SMOKEY POINT — The season of auctions is now well underway, as the Arlington Arts Council’s Oct. 16 “Fall Into Art” fundraiser auction was followed Oct. 23 by the annual “Spooktacular” fundraiser auction conducted by Soroptimist International of Marysville.

Although this year’s Spooktacular at the Medallion Hotel filled 20 fewer seats than last year’s, it still drew 149 attendees, which Spooktacular co-chair Carol Biegler deemed a strong showing given the current economic climate.

“I think they save up all year just to have fun here,” Biegler laughed, as attendees in Halloween costumes and everyday outfits alike crowded the silent auction tables. “The bidding has been heavy on everything. People get so excited when their numbers come up and they realize they’ve won.”

“It’s a great turnout,” agreed Marysville Soroptimist President Renae James. “We’ve got folks out here from Puyallup, Seattle and Olympia.”

Arlington’s Jessica Stickles attended the auction for her third year, this year dressed as a Revolutionary War officer, to indulge her sweet tooth for the chocolates up for auction, as well as to bid on scented candles and massage packages. Tulalip resident Jim Mattson, clad as a Medieval court jester, couldn’t resist bidding on the Everett Silvertips package, and was also impressed with one of the flower arrangements up for auction. As for Marysville’s Suzanne Perry, she spent her second Soroptimist auction putting her name down for a variety of gift cards, offering discounts and freebies on services ranging from massages to haircuts.

The diversity of costumes on display was almost as eye-catching as the items up for bid. James’ pigtails and blue gingham dress as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” complemented the costumes of “Cowardly Lion” Rob Patterman and his wife, “Tin Man” Wendy Patterman. Debbie Whitfield and Marysville Soroptimist Vice President Teresa Trivett showed up in matching gold lamé cat-woman ensembles, while former Marysville Soroptimist President Rosie Reynaud and her husband David dressed as a police officer and an escaped crook, respectively.

The evening’s entertainment also helped support community-minded causes, as James reported that the event’s fundraising total was more than $25,000.

“It’s safe to say we made more then we had hoped for,” said James, who thanked both the bidders and the donors of the auction’s items.