Torrential rains and several coinciding events in town may have decreased this year's attendance, but they couldn't dampen the fun at the WHS Alumni Association's Annual Chicken Bake this Saturday at the Redmen Hall.

The event has become a tradition in the Wareham social calendar and is the main fundraising event for the Alumni Association's annual scholarships. The organization usually awards around ten scholarships - often matching funds up to $500 -  for between $500 and $1,000 dollars according to Alumni Association President Jim Giberti. Coinciding with election season, it has also become a campaign stop for many seeking political office.

The stories from the live, blind (you disguise the item with gift-wrapping) auction - which according to Giberti, has evolved from wrapping up whatever junk people didn't want in their basement to a minimum of a gift certificate to a local business in each bag - have also become legend.

Injured participants have had to repurchase stolen crutches. Caller and retired Captain from the Wareham Fire District Fire Department Howie Smith changed into Viking regalia during the bidding one year, and then found that somebody had stolen his pants which, you guessed it, ended up on the auction block for Smith to buy. And if your cell phone rings during the bidding, you automatically win the item - whether you have been bidding or not.

Plus there is the mascot of the event: A ceramic dog with a broken tail that has resurfaced at every event for the past twelve years.   Former School Superintent Dr. Wayne Lague researched the former recipients and added a plaque to the figurine three years ago to record who has had the honor of "winning" the item.

"It's hideous, and that's being kind," said Giberti.

This year Dolores A. Cleek, fiancee of Selectman-candidate Steve Holmes, was the lucky winner.