Cedar Boat Club spring auction to raise funds for Ellis fireworks show

April 14 auction to feature both live, silent auction items

The Cedar Boat Club, a longtime Cedar Rapids nonprofit organization, will hold its annual CBC Spring Auction Sunday, April 14 at The Double Z Bar & Grill.

The auction is the primary annual fundraising event to cover costs associated with hosting the privately-funded July 3 Ellis Fireworks show July 3.

Entrance to the auction is free, but seating space is limited. All auction attendees may bid; however, winning bidders must register.

Auction item previews are available at facebook.com/cedarboatclub.

The auction starts at 2 p.m., with bidder registration beginning at 12:30 p.ml. The event features both live and silent auctions, with musical entertainment during breaks, and is expected to wrap up around 6 pm.

“This is our most significant annual fundraiser, and this year we have a lofty goal of increasing our fireworks budget by 33%,” said 2024 CBC Board Secretary Jody Bowers. “With the help of club members and supporting businesses, we have assembled an incredible lineup of auction items, featuring top-end Blackstone griddles, a Pit Boss Smoker, RS Smith Typhoon water slide, plus tons of fantastic artwork, coveted collectibles and much more.”

The July 3 Ellis Fireworks show, sponsored by Cassill Motors, is back on its traditional schedule, occurring the evening prior to Independence Day. They are best viewed from the Ellis Park & Harbor area in northwest Cedar Rapids.

The Ellis Fireworks are a longstanding tradition for generations in the area, but Cedar Boat Club leaders say expenses for the event have risen post-COVID, spurring the need for community support.

For more information about the Cedar Boat Club auction, the July 3 Ellis Fireworks show, or to donate online, go to www.cedarboatclub.org.

Founded in 1948, the Cedar Boat Club is a community development nonprofit organization whose mission includes promoting and protecting recreational boating access, advocating for water safety and waterway conservation, and presenting the July 3 Ellis Fireworks and other family-friendly events.