Yellowknife (Nov 05/04) - Feel like taking in the Calgary Stampede? Cruising the town on a 2004 Ski Doo Legend? Having a private brunch with Fred Penner?

All this could be yours, and more, if the price is right.

These are just a few of the items up for bid at the 25th annual Celebrity Auction, which takes place Nov. 19. In addition to snowmobiles, airline tickets and big screen TVs, there's an ostrich egg from Africa, donated by DeBeers, and 29 pieces of art.

"If you're looking to decorate your home, this is the place to be," said Barb Kardash, co-ordinator for the event.

The total dollar value of the goods and services up for auction, as of Tuesday, stood at $50,000. But more donations will be accepted up until the start of the event. A full list of the current auction items is available on the council's Web site.

Lots of things have changed over the past 25 years, but Kardash said there are a few businesses that have been with the event year after year, such as PIDO Production LTD., which donates the use of sound equipment for the event, and Quality Furniture, which is nearly always the first business to donate items.

Planning for the next auction begins almost as soon as the hammer falls on the last item. Negotiations began last December to get children's entertainer Fred Penner to emcee this year's event.

Not only will Penner do so, he will perform at a concert on the Saturday and he will be up for bids himself. Families can bid on a Sunday brunch with Penner.

The auction is the council's major fundraiser. All of the money raised goes to the council's programs for children and adults with disabilities in the NWT.

These include an early intervention program, a summer camp program, a 1-800 information number for the NWT and Nunavut, and an employment program for adults.