Get ready, get set — bid!

It’s time for Bacchanal 2006, which features a live art and fine craft auction, as well as a sumptuous cocktail buffet and selection of wines and beers for sampling — all in support of scholarships for our art students.

Hosted by Spankies Restaurant, this year’s event is set for Sunday, Oct. 8. The 10th anniversary celebration runs from 1 to 5 p.m., with the live auction starting at 2:30 p.m.

Some of this year's Bacchanal sponsors and donors are Michael Floyd, Steeplechase Apartments; George Dixon, Budweiser of Cookeville; Beth Smith, Cookeville Convention and Visitors Bureau; Ted McWilliams; Sheila Cupp, Spring Creek Pie Co.; Isaiah Allen, Spankies' staff; and Lee Wray, Clear Channel Communications.

Reservations are $35 per person until Friday, Oct. 6, and $40 at the door.

Each guest will receive a complimentary wine or pilsner glass, and free valet parking is available.

“Art programs on the main campus and at the Craft Center have grown to nearly 150 bachelor of fine art majors,” says Ward Doubet, Craft Center Director and Bacchanal Committee Chairman.

“The Bacchanal event currently provides four $1,000 scholarships annually to art students and is building an endowment that will increase these awards and provide them permanently,” he continues. “So by attending the Bacchanal, people not only get to enjoy the great food, and the wine and beer tasting, but also participate in a great tradition of supporting emerging artists in this region.”

The 2006 Bacchanal Scholarship winners are Rachel Aleksander, fibers major; Rachel Marie Fischer, art education major; Chase Gamblin, clay major; and Derreld Hallenbeck, wood major.

“The Bacchanal — and the students and programs that the event serves — cannot begin to express the gratitude felt toward our dedicated donors and sponsors,” says Jane Dudney Roberts, Craft Center Promotions Manager and Bacchanal Coordinator.

Underwriters of this year’s event are Derek and Diana Baranowski, Drs. Laurie Malmstrom and Cameron Cole, Dr. Melvin Rapelyea and Swallows-Newman Insurance Agency — and a new ‘patron-level’ donor this year is Steeplechase Apartments.

2006 sponsors are Advanced Graphics, Baymont Inn and Suites, Budweiser of Cookeville, Chartwells, Clear Channel Communications, Cookeville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ted McWilliams, Horizon Distributors, Institutional Jobbers, Merchandise Express and Party Rentals, Performance Food Group, Poseidon Seafood, Spankies Restaurant and Spring Creek Pie Co.

For reservations to the 10th anniversary Bacchanal, call Shannon Terry at 3051 or e-mail her at sterry.