Mel’s Trading post and Nicolet National Bank donated an Old Town kayak as an auction item for the 29th annual Kiwanis Winter Escapes Extravaganza. The Kiwanis event, to be held this weekend — March 5 at Hodag Banquet Centern in Rhinelander, has raised over $325,000 for community projects and programs for children and families including playground equipment at Pioneer Park, the Food Pantry greenhouse and the outdoor basketball court at Central School.

Drawings for gift certificates and merchandise donated by local merchants will be held throughout the evening, in addition to drawings for $1,000 and $2,000 cash prizes. Proceeds from this year’s event  will be used to construct an indoor/outdoor children’s art education classroom at ArtStart in Rhinelander.

Ticket prices are $40. Only 500 Winter Escapes tickets will be sold. Tickets are available from any Kiwanian or by calling 715-367-3715.

Holding the kayak are (left) Dave Dietrich, paddlesport buyer at Mel’s Trading Post, and Dana DeMet, Rhinelander branch manager for Nicolet Bank.