The big event this weekend in Lowell was the Denim and Diamonds Rotary Auction held last night at the Grand Volute Ballroom. An auction committee member told us organizers hoped to raise at least $65,000, and they are optimistic they hit that mark. It’ll take about a week before they have a final tally, and all proceeds go toward rebuilding the Lowell Showboat.

Here’s a look at how the night went down.

The Showboat was one of the stars of the night, and a miniature version — along with a tribute to its builder Ivan Blough — greeted the 300 attendees as they arrived.

At the start of the evening, people mingled and enjoyed some appetizers. Silent auction items lined the walls and back of the ballroom. There were also grab bags for purchase, 50/50 raffle tickets and a chance to win a $1,500 diamond necklace.

Then dinner was served before the live auction began.

Tony Gates of the WLAV Morning Show served as both the auctioneer and comedic relief for the night. Here, he is shown with Nicole from Ability Weavers and Master of Ceremonies Jim White. In one of the highlights of the evening, a bidding war ensued over Nicole’s handmade rug which eventually raised $2,100 to help rebuild the Showboat.

Also shown in this picture is a garden outhouse which appeared to be Gates favorite item of the evening. As he would say: “Only in Lowell.”