lot of money for Safe Harbor last year. If you want a fantastic Christmas gift for your favorite fan or want to treat yourself, be sure and bid on these footballs,” Atkins encouraged.

Tickets are now on sale for the event and are $10 per person. Advance purchase is recommended. Contact Safe Harbor at 382-8584 for more info.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, an even bigger variety of items will be available at the giant auction to benefit the Butler County Humane Society. Starting at 11:05 a.m., everything from heart of pine doors and a vintage trestle sewing machine to lawn mowers and pick-ups will be on the block at the Kiwanis James Peavy Exhibit Hall at the Butler County Fairgrounds. Enjoy barbecue prepared by a pair of blue-ribbon chefs, Tom and Mary Lou Crenshaw, and bid and buy knowing the monies are going to help homeless animals.

The event will be a major fundraiser for the Humane Society’s current project: the establishment of a “Second Chance” no-kill animal shelter in the county.

“We will certainly continue to support our city’s animal shelter, but the ‘Second Chance’ project is a way to save more adoptable animals from being put down. We will only accept animals who have a real chance of becoming a part of someone’s family,” BCHS President Herbert Morton said.

“We appreciate all those who have donated to this cause, and we invite auction and animal lovers to come out and join us at the fairgrounds on Oct. 18,” Morton said.

For more info on the upcoming auction, contact Herbert Morton at 382-4611.