BELFAST – As the winds of summer blow south, the bears of the Belfast Bearfest start thinking of hibernation.

Before the 30 fiberglass bears decorated by local artists can do that, however, they first must take part in the annual Belfast Bearfest Charity Auction.

The auction is the finishing touch on the state’s famous annual outdoor arts project.

The auction will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Blue Goose Dance Hall in Northport. Proceeds from the auction will benefit local charities.

A preview will take place at 5 p.m. and the auction will begin at 6 p.m. Residents and visitors are invited to take part in the festivities and bid or cheer for their favorite bear as it goes on the block.

This was the fourth year the bears showed up in the streets, stores, parks and trees of Belfast. Children of all ages have spent the past few months patting their heads, climbing aboard their backs and posing for photographs.

Families from all over the country likely have photographic mementos of themselves standing in front of a colorful bear.

The bears were created by artists who let their whimsy grab hold and then decorated, re-configured, embellished, adorned and bejeweled.

Residents have been singing the praises of the Bearfest for the past four years, and organizers already are planning ahead for 2004.