2024 Stonington Lobster Trap Tree - Buoy Auction

163 of 460 the hand painted/crafted buoys are available for sale!  Own a piece of history and support this special project when you purchase this one-of-a-kind custom piece of art.  Each buoy comes with a certificate of authenticity.  Please note that the photographs on this site were taken prior to the buoys being displayed for a 6-week period on the tree. Buoys are strapped tight into place but it is possible that some scratches or nicks could occur.  When the tree comes down in mid-January, we will inspect the buoys. If any have major damage their photos will be updated on this website.  Minor damage should be expected and does not negate auction bids.  If you have concerns about bidding on a buoy (that could potentially incur weather damage or scratching from the traps) please refrain from bidding online. Instead, you should utilize the in-person option to inspect on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 12AM -2PM at The Velvet Mill Studios in Stonington Borough - Free Admission. 

Bidding is 100% online though this platform!  You have the options to select the button "exact bid" that is a specific dollar amount such as the $100 minimum or at least $10 more than the previous bid.  Alternatively you can select the "proxy bid"  button, which will place your bid $10 dollars higher than the present bid but allows the software to automatically increase your bid in $10 increments to the maximum cap that you designated in this box.  Example, if you're bidding on buoy that has a $100 bid and you enter in a proxy bid of $250, the system will place your first bid at $110 and then only increase it to a maximum of $250 if other people come back into the bidding process.  In this scenario, someone else's bid of $120 would force an automatic increase in $10 intervals as it moves closer towards your $250 cap.  If you need this explained further, feel free to call 401-596-7761.

Attending the private buoy auction event will be fun and festive but will not give you any sort of bidding advantage.  If you are the successful bidder however, you will be able to take home your buoy that night! 

** NOTE**  This is a legally binding bid and payment is required within 72 hours if you are the winner. 

THIS ONLINE AUCTION IS CONCLUSIVE. THERE IS ALSO A PUBLIC VIEWING  ON FEBRUARY 1, 2025 AT THE VELVET MILL (FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC).  ADMISSION TO THE TICKETED PRIVATE EVENT LATER THAT NIGHT COSTS $30 AND INCLUDES BEER, WINE AND APPETIZERS.  

https://square.link/u/xATJUv47

These buoys make a great gift or beautiful decoration for your home or office.  They can be made into beautiful lamps!  Proceeds from this auction are reinvested back into the project to help cover some of the $50,000+ annual up-front costs to produce the tree.

For more information about the internationally recognized and locally loved Stonington Lobster Trap Tree please visit:
LobsterTrapTree.com

** Be Advised** The OCCC has the right to negate any bids from a previous participant who was the successful high bidder but did not honor their commitment and pay our non-profit org for their buoy.   Also, all bidders must also submit their FULL NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER.  Neglecting to fill in any of these categories will also nullify your bid.

Is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the region’s economy and the quality of life for residents in Southern RI and Southeastern CT. It provides valuable marketing and revenue generating business programs including a two state gift certificate program that supports small businesses with nearly $300,000 in revenue. The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce administers the Town of Stonington and Borough of Stonington ARPA grant programs for small business. It also produces numerous free community events in Stonington including Stonington Lobster Trap Tree, River Glow, the Pawcatuck River Duck Race and a summer Sunset Movie series.