The Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance announced the 27th annual Christmas Around the Square event was again successful. The courthouse was filled with craft and gift vendors on all three floors. The annual auction featured thirty one unique holiday baskets which were donated by Alliance member businesses. Over $4,200 was raised during the event. To view photos of the unique baskets, learn who donated, and who purchased them, visit the Alliance website at www.hardinohio.org.

The highest bid received during this year’s auction was $605 for “The Man Tree” donated by Men of the Alliance and purchased by Quest Federal Credit Union. This year, the container was a rolling Craftsman toolbox with a collection of items to complete those “Honey to Do List.” It also included a tote full of goodies for all the manly basics to survive the holiday season.

During the auction, Quest announced that they would be donating “The Man Tree” to the Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation for auction during the Mistletoe Ball scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7. The purchasers hope the Foundation is able to raise twice as much as the initial bid, with proceeds benefiting the Hardin Memorial Hospital Emergency Room renovation.

Additional highlights to the event included: the Harco Choir and delicious homemade food prepared by the Hardin County Homemakers.
The annual auction is a fundraiser sponsored by the Alliance with proceeds benefiting the Alliance’s efforts to promote economic growth, business development and retention, tourism, and downtown revitalization in Hardin County.